Wondering how to become an elementary education teacher in California? To launch your teaching career in California, you need to determine if elementary education is the right fit, complete a state-accredited teaching program, gain classroom experience, and satisfy the state’s testing requirements.
Is Elementary Education Right for You?
Education is a diverse field that offers many career paths for teachers. If you are interested in teaching in California, Lynne Anderson, a professor of teacher education at National University, says that one of your first decisions is whether to pursue credentialing for elementary or secondary education.
As a kindergarten and elementary school teacher, you would be responsible for helping your students develop the foundational knowledge that they will use to pursue a lifetime of learning. This usually involves teaching every subject to a single class, as opposed to specializing in just one area.
With students who usually range from about 5 years old to their early teens, elementary education can vary significantly from classroom to classroom. While you do not need to have a specific grade in mind to pursue a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential — the California teaching certification needed to teach in the elementary setting — you may want to start giving some thought to where your interests and talents are best suited.
“If you don’t like tying shoes, you obviously shouldn’t be teaching kindergarten,” Anderson says. “But if you love the little smiles and the hand holding, those sweet moments, you might fit well with young children.”
Fulfill the State’s Education Requirements
When looking at how to become an elementary school teacher in California, satisfying the Multiple Subject Teaching Credential requirements is your primary objective. To qualify, you will need to meet the state’s educational requirements by completing a teaching program approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
In California, many aspiring teachers earn a bachelor’s degree and then complete a postgraduate teacher preparation program, typically lasting one to two years. Alternatively, an integrated program lets you earn your bachelor’s degree and teaching credential at the same time, typically within four to five years. Effective September 27, 2026, teaching candidates must hold a valid permit or credential, or have applied for a Certificate of Clearance, before admission to a Commission-approved preparation program.
Depending on your professional and personal commitments, you may want to consider an online teaching credential program. By enrolling in a remote learning option, such as those offered through National University, you can complete the educational requirements of California teaching certification at the time and place of your choosing.
Gain Classroom Teaching Experience
To prepare for the classroom, you will need to complete student teaching at a school of your choice alongside a seasoned educator. This is typically done in conjunction with your teaching program.
“At National University, we provide support throughout the student teaching process, encouraging students to develop a relationship with a school in their community right away,” Anderson says. “If the first one they try isn’t a good fit, there’s likely another school not too far down the road. So we encourage them to continue until they find the right fit.”
In addition to providing a hands-on learning experience, student teaching is a great opportunity to begin building relationships with administrators who may be willing to hire you upon completion of your program.
Complete the Credential Assessment Requirements
Finally, to earn your California teaching credential, you must meet the state’s assessment requirements. For a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, these cover basic skills, subject matter competence, and teaching performance.
Since 2024, a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution satisfies California’s basic skills requirement, so most candidates no longer need to take a separate exam such as the CBEST.
To verify subject matter competence, you can pass all three subtests of the CSET: Multiple Subjects exam, complete a Commission-approved elementary subject matter program, earn a degree in liberal studies or a qualifying interdisciplinary major, or complete qualifying coursework verified by your teacher preparation program. Candidates enrolled in an approved program can also combine coursework and exams.
You will also need to pass a Commission-approved teaching performance assessment, such as the CalTPA, before you are recommended for your credential. Since July 2025, elementary candidates’ performance assessment includes a literacy component that replaced the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA).
“We are entrusted with people’s children; that’s the greatest responsibility any job could hold,” Anderson says. “It makes sense that they’re really going to check you out to see if you’re fit and can live up to that trust.”
Advance Your Elementary Teaching Career with National University
Looking at online credential programs in California? Consider National University. The Sanford College of Education offers on campus, online, and hybrid program options like the Inspired Teaching and Learning with a Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and Internship Option (California) that empower you to complete your education in the method most conducive to your success while providing the support you need to navigate the credentialing process.
If learning how to become an elementary school teacher in California has only increased your interest in the profession, consider contacting our admissions department today to learn more about how National University can help you launch your career in education.
“When you look at the educators who give their time and talent to children, you’re looking at one of the finest group of people,” Anderson says. “That’s a calling. I am continually amazed by how teachers serve children.”
Additional Sources
- Preliminary Multiple Subject and Single Subject Credential Program Standards and Teaching Performance Expectations, California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, updated July 2024 (accessed October 28, 2026).
- Multiple Subject Teaching Credential (CL-561C), California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (accessed October 28, 2026).
- Integrated Undergraduate Teacher Credentialing Program, California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (accessed October 28, 2026).
