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Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Licensing in California

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school in California, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in California

Estimated timeline: 5 years

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

  2. 2

    Designated Subjects in Career Technical Education or Adult Education

    • Multiple Subject Teacher (elementary/self-contained classroom)
    • Single Subject Teacher (secondary/departmentalized classroom)
    • Specialist (early childhood, reading, bilingual/cross-cultural) requires basic Teaching Credential
    • Education Specialist (including teaching persons with mild/moderate and moderate/severe disabilities, deaf and hard of hearing, visual impairments, physical and health impairment and early childhood special education).
  3. 3

    Fees: Credential Fee: $100.

  4. 4

    Experience Requirement: N/A.

  5. 5

    Average Time to Process Application: First time application takes 50 business days

    • renewal application takes 8 to 14 days, depending on seasonal backlog.
  6. 6

    Renewal Period: 5 years.

  7. 7

    Special License Requirements: Contact Commission for details.

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    California Commission on Teacher Credentialing • Certification Assignment and Waivers

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $90,530 median (44% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #1 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (6)

  1. 1. Meet California eligibility requirements for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training (Designated Subjects in Career Technical Education or Adult Education; Multiple Subject Teacher (elementary/self-contained classroom); Sin...).
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience (Experience Requirement: N/A.).
  4. 4. Pass required state examinations.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (Average Time to Process Application: First time application takes 50 business days; renewal application takes 8 to 14 days, depending on...).
  6. 6. Submit the application to California Commission on Teacher Credentialing~Certification Assignment and Waivers and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in California

With a median salary of $90,530, Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in California earn 44% above the national median of $63,000. California ranks #1 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 5 years.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,758

Median annual salary

$90,530

Hourly estimate

$43.52
44% above national median

Difference: +$27,530

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$57,780
  • P2525th percentile$72,870
  • P50Median$90,530
  • P7575th percentile$104,860
  • P9090th percentile$123,900

State vs National Median

State: $90,530
National: $63,000

Total employment: 17,920 | Annual openings: N/A

Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Salary Ranking

#1 of 50 statesfor Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$90,530
#2Washington$85,340
#3Connecticut$81,220
#4New York$80,750
#5Massachusetts$78,820

Nearby States Comparison

Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
California$90,530Varies by state boardState-approved exam5 years
Oregon$78,320Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Nevada$63,340Degree requiredState-approved examVaries by board
Arizona$49,760Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
California78HighBoard-specific review required.
Oregon78HighBoard-specific review required.
Nevada64MediumDocumented experience may be required. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
Arizona78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

California Commission on Teacher Credentialing • Certification Assignment and Waivers

1900 Capitol Ave, Sacramento, CA, 95811

Phone: 8889212682

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in California

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary$105,980Varies by state board2 years
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary$125,670Varies by state board2 years
Business Teachers, Postsecondary$125,310Varies by state board2 years
Education Teachers, Postsecondary$85,560Varies by state board2 years

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in California?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 5 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What is the typical Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in California?

The median annual salary for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in California is $90,530. Salaries range from $57,780 (10th percentile) to $123,900 (90th percentile).

How does the Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in California compare to the national average?

Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in California earn 44% above the national median of $63,000, with a state median of $90,530.

How many Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools work in California?

California employs approximately 17,920 Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School license to California from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in California?

The licensing agency is California Commission on Teacher Credentialing / Certification Assignment and Waivers. Review agency details at https://www.ctc.ca.gov/.

How often do you renew a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School license in California?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.