The records of the Commission for Teacher Preparation and Licensing and its predecessors, the Commission of Credentials and the Dept. of Education-Committee of Credentials, consist of 20 cubic feet of textual materials and two bound volumes dating from 1917 to 1980. The record group contains minutes, agendas, investigative files, subject files, and correspondence.

In 1917, the State Board of Education was given the ultimate authority in issuing and reviewing credentials of teachers employed in California. To aid in the fulfillment of this responsibility they established the Commission of Credentials through Chapter 540 of the 1917 California Statutes. The Commission would have three members to include the commissioners of elementary, secondary, and industrial and vocational education. The purpose of the Commission would be to review the applications of those wishing to earn teaching certificates in California. To carry out this duty they would be required to perform investigations of individuals with suspicious applications or questionable lifestyles. They also accredited teacher training programs and prepared credential examinations. Although the Commission was not directly under the control of the State Board of Education, they could not issue any credentials without the Board's final approval.

20 cubic feet and 2 bound volumes

For permission to reproduce or publish, please consult California State Archives staff. Permission for reproduction or publication is given on behalf of the California State Archives, Office of the Secretary of State, Sacramento, as the owner of the physical items. The researcher assumes all responsibility for possible infringement that may arise from reproduction or publication of materials from the California State Archives' collections.

The records in the Investigative Files series (R359.02), the House Un-American Activities Committee Investigative Files series (R359.03), and the Committee of Credentials Minutes series (R359.06) are restricted because they contain records of investigations conducted and compiled by a state agency for licensing purposes and are restricted per California Government Code section 7923.600-7923.625 (formerly Government Code section 6254(f)).