What is a credential program?

A credential program is a program that a prospective teacher must complete before being authorized to teach at a certain level. Credential programs must also be completed if a prospective teacher wants to teach a specific subject.

Each state has specific requirements regarding what credential program a teacher must complete. For example, in California an individual who wants to teach either high school or middle school would complete the secondary education credential program. Within this credential program are separate areas for single subjects. There are also separate credential programs for special education, elementary school, bilingual education and reading education specialists.