Q&A Regarding your Internship Credential and getting the Preliminary Credential
My Intern Credential is valid for two years, right?
Yes. However, the Intern Credential is only valid when you are enrolled at CSU, Chico. Once you finish the
credential program coursework the Intern Credential is no longer valid.
What are the steps to get my Preliminary Credential?
1. Review your To Do List for the pending documents. All documents MUST be submitted at one time to
Credential Services in Tehama 209 or mailed to CSU, Chico, Credential Services, Chico, CA 95929. If you are
required to pass RICA (Multiple Subjects and Ed Specialist only) then wait for these results before submitting
all the other documentation, i.e. Request for Recommendation form and CPR.
2. After a final review, including grades, the University’s Credential Analyst will determine if you have met all
requirements for the Preliminary Credential.
3. Your recommendation for the Preliminary Credential will be electronically submitted by the Credential Analyst
to Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
Spring finishers will be recommended by June 30
th
with an issue date on the Preliminary credential of
May 31
st
.
Fall finishers will be recommend by January 31
st
with an issue date on the Preliminary credential of
December 31
st
.
4. You may visit the CTC website at ctc.ca.gov to verify if you have been recommended.
www.ctc.ca.gov > Credentialing Information > Complete Your Program’s Recommendation > click on the video.
5. The credential will be approved and granted by the CTC. It is VERY important that your information is correct
on the Preliminary credential because it is a legal document; call Credential Services (530) 898-6455 if you
have questions. The electronic Preliminary Credential is the only credential or notification you will receive and
it can be printed or emailed to you for your records.
What happens when you don’t recommend me until (fall finishers: mid-January; spring finishers: mid-June) and I’m
still working with my Intern Credential?
If you have all the documents, coursework including PACT and RICA (for Multiple Subject and Education Specialist),
turned in by (for spring finishers: May 31; fall finishers: December 31), then you will be fine. You will receive an
issuance date on your credential of (spring finishers: May 31; fall finishers: December 31).
What if I have to resubmit PACT and it is after (for spring finishers: May 31; fall finishers: December 31), but I have
all my other documentation turned in?
You will NOT be recommended. You will need to contact your program coordinator ASAP and keep Credential
Services informed on your deadlines for re-submission. If Credential Services does not hear from you then your
Intern Credential will be withdrawn from the Commission on Teacher Credentialing. The end date would be the
last day you worked as an intern. You and your employer will be notified of the withdrawn Intern Credential via
email.
What happens if I pass PACT/RICA after May 31/December 31?
If you pass PACT /RICA on or before July 15/February 15, then we would use this date for an issuance date on your
Preliminary Credential. This issuance date is important if you are currently teaching because you must have a valid
credential while you are in the classroom.
What happens if my Intern Credential is withdrawn and I’m still employed?
You will need to work this out with your employer.