Renewal and Reissuance of Credentials (CL-494) (2024)

There are two ways to submit your application for renewal:

1. Renew Your Credential Online: Qualifying credentials may be renewed online using the EducatorLogin button on the Commission’s website. Credentials renewed online are generally processed within10 working days. All clear credentials and Emergency 30-Day Substitute Permits must be renewedonline.
2. Submit Your Application by Mail: Credentials that do not meet online renewal criteria must beapplied for via postal mail. Application forms are available for download on the Commission’s website.Some credentials and permits may require you to file your renewal application through your employingagency or institution of higher education.

The requirements for the renewal and reissuance of various credential types are explained below:

• CLEAR teaching or services credentials may be renewed without the completion of additional course workor service requirements. See Coded Correspondence 06-0017.

  All clear teaching and services credentials must be renewed online. See Coded Correspondence 06-0011.

  Regulations require that the issuance date of the clear credential be the same as the expiration date of yourcurrent credential, provided that the renewal application is filed within one year prior to the expiration dateof the credential.Lapsed clear Ryan or Pre-Ryan credentials may be reissued effective the date an application is filed. NoCalifornia public school service is authorized between the date the credential expired and the date thereissued credential becomes effective unless a “Request for Validation of Service Without a Credential” isfiled by the employer. Reissued general credentials, standard credentials, and Ryan credentials expire fivecalendar years following the issuance date.

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• Dependent clear credentials are normally issued for five years but by statute cannot have an expirationdate that exceeds the expiration date of the prerequisite credential. If the prerequisite credential is not validfor a full five years at the time an individual applies for the dependent credential, the dependent credentialwill be issued with the same expiration date as the current prerequisite credential.
• Five-Year Preliminary or Level I teaching credentials cannot be renewed. To continue toteach in the public schools of California, you must complete all of the requirements for either the clear orLevel II credential before the expiration date of your preliminary or Level I credential. If you are teachingwhen the credential expires, contact your employer about the possibility of acquiring an extension by appealto cover your service until you can complete the requirements (See The Appeal Process).
• Partial or Postponed Pre-Ryan credentials are not renewable. If your credential has expired,or you qualified for a pre-Ryan credential but never applied, you must obtain a credential under currentstatutes in order to serve in the California public schools. Contact a college or university or other agencywith a Commission-approved Professional Preparation Program for more information.
• Life credentials are valid for the life of the holder and do not require renewal. Life credentials are nolonger initially issued.
• Emergency Permits: Emergency 30-Day Substitute Permits must be renewed online. See Coded Correspondence 09-12.Emergency 30-Day Substitute Permits are the only emergency permits that are renewable online. All othersmust be submitted manually, using application Form 41-4 accompanied by current processing fees. Long term emergency permits must be filed through the employing agency and may only be reissued uponcompletion of the renewal requirements listed on the permit.
• Child Development Permits: Child Development Permits are issued for five years. Permits can be renewed by verifying completion of105 clock-hours of professional growth activities for all permit levels except the Associate Teacher Permit,which requires the completion of 15 semester units of course work toward the Child Development TeacherPermit. Child Development Permits of Teacher level or higher can be renewed either by applying online orsubmitting an application (form 41-4) and fee to the Commission office prior to the expiration date of thepermit.

  Permit holders who complete the requirements for a higher level permit within three years of the date ofinitial issuance may upgrade to a higher level permit by submitting verification of completion ofrequirements, an application (form 41-4), and half the current application fee.

The Appeal Process

If you are unable to complete your renewal requirements for good cause, you may submit an applicationrequesting an extension of time on an appeal basis directly to the Commission office. This process isexplained in credential information leaflet AL-3, found on the Commission’s website.

Note: The Commission is continually reviewing existing statutes and regulations for credentials andpermits. If you are considering allowing your credential or permit to lapse because you do not plan to useit in the near future, you may have to qualify under the new requirements when you decide to reinstate it.

Fingerprint information will be invalidated for individuals whose teaching or services credentials have beenexpired for eighteen (18) months or longer. The fingerprint process must be repeated when individualswhose fingerprints have been invalidated subsequently apply for certification. See Coded Correspondence 12-10 for additional information.