Candidates Currently Residing Outside of California: Obtaining Official Classroom Certificate of Clearance

All students in a teaching credential program in California are required to demonstrate successful character and identification clearance before they begin student teaching.

First, download, read and sign the Affidavit Form that is applicable to your program: Secondary or Elementary. Submit the affidavit by May 31st via the Canvas page Credentials Class of 2025. This Canvas page will be published soon. Please make sure to cover your Social Security Number when submitting these forms via email.

Second, you must apply for the Certificate of Clearance before you start your school placement.

STEP will communicate with incoming students living out of state or internally prior to the start of the program. We will walk you through the process to get the Certificate of Clearance and figure out a timeline that works for you depending on your plans before starting the program.

Please contact Michaela Ruiz at maruiz@stanford.edu with any questions or concerns about this.