Transferring your teaching license from Washington to California
California evaluates out-of-state teaching credentials on a case-by-case basis. Expect a credential review by California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) and additional California-specific exam or coursework requirements before a full license is issued.
See 39,870 open teaching jobs in California →Your current credential (Washington)
- Issuing authority
- Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)
- License type
- Initial Certificate (3 years)
- Reciprocity policy
- Washington participates in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement. Teachers with valid out-of-state certificates and 2+ years of experience may receive a Washington certificate; West-E subject tests typically still required.
California certification
- Issuing authority
- California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC)
- License you'll earn
- Preliminary Credential (5 years (non-renewable))
- Typical timeline
- 2 years for a full credential program; 1 year if subject matter competency is already completed
- California reciprocity policy
- California evaluates out-of-state credentials individually; no blanket reciprocity. California-specific exams are typically required.
Exams typically required in California
Out-of-state applicants are usually asked to demonstrate content-area knowledge on California's preferred exams, even when basic-skills testing is waived through reciprocity. Plan for one or more of the following:
- CBEST (California Basic Educational Skills Test)Basic reading, writing, and mathematics skills
- CSET (California Subject Examinations for Teachers)Subject matter competency for your credential area
- CalTPA or edTPATeaching performance assessment required for Clear Credential
- RICA (Reading Instruction Competence Assessment)Required for Multiple Subject (elementary) credentials
Steps to transfer your license
- Verify your Washington credential is current. California will request a verification of your active Initial Certificate from Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).
- Apply through California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). The application packet typically includes official transcripts, prior teaching service verification, and a fingerprint-based background check.
- Sit for any California-specific exams. Most states honor out-of-state content-area exams when scores meet their cutoff, but California may require an additional jurisprudence or state-specific assessment.
- Apply to California districts that match your endorsement. We're currently tracking 39,870 active openings — browse California teaching jobs to start identifying districts.