California Teaching Performance Assessment (CalTPA)

What is the CalTPA Teacher Performance Assessment?

As of July 2008, California statute (Chap. 517, Stats. 2006) requires all candidates for a preliminary Multiple and Single Subject Teaching Credential to pass the CalTPA with K-12 public school students as part of the requirements for earning a teaching credential. This assessment of teaching performance is designed to measure the candidate's knowledge, skills and ability with relation to California's Teaching Performance Expectations (TPEs), including demonstrating his/her ability to appropriately instruct all K-12 students in the Student Academic Content Standards. All candidates who start a Commission-approved multiple and single subject teacher preparation program as of July 1, 2008 must meet the teaching performance assessment requirement.

Which version of the CalTPA do I have to take?

Please read the guidelines below carefully to determine which version applies to you.

For Multiple Subject Candidates

There are currently two CalTPA cycles that Multiple Subject candidates must pass to earn their preliminary teaching credential:

• CalTPA Math Cycle
• CalTPA Literacy Cycle

For PK-3 Candidates

There are currently two CalTPA cycles that PK-3 candidates must pass to earn their preliminary teaching credential:

• PK-3 CalTPA Math Cycle
• Pk-3 CalTPA Literacy Cycle

For Single Subject Candidates

There are currently two CalTPA cycles that Single Subject candidates must pass to earn their preliminary teaching credential:

• CalTPA Cycle 1
• CalTPA Cycle 2

CalTPA Candidate Preparation

Option #1 - Online CalTPA Workshops

These workshops are free and online for current Stan State student teachers and interns ONLY. It is not meant for candidates who have already completed the credential program. The workshops provide a general and brief overview of cycle 1 or cycle 2, and run between 60-90 minutes long. 
Schedule of online workshops
Online workshop sign-up form

Option #2 - CalTPA Preparation Courses

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!! These are online courses that will support you in passing each cycle of the CalTPA.  Many candidates who take these courses pass the CalTPA without any issues. They are offered through the Stan State Department of Continuing and Professional Education (CAPE), and come with a registration fee of $500 (each). Anyone can register for these courses, including current student teachers/interns, and individuals who have completed a credential program and are already in the classroom. There is one course that focuses on the first cycle (EDUC 6790) and another that focuses on the second cycle (EDUC 6791). The courses do a deep dive into each cycle and offer opportunities for a discussion with guidance and feedback about each step. Each course runs 6-7 weeks and are fully online with regularly scheduled synchronous meetings. Candidates who complete the course will earn 3 extension units (per course). You can register for these courses below.
TPA Preparation Courses

CalTPA Additional Resources

Workshop Recordings and Resources

• Request CalTPA previously recorded workshops and additional resources

Annotated Guidance for Multiple Subject Candidates

• Request form for annotated guidance - CalTPA Math Cycle (2026/27 version 2) 
• Request form for annotated guidance - CalTPA Literacy Cycle (2026/27 version 2)

Annotated Guidance for Pk-3 Candidates

• Request form for annotated guidance - CalTPA Math Cycle (2026/27 version 2) 
• Request form for annotated guidance - CalTPA Literacy Cycle (2026/27 version 2)

Annotated Guidance for Single Subject Candidates

• Request form for annotated guidance - CalTPA Cycle 1 (2026/27 version 2) 
• Request form for annotated guidance - CalTPA Cycle 2 (2026/27 version 2) 

Sample Midrange Response

• NA (see annotated guidance)

***Note - you must currently be enrolled at Stan State, and be a Stan State student to access these documents.