To apply for the PRELIMINARY ROTC Credential, you will need to complete the following:
1. Application for Credential: Please complete as follows:
- Section 1: provide all specified personal information.
- Section 2: check “New Credential/Permit”
- Section 3: check “Other” and in the space below type in “DSC Special Subjects”. Then on the last page under “Comments/Additional Subjects” – type “Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC)”
- Section 4: leave blank (we will need to enter this information in)
- Section 5: not applicable
- Section 6: If you check “Yes” to any of the questions, you will need to attach the required support documentation/explanation as specified under the Professional Fitness Explanation Form.
- Section 7: check the “I agree” box to agree to the Child Abuse and Mandated Reporting requirements.
- Section 8: not applicable
- Section 9: sign/date under Oath and Affidavit on the last page.
2. Request for Live Scan (fingerprints): Contact your local school district, county office of education (link to Ventura COE's Fingerprinting), or see this list of Live Scan locations to have fingerprints done for applying for a teaching credential. Note: A fee will be required. NOTE: You do not need fingerprints done if (1) you already hold a valid (not expired) California teaching credential or a Certificate of Clearance OR (2) it has been less than 18 months since your California teaching credential expired.
3. Experience: Verify four (4) years of military experience with at least one (1) year of experience within the last three-year period immediately preceding the issuance of the credential. Experience must be verified by the branch of the military service sponsoring the program in the employing school. Please see SAMPLE LETTER for reference.
4. Recommendation: Obtain the recommendation of the branch of military service sponsoring the program in the employing school. See SAMPLE LETTER for reference. Note: this letter is not required if your experience letter (item #3 referenced above) also includes the recommendation.
5. Education: A copy of your U.S. High School or GED diploma or official transcripts. You can also submit official transcripts of Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from a U.S. regionally-accredited university.
Official transcripts must be submitted by either:
- Mailing official paper transcript of your U.S. High School record, GED certification, or college/university transcript of your Bachelor's or higher degree (from the U.S.)
Mail official paper transcript to:
Attn: Academic Advisors
Ventura COE – ESE Dept
5100 Adolfo Road, Camarillo, CA 93012
- Electronic transcript (“e-transcript”):
Your college/university will need to email them directly to the Credential Advisor here: academicadvise@vcoe.org
6. U.S Constitution requirement: can be met by any of the following:
a. completion of an appropriate course (grade C or better) – submit official college/university transcript and course description/syllabi
b. Passage of approved exam – some options include:
• Notre Dame De Namur (online exam): http://www.usconstitutionexam.com
• UC San Diego-Extended Studies (online course)
• Cal Lutheran University (test prep course and exam)
7. Credential Application Fee: check for $100.00 payable to the “Commission on Teacher Credentialing” (or “CTC”).
8. Ventura COE Application Fee: payment of the $140.00 for the Ventura COE’s application, processing, and recommendation fees. Pay online at: DSC Special Subjects Preliminary Application Fee
9. SUBMIT: Once you have completed and gathered all necessary documents, please mail all your documents to: *IMPORTANT: DO NOT MAIL DIRECTLY TO THE CTC!
Academic Advisor
Ventura County Office of Education
Educator Support and Effectiveness
5100 Adolfo Road
Camarillo, CA 93012
Once we receive your documents, they will be evaluated to determine you meet the requirements of the credential. If so, we will then recommend you to the CTC for issuance of the credential and email you a Credential Recommendation Letter that verifies this. The CTC can take up to 60 days for them to issue your credential.