Support Page Content
Applying to Teaching Credentials
Apply to a Teaching Credential Program
In order to submit your application, you will need to have completed each of the documents listed in the Application Instructions below. Once you are in Cal State Apply, you will be directed as to how and where to upload your documents.
Applications will be available for viewing in Cal State Apply beginning August 1, 2026, and the application submission period will open on October 1, 2026.
Application is now closed.
- Multiple Subject Teaching Credential Application Instructions
- Single Subject Teaching Credential Application Instructions
- Education Specialist: Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) Credential (FULLY ONLINE)
- Education Specialist: Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Teaching Credential Application Instructions (FULLY ONLINE)
- Early Childhood Special Education - Added Authorization (ECSE-AA) Teaching Credentials Application Instructions (FULLY ONLINE)
- Education Specialist: Extensive Support Needs (ESN) Teaching Credential Application Instructions (FULLY ONLINE)
- Education Specialist: Mild to Moderate Support Needs (MMSN) Teaching Credential Application Instructions
- PK-3rd Early Childhood Education Instruction Specialist (PK3) Credential (Approved by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, January 29, 2026)
Contact Information for Application Support
For application support, contact coe-cred@csus.edu
Credential Program Information Sessions
General Education Information Session Slides
Special Education Information Session Slides
Virtual Information Session for Candidates interested in applying to our teacher credentialing programs for Fall 2027. (Information Session Flyer).
Dates will be posted soon.
Virtual Information Sessions for Bilingual Candidates (Hmong, Spanish) interested in applying to our teacher credentialing programs for Fall 2027.
October 15, 2026 12:00-1:30
November 12, 2026 12:00-1:30
December 10, 2026 12:00-1:30
Virtual Drop-ins for Assistance with our Application (Q&A)
January 7, 2027 12:00-1:30
January 14, 2027 12:00-1:30
January 21, 2027 12:00-1:30
January 28, 2027 12:00-1:30
Credential Program Fact Sheets
- Single Subject
- Multiple Subject
- Mild to Moderate Support Needs (MMSN)
- Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)
- Extensive Support Needs (ESN)
- Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH)
- PK-3rd Early Childhood Education (PK-3)
Sacramento State has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. We consider qualified applicants for our programs without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, or ability. Sacramento State is a Hispanic-serving Institution, an Asian American Pacific Islander-serving institution, thoroughly abides by Title IX, and is a caring campus where students of all identities and intersectionalities are welcomed.
The College of Education welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds and with diverse experiences. For more information, please read our non-discrimination policy
Pre-requisites for the Credential Programs
If you are interested in completing pre-requisite courses for the preliminary Multiple Subject, Single Subject, Early Childhood, Deaf and Hard of Hearing, PK3, Mild Moderate Support Needs or Extensive Support Needs Special Education Credential Programs, you may enroll without having been accepted to the university or to the credential program. You may take pre-requisite courses through Open University or complete the pre-requisites at another college or university. For more information, explore the links below or see “Who to Contact for Help” in the upper right on this page.
Intern Opportunities for Special Education Programs
When applying to one of our Education Specialist Credentials, there is an option to choose an internship pathway. Click below for more information on that process.
Options for Meeting Subject Matter Competency Requirements
Applicants to teaching credential programs must demonstrate subject matter competence. Please see link #1 below to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) Description of Subject Matter Competence for information about this requirement. Applicants completing their undergraduate majors at Sacramento State may seek guidance from a subject matter advisor (see links #2 and #3 below). All applicants may also submit a request to have their transcripts reviewed for subject matter competence aligned to the credential they seek. Applicants seeking a multiple subject, single subject, PK-3, or education specialist credentials should submit their request using link #4 below. Subject matter competence assessments will be completed within 30 days of receiving the request or within 60 days of admission to the program, whichever occurs sooner.
Related Forms and Resources
- Credential Program Information Session Powerpoints
- Cal State Apply Application Instructions
- Course Equivalency Request For Teacher Credential Pre-Requisite Courses
- Certificate of Clearance (COC) application instructions
- Applicants With Foreign Documents
- CPR Training Options
- Credential Information Session
Who to Contact for Help
- Ashley Ciraulo-Stuart, Student Success Coordinator
- Karina Figueroa-Ramirez, Educational Equity Coordinator
Please Note
Sacramento State is pleased to consider all eligible applicants for admission into an educator preparation program (e.g., general education teaching, special education teaching, school counseling, school psychology, and educational administration). Accepted applicants who complete all educator preparation program requirements can be recommended for state licensure (e.g., a teaching credential, a school counselor credential). If you are a DACA recipient in an educator preparation program or applying to an educator preparation program and have questions about your ability to obtain work authorization to seek employment as a credentialed educator with the State of California, please contact the Dreamer Resource Center (drc@csus.edu; 916-278-7241) to schedule a free consultation with an immigration attorney to discuss your individual case.
NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
We do not discriminate in in the admission process or activities on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, religion or religious creed, disability or handicap, sex or gender (including pregnancy, sexual harassment and other sexual misconduct including acts of sexual violence such as rape, sexual assault, sexual exploitation and coercion), gender identity and/or expression (including a transgender identity), sexual orientation, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law.