Credential Office Information
Welcome to the University of San Francisco School of Education Credential Office!
Office hours appointments are available by request. Please contact the Credential Program Manager, Kate Carlin krcarlin2@usfca.edu, to schedule an appointment.
Credential Recommendation Policy and Process
To receive a California credential or added authorization, University of San Francisco School of Education credential candidates must obtain a formal recommendation for the credential by the program sponsor, University of San Francisco.
Credential candidates are eligible for recommendation following successful completion of all credential requirements as outlined in the candidate’s Student Hub Credential Checklist.
Once all credential requirements are complete and uploaded to the Student Hub, candidates are responsible for applying for the recommendation by submitting a Formal Request for Credential Recommendation to the University of San Francisco Credential Program Manager. Credential candidates will receive a credential recommendation following submission of a Formal Request for Credential Recommendation and a positive determination by the Credential Program Manager that the credential requirements have been met. The candidate must then complete all the steps outlined below.
It is the candidate’s responsibility to submit a Formal Request for Credential Recommendation and complete the Commission on Teacher Credentialing’s recommendation completion process as outlined here.
Candidates should direct any questions regarding the requirements and process to Kate Carlin, Credential Program Manager, at krcarlin2@usfca.edu.
Time-Sensitive Credential Recommendations
If you have a job offer in which your employer requires your credential within a specific time frame, a signed verification in writing that includes the date by which a credential must be in place, from the district and on school letterhead will be required for an expedited evaluation. Priority is based on the start date of the position. Acceptable documentation can be emailed to krcarlin2@usfca.edu. Processing may take up to 15 business days, as long as all requirements have been met.
Notifications to the candidate following the credential recommendation:
- Email confirmation from the Credential Program Manager
The candidate receives an email from the University of San Francisco Credential Program Manager confirming that the credential recommendation has been submitted and instructing how to confirm the recommendation. This information is sent to the email address associated with the candidate’s CTC Educator Account and the candidate’s University of San Francisco email address.
- Email confirmation from the CTC - “CTC Notice - Recommendation for New Document”
The candidate receives an email from the CTC titled “CTC Notice - Recommendation for New Document” stating that the recommendation has been submitted. This email is sent to the email address associated with the candidate’s CTC Educator Account. Retain a copy of this email for yourself and your employer as applicable. In order to receive a credential the candidate must follow the directions in this email and complete the recommendation on the Commission’s website within 90 days or the application will be purged and the candidate will need to resubmit the Formal Request for Credential Recommendation in order for new recommendation to be submitted.
- Email confirmation from the CTC - “CTC Application Received”
The candidate receives an email from the CTC titled “CTC Application Received” stating that the recommendation has been submitted. This email is sent to the email address associated with the candidate’s CTC Educator Account immediately following completion of the recommendation and payment of the CTC’s application processing fee. Retain a copy of this email for yourself and your employer as applicable.
- Email confirmation from the CTC - “Notification of Credential Issuance”
The candidate receives an email from the CTC titled “Notification of Credential Issuance” stating that the credential has been granted. This email is sent to the email address associated with the candidate’s CTC Educator Account. Retain a copy of this email for yourself and your employer as applicable.
The CTC’s standard processing timeline is 10 business days when no additional review based on background or professional fitness review is required. In instances where a paper application is required, The CTC’s standard processing timeline is 50 business days when no additional review based on background or professional fitness review is required.
The CTC notes that “processing times do fluctuate throughout the year and are highest during the summer months. Applicants who need to have their application processed for employment purposes should submit their application no less than three months prior to applying for or beginning a position.”
Credential Past Program Enrollment Policy
Credential candidates must always meet the Commission on Teacher Credentialing’s requirements for the credential that are in place at the time of the credential recommendation. Credential candidates who do not apply for the credential within one semester of the published credential program length will follow the Credential Past Program Enrollment Equivalency Policy. Please contact the Credential Program Manager, Kate Carlin krcarlin2@usfca.edu, for the copy of the policy.