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Certificate of Clearance

Online Application for Certificate of Clearance (Fingerprint Clearance)

Required for Multiple Subject & Single Subject Credential Applicants

Certificates of Clearance are issued by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) to credential program candidates. Title 5 regulations require that an application for Certificate of Clearance be filed to determine whether or not a candidate meets the state standards for character and fitness to teach in California’s public schools. To apply for a Certificate of Clearance Online, follow Steps 1 through 3 below. If you have any questions regarding these instructions, contact the Education Department at (805) 565-6165, or email Heather Bergthold.

Step 1

• Go to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing website at www.ctc.ca.gov

• Download the Live Scan Form (41-LS.pdf) from “Quick Hits” at the bottom of the page. Print 3 copies

• Take the Live Scan Forms to an agency providing fingerprinting services. For all California locations, including the CSULB campus police department, go to http://caag.state.ca.us/fingerprints/publications/contact.htm. The California Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) will review the fingerprints and forward clearance to the Commission.

• You must complete the Live Scan process before continuing to Step 2.

Step 2

• Return to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing website at www.ctc.ca.gov

• Click on “Look Up a Credential”

• Click on “Direct Application (Non-recommendation only)”, and enter your personal information accurately (Do not use aol or earthlink email accounts, as their firewalls reject CTC emails.) Complete the Character and Identification form. If you answer ‘yes’ to any of the fitness questions, an explanation must be filled in. Submit online. If you completed both Step 1 and Step 2 you have successfully filed for a Certificate of Clearance application.

• Using a VISA or MasterCard debit or credit card, complete the authorized transaction fee of $29.50.

Step 3

• Approximately a week after filing your Certificate of Clearance application, you can monitor your status online. To monitor your application online, go to www.ctc.ca.gov. Click on “Look Up a Credential.” Then click on “Search for a Teacher’s Application Status and Credentials Held.” You will be asked to enter your SSN and birthdate.

• When the Certificate of Clearance is granted, print and submit a copy of the CTC printout or forward the CTC confirmation email to Heather Bergthold in the education department. The Certificate of Clearance is valid for five years.