Computer Science
Credential Information

California Teaching Credentials for CS

While there is no single-subject credential for CS in CA, teachers with the following credentials are authorized to instruct CS:

• • Single-subject Math

  • Single-subject Business 

    • CSET/Information Technology, Business Environment and Communication, Subtest 177

  • Single-subject Industrial & Technology Education/Arts 

    • CSET/Power and Energy; Information and Communication; Project and Product Development, Subtest 185

  • Designated Subject CTE/Information & Communication Technology OR Arts, Media and Entertainment

Also, teachers with any single-subject or multiple-subjects credential may earn an Introductory or Specific Supplementary Authorization in CS by:

• • Completing a college major in CS

  • 20 semester units in CS

  • 10 upper-division semester units in CS or graduate-level coursework

The Introductory Supplementary Authorization authorizes the holder to teach CS content in grade 9 and below. Specific Supplementary Authorizations authorize the holder to teach core academic CS courses for all grades.

No additional credential or authorization is required for a teacher to integrate computational thinking and/or CS content into a non-CS course. However, schools and teachers should participate in professional learning activities to better understand CS content and pedagogy, as well as how to effectively integrate CS into existing courses.

For more information:

California Commission on Teacher Credentialing leaflets pertaining to CS-related credentials

• Application for Credential Authorizing Public School Service (CTE Designated Subject)

• Application for Credential Authorizing Public School Service (Supplementary Authorizations)

  • UC Irvine, UC Riverside, UC San Diego, CSU Sacramento and CSU San Francisco offer CS coursework for in-service teachers

• Application for Credential Authorizing Public School Service (CSET -- CA Subject Examinations for Teachers)

  • To add authorization in Business or Industrial & Technology Education/Arts to an existing single or multiple subjects credential

References for credential guidance

• California Commission on Teacher Credentials, path to:

  • Home/Employers/Assignment Resources/Single Subject Areas and

  • Home/Employers/Assignment Resources/Career Technical Education

• CS Equity Guide v. 2.0, p. 29-30

• CA Computer Science Implementation Plan, p. 22-25