Guidance on Becoming a Credentialed Homeschool Teacher in California

Have you ever wondered what exactly is required to homeschool your child in California using your teaching credential?

A recent report found that about 5.2% of K–12 students in the U.S. received instruction at home in 2022–23, up from 3.7% before the pandemic. Many credential-holding educators in California see a path forward through the state’s credentialed tutor rule, yet the legal steps and documentation needed remain unclear.

This leaves credentialed teachers anxious about whether their credentials qualify, uncertain about testing requirements, and unsure how to meet California’s instructional hours and record-keeping mandates, all while avoiding the paperwork of a private school affidavit.

TL;DR

• Legal Homeschooling Options: California offers three ways to homeschool: home-based private school, satellite programs, and as a credentialed tutor, each with distinct requirements.

• Credential Requirements: To homeschool as a credentialed tutor, you must hold a valid California teaching credential and meet daily instructional hours (3 hours/day, 175 days/year) in core subjects.

• Costs and Credentials: Obtaining and maintaining a California teaching credential involves tuition, exam fees, background checks, and ongoing professional development, with renewal every five years.

• Record-Keeping & Compliance: While not required, tutors are encouraged to keep detailed records of teaching hours, subjects, and student progress for compliance and a smooth homeschooling experience.

  
  

Understanding Your Legal Options to Homeschool in CA

California law provides three legal methods for homeschooling: home-based private school, satellite programs, and using a credentialed tutor. Each option has distinct requirements and obligations you need to know.

Here are the choices available:

• Home‑based private school (PSA)

For educators who prefer full control, establishing a home-based private school is a legally recognized option. Filing a Private School Affidavit (PSA) with the California Department of Education makes this official. Recordkeeping becomes your direct responsibility, including attendance logs, immunization records, and a structured course of study. This path suits those prepared to handle both instructional and administrative tasks without outside oversight.

• Private School Satellite Program (PSP) 

Joining a PSP may be ideal when administrative support is needed alongside instructional freedom. These programs operate under an umbrella private school that files the necessary affidavit on your behalf. Most PSPs provide help with recordkeeping, curriculum planning, and compliance requirements, freeing your time for direct instruction. This structure can balance flexibility with accountability, especially if you're new to home education requirements

• Credentialed tutor route

If you hold a valid California teaching credential, you may teach students legally without enrolling in a private school structure. Instruction must occur for three hours a day, 175 days per year, in the core academic subjects appropriate to the student’s grade. This option allows credentialed teachers to homeschool with legal recognition, provided all time and subject requirements are met.

Next, we’ll look into the specific requirements for credentialed homeschool teachers and explore which educators can take advantage of this option.

Eligibility Criteria for Becoming a Credentialed Homeschool Teacher in California

Some parents and tutors prefer a route that provides formal recognition and legal protection under the state’s education code. Becoming a credentialed homeschool teacher gives you the authority to teach independently without needing a private school structure.

Here’s what the credentialing path looks like, including who qualifies and the steps you’ll need to complete:

Who Qualifies?

A valid California teaching credential is required for the subjects and grade levels being taught in the homeschool setting. The state accepts Multiple Subject, Single Subject, or Early Childhood Specialist Instruction credentials, depending on your teaching scope.

Under California Education Code 48222, teachers using this route must be “capable of teaching,” which means demonstrating appropriate qualifications and subject matter expertise. If you already work in education or hold a teaching license from another state, this may align well with your background.

Those who follow this route are exempt from registering as a private school and can begin homeschooling under their name with legal recognition. However, this option works best if you're confident in managing schedules, instruction plans, and compliance requirements independently.

Credentials Pathway Overview

Earning a California teaching credential requires structured academic preparation, exams, and practical training. This path aligns with the requirements to become a homeschool teacher in the state and provides legitimacy and flexibility if you're planning to homeschool with full recognition under state education laws.

1. Academic Requirements

Begin by earning a bachelor’s degree in any subject from a regionally accredited college or university. After graduation, you must enroll in a Commission-approved teacher preparation program.

This preparation can take place through a traditional university track or an alternative certification path, such as an intern program or Teach for America placement.

2. Required Examinations

To move forward in the credentialing process, pass the CBEST and CSET exams. These tests confirm your basic skills and subject-matter knowledge.

If you're seeking a Multiple Subject Credential, the RICA exam is also required. California also enforces a U.S. Constitution requirement, which you can meet by completing an approved college course or passing an equivalency exam.

3. Student Teaching Experience

Credential programs include a student teaching component with at least 600 hours of supervised instruction. These hours are completed in K–12 classrooms to build real teaching experience.

This practicum helps you apply theory to practice and ensures you're equipped to lead instruction independently in a homeschool setting.

4. Earning and Clearing the Credential

Once program requirements are complete, the state grants a Preliminary teaching credential. This credential is valid for five years.

To earn a Clear Credential, you’ll need to complete an approved two-year teacher induction program. This ensures you're supported as you develop your teaching career and remain in compliance with California requirements for long-term instruction.

If you’re credentialed but unsure how to manage curriculum, records, or state expectations, The School House Anywhere (TSHA) offers tools built for California tutors. From course planning to documentation, TSHA bridges the gap between credential compliance and daily teaching needs.

Also Read: Steps to Become a Preschool Teacher: Understanding Requirements in California

Below is a summary of the essential documents you’ll need throughout the process:

Document	Purpose	When Needed
Official Bachelor's Degree Transcript	Proof of undergraduate education from a regionally accredited institution	At program admission and credential application
Certificate of Completion from Teacher Prep Program	Verifies completion of a Commission-approved teacher preparation program	Before applying for the Preliminary Credential
CBEST Score Report	Demonstrates basic proficiency in reading, writing, and math	During credential application
CSET Score Report (if required)	Confirms subject-matter competency	Before student teaching/credentialing
RICA Score Report (for Multiple Subject Credential)	Verifies reading instruction competency	Prior to credential recommendation
U.S. Constitution Requirement Documentation	Fulfillment of the state’s constitutional knowledge requirement (course or exam)	During credential evaluation
Certificate of Clearance (Live Scan + Background Check)	Confirms fingerprint clearance and legal background status	Before student teaching
Student Teaching Evaluation Records	Proof of completed supervised fieldwork (min. 600 hours)	For credential recommendation
Preliminary Teaching Credential (if earned)	First-level credential issued by CTC	Used during the Clear Credential process
Induction Program Completion Certificate	Verifies two-year induction program completion for Clear Credential	For the Clear Credential upgrade
Valid California Teaching Credential	Final required document showing you're authorized to instruct independently	Required for homeschooling under Ed Code §48222

In the following section, we'll take a closer look at the costs associated with earning your credential and maintaining it long-term.

Costs Associated with Credentialing

Credentialing as a tutor in California requires more than just time and coursework; it also comes with a financial commitment. The table below outlines typical costs involved at each stage so you can plan accordingly and avoid last-minute surprises, and better understand the requirements to become a homeschool teacher under California law.

Expense Category	Cost Range	Details
Credential Program Tuition	$10,000 – $20,000	Varies based on institution type (public vs. private). CSU programs tend to be lower-cost.
CBEST Exam	$30 per subtest	Required for basic skills assessment. Usually includes Reading, Math, and Writing.
CSET Exams	$99 – $297 per test	Subject-specific tests required for your credential area.
RICA Exam	$57 – $171	Required for Multiple Subject Credential; written or video format available.
Fingerprinting & Live Scan	$50 – $75	Mandatory state and federal background checks via Live Scan.
Credential Application Fee	$100 + $2.50 service fee	Paid to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).
Induction Program	$1,000 – $3,000/year	Required to move from Preliminary to Clear Credential; typically a two-year program.
Credential Renewal	$100 every 5 years	Applies once you've obtained a Clear Credential; additional training may be required.

Looking to match your credentialed teaching with a ready-to-go homeschool curriculum? Explore TSHA’s curriculum options designed to align with California’s subject requirements, so you can focus on teaching, not scrambling for materials.

Once you’re aware of the financial side, it’s equally important to consider how you will manage your credentials long-term. Let’s discuss the ongoing requirements for keeping your credential valid.

Maintaining Your Credential: Renewal and PD Requirements

Holding a valid California teaching credential isn’t a one-time event; it requires ongoing compliance with renewal and development requirements. Staying credentialed depends on meeting renewal timelines, completing required training, and fulfilling continuing education obligations.

Here’s what ongoing credential maintenance typically involves:

• Five-Year Renewal Cycle: Every teaching credential in California must be renewed every five years through the Commission on Teacher Credentialing’s online portal.

• Completion of an Induction Program: A state-approved induction program must be completed during the preliminary credential period to transition to a Clear Credential.

• Ongoing Professional Development: Continued professional learning is encouraged throughout your career, often aligned with district requirements or local education mandates.

• Online Renewal Process: Credential renewal is processed through the CTC’s online system. Ensure your fingerprint clearance and professional fitness records are current before submission.

• Renewal Fee Payment: A $100 renewal fee, along with a $2.50 service charge, must be paid at the time of renewal to finalize processing.

• Monitoring Expiration Dates: It’s your responsibility to track expiration dates and begin the renewal process at least six months in advance.

  
  

Now,  let’s weigh the differences between the credentialed tutor route and filing a Private School Affidavit, two of the most common legal homeschooling methods.

Also Read: Getting Started with Homeschool Laws and Requirements in California

Credentialed Tutor vs. Private School Affidavit: Key Differences

Choosing the right legal homeschooling pathway can feel overwhelming, especially when both options seem valid but come with distinct responsibilities. This section helps you weigh the tradeoffs between becoming a credentialed tutor and filing a Private School Affidavit (PSA).

Here’s how the two pathways compare based on structure, oversight, testing, and scheduling flexibility:

Criteria	Credentialed Tutor	Private School Affidavit (PSA)
Legal Basis	California Education Code § 48224	California Education Code § 33190
Who Can Homeschool	Only individuals holding a valid California teaching credential	Any parent or guardian, regardless of teaching background
Instruction Requirements	Must teach at least 3 hours/day, 175 days/year during the 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. window	Must operate as a private school; similar instructional time recommended
Subjects Covered	Must include subjects taught in public schools	Same subjects required (English, math, science, social studies, etc.)
Recordkeeping	No specific requirement, but suggested to document instructions	Must keep attendance, immunization, and course records
Testing Mandate	No annual standardized testing requirement	No testing requirement unless the parent opts into it voluntarily
Paperwork & Filing	No PSA filing; credential suffices	PSA must be filed annually with the California Department of Education (CDE)
Oversight & Autonomy	More regulated due to credential validation	Fully independent but self-managed; no external credential review
Public Perception	Often viewed as more formal due to a state teaching license	Recognized but may require more explanation in official contexts (e.g., colleges)
Curriculum Flexibility	Somewhat limited if following the public school format	Full control over curriculum choice and structure

When comparing tutor exemption vs. PSA homeschooling paths, TSHA’s tools offer clear structure and record-keeping to support your compliant instruction pathway. With AEC lesson modules and the Transparent Classroom platform, credentialed tutors can confidently meet California’s requirements to become a homeschool teacher while reducing planning overhead.

After weighing your options, we’ll go over some common mistakes to avoid as a credentialed homeschool teacher to help ensure you stay in compliance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Having a valid credential is essential, but it's not a license to ignore legal and documentation responsibilities. To ensure full compliance with California’s tutor exemption, avoid these frequently overlooked errors.

Here are the most common mistakes credentialed homeschool tutors make, and how to prevent them:

• Relying solely on your credentials without documenting instruction details: A credential confirms eligibility, but state law still expects tutors to maintain records. Be sure to document your daily schedule, subjects taught, and student attendance to demonstrate you're offering full-time, structured instruction.

  
  

• Teaching grade levels outside your authorized credential band: Teaching beyond your approved grade range (e.g., using a K–8 credential to teach 10th grade) risks non-compliance. California law requires the tutor’s credentials to match the grade level of the instruction.

  
  

• Assuming public school districts automatically exempt credentialed tutors from oversight:  Even with a credential, don’t expect district-level exemptions or automatic recognition. Keeping formal records, like transcripts, lesson plans, and work samples, is the best defense if your instruction is ever questioned.

Tip: Don’t wait until the end of the year to start documenting your instructions. TSHA’s built-in planning tools and reporting templates help credentialed tutors stay compliant from day one. If you're juggling schedules and subjects, their AEC-aligned support lets you track everything in one place.

Let’s now look at the support systems available to credentialed homeschool educators, as these resources can significantly simplify the process and ease the workload.

Discover How TSHA Supports Your Credentialed Tutor Journey

As you explore the requirements to become a homeschool teacher in California, it’s helpful to know that TSHA offers more than just curriculum; it provides a complete support system for credentialed educators.

Here’s how TSHA’s with their American Emergent Curriculum (AEC) powers your tutoring practice:

• Structured 6‑week session modules, aligned to developmental stages and academic standards, designed to simplify lesson planning from Pre‑K to 6th grade.

• A growing film library of over 300 educator‑training videos, plus curated printables and hands‑on materials to complement each lesson. 

• Transparent Classroom online platform for managing portfolios, progress tracking, and compliance documentation, matches your credentialed tutor requirements with ease.

• Live educator support and weekly professional development sessions with TSHA’s founders and teaching team, all included in your membership.

• A vibrant national community of educators and homeschool families, enabling idea-sharing and ongoing peer support.

  
  

Wrapping Up

Choosing to homeschool under California’s credentialed tutor exemption offers a legal, structured path for qualified educators. But this path comes with critical responsibilities, from aligning instruction with your credential type to maintaining daily schedules and academic records. By understanding these legal obligations and avoiding common pitfalls, you ensure both compliance and a quality learning experience for your child.

If you're looking for structured support while maintaining full legal control, The School House Anywhere (TSHA) offers an ideal bridge. With an advanced curriculum, compliance guidance, and flexible teaching tools, TSHA empowers credentialed tutors to focus on teaching while it handles the rest.

Join TSHA today to access curriculum, resources, and support tailored for credentialed educators like you, designed to save planning time, reduce admin burden, and elevate hands‑on learning.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do I need a California teaching credential to homeschool my child?

No. While a valid teaching credential is required if you’re using the “private tutor” exemption, parents can also homeschool legally by filing a Private School Affidavit (PSA), which does not require a credential.

2. What are the basic requirements to become a homeschool teacher under the tutor option?

You must hold a current California teaching credential and provide instruction for at least three hours per day, 175 days per year, during the hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

3. Can I homeschool multiple children under different grade levels as a credentialed tutor?

Only if your credential authorizes instruction in those specific grade levels, for example, a single-subject high school credential, does it not cover elementary grades.

4.  Is testing required for students taught by credentialed tutors?

No. There is no legal requirement for standardized testing under the tutor exemption, but keeping track of academic progress is still strongly advised.

5. What kind of documentation should I maintain as a credentialed tutor?

Although not mandated, it's best to keep records of subjects taught, instructional hours, and student work samples in case of future verification or high school transcript building.