To participate in the FCSS Teachers College Internship Program, eligible intern teachers must fulfill specific criteria established by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). These requirements ensure that candidates meet the necessary qualifications and standards for teaching in California.

1. Attend an FCSS Teachers College Internship Information Session: All Candidates must attend a information session to learn about the program, verify eligibility, and develop a personalized action plan
2. Educational Requirement: All Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution (official transcripts required).
3. Basic Skills Requirement: As of July 1, 2024, new provisions in California state law allow for the candidate’s bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution of higher education to serve as demonstration of basic skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. Basic Skills requirement can also be met by passing the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST).
4. Pre-service Completion: All Candidates must successfully complete the FCSS Teacher’s College Pre-service program, consisting of at least 120 hours of coursework, to be eligible for a District Intern Credential.
5. Subject Matter Competency: All Candidates must demonstrate subject matter competency as a condition of program eligibility. Candidates pursuing the Multiple Subject or Education Specialist credentials typically meet this requirement by passing the California Subject Matter Examination for Teachers (CSET) or through other Commission-approved options. Candidates interested in the PK-3 Early Childhood Education (ECE) Credential may meet subject matter competency by either holding a baccalaureate degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution with a major in an approved field (e.g., Child Development, Early Childhood Education, Human Development), or by completing 24 semester units of non-remedial, degree-applicable coursework in early childhood education and/or child development.
6. U.S. Constitution Requirement: All Candidates must complete a course or pass an exam covering the U.S. Constitution. Click here to determine how to meet this requirement. 
7. Certificate of Clearance: All Candidates must obtain a valid Certificate of Clearance from the CTC, including fingerprinting and professional   fitness evaluation.
8. Employment Verification: All Candidates must provide proof of an offer of employment as a "Teacher of Record" from a participating district, with a minimum of 0.5 FTE (full time equivalent) in the specified credential area.