Certificate of Clearance

A Certificate of Clearance is 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. A Certificate of Clearance is valid for five years.

To apply for a Certificate of Clearance, please follow these three steps:

Please note; this is a brief guide, for a complete step-by-step guide, please refer to the “How to Submit your Online Application” video and downloadable pdf on the CTC website.

Step 1 - Complete the fingerprinting process

1. Go to the CTC Fingerprint Information page.
2. Download the 41-LS form from the table
   1. Complete sections 3 and 4 (sections 1 and 2 should automatically populate)
   2. Print 3 copies
3. Take the 41-LS forms to an agency providing fingerprinting services.
   1. For all California locations, including the CSULB University Police Department, go to the DOJ Live Scan Locations page.
   2. Your fingerprints will be transmitted electronically to the Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).

Step 2 - Apply for a Certificate of Clearance

1. Go to the CTC Online Application Information page.
2. Click on Submit Your Application Online
3. Create/login to your profile on the secure Educator Page by entering your Social Security Number (SSN) and Date of Birth (DOB).
   1. If this is your first time logging in to the CTC website, you will need to enter your SSN and DOB again
      1. Click Create Person and enter your information
      2. Click Save
      3. Click Next
   2. If you have already created a profile, verify that your information is correct. Click on the Edit button if you need to make any changes to your profile. Make sure to click Save, if changes are made.
      1. Click Next
4. Under Web Applications click Create New
5. Using the drop-down arrow under General Application Category select Certificate of Clearance/Activity Supervisor
6. Using the drop-down arrow under Document/Authorization Title select Certificate of Clearance
7. Scroll down and click Next
8. Continue to follow the instructions, answering all Professional Fitness Questions
9. Complete the Oath and Affidavit section
10. Click Submit Payment
11. Continue to follow the instructions to pay for your certificate

Step 3 - Viewing your Certificate of Clearance

Approximately two to four weeks after filing your Certificate of Clearance application, you can monitor your status online.

1. Go to the CTC website.
2. Click on Credentialing Information
3. Click on Educator Login, enter your SSN and DOB
4. Click OK and your personal information should appear
5. Click Next
6. Under the Document section, you should see your Certificate of Clearance document
7. Click on the document number to view/print your Certificate of Clearance