Failed credential exam for teaching license - Will EDD deny my claim for misconduct?
I've been working as a provisional teacher for 2 years while trying to complete my credential requirements. Last month I failed the CSET exam for the 3rd time, and my school had to let me go since I can't teach without passing this test. I had my EDD eligibility interview yesterday, and the interviewer said I should hear back this week because she needs to contact my principal for his statement. While researching, I found the section on misconduct under "Quality of Work section 5 Unable to Renew License" which seems similar to my situation. According to what I read, if I genuinely tried to pass the exam but couldn't, it's not considered willful misconduct. Has anyone been through something similar with credential/license issues? Will my claim be approved? I'm so stressed about making rent next month.
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Keisha Robinson
You should be fine based on what you've shared. The key factor EDD looks at is whether your actions were willful or deliberate. If you genuinely attempted to pass your credential exams and simply couldn't despite your best efforts, that's not misconduct - it's just an inability to meet a job requirement. This falls under the "no fault of your own" category that qualifies for benefits. The case example you found is actually really helpful for your situation. Just make sure when they contact your employer, they confirm that you did make legitimate attempts to pass the exams and weren't negligent in preparing. As long as your principal verifies you were making genuine efforts, you should be approved.
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Yara Nassar
•Thank you so much! I did try really hard - took prep courses and everything. My principal knows I studied nights and weekends for months. Fingers crossed that's how he presents it to EDD.
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GalaxyGuardian
i went threw a similar thing w/ my nursing license. couldnt pass the NCLEX after 3 tries and got let go. EDD gave me bennefits no problem cuz they saw I was trying. dont stress it.
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Yara Nassar
•That's really reassuring, thank you! Did they make you show proof that you were studying/trying to pass? I'm worried I don't have documentation of all my study hours.
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GalaxyGuardian
•nope they never asked for proof of studyin. just wanted to kno i took the test multiple times and tried
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Paolo Ricci
Since you're waiting to hear back, I'd recommend trying to reach out to the EDD to check on your claim status. Their phone lines are absolutely impossible though - I spent 3 weeks trying to get through about my own credential-related claim. I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got connected to a rep in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km Asking directly about your claim is better than stressing about what might happen. Good luck!
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Yara Nassar
•I hadn't heard of that service before. Is it legitimate? I'm desperate to talk to someone at EDD so I might give it a try if I don't hear anything by Friday.
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Paolo Ricci
•Yeah it's legitimate. I was skeptical too but it saved me days of redialing. They just help you get through the phone system to an actual EDD agent, who can then look up your specific case details.
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Amina Toure
DONT GET YOUR HOPES UP. EDD is NOTORIOUS for denying claims even when they should be approved. My friend works in HR and says even valid claims get denied initially just to see if people will bother appealing!!
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Keisha Robinson
•That's not entirely accurate. While some legitimate claims do get denied and require appeals, there's no evidence of systematic denial of valid claims "just to see if people appeal." The more likely explanation is that EDD case workers have high volumes and make mistakes, or in cases where there's any ambiguity, they may initially deny pending more information. In the OP's case, the precedent is quite clear as long as they genuinely attempted to pass their exams.
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Amina Toure
•Well explain why FOUR people at my old company all got denied for the EXACT SAME REASON when we were laid off and then all got approved after appeal?? They do this on purpose to save money!! Everyone knows this!
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Oliver Zimmermann
I was wondering about something - in your situation, have you thought about looking into substitute teaching while you keep trying to pass the credentialing exam? In my district, you don't need the full credential to sub. Maybe that could help with income while you're on unemployment? Also, did the interviewer give you any indication about which way they were leaning with your claim? Sometimes they drop hints.
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Yara Nassar
•That's a good idea about subbing. I actually have applied for my substitute permit! The interviewer was really neutral - she just asked factual questions about my employment and why I was let go. She didn't give any opinion about approval or denial.
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Oliver Zimmermann
•That's good to hear about the sub permit! When I had my interview they were super judgmental so I was sure I'd be denied, but then I got approved! So maybe her being neutral is actually a good sign. Let us know what happens!
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Natasha Volkova
I've been dealing with EDD for 15 YEARS and ill tell u right now, your gonna want to call them rather than waiting. I got denied initially for almost THE EXACT SAME THING as you (couldnt pass certification for my job in healthcare). Had to call 79 TIMES to get through. Found out they denied me due to a "misunderstanding" with my employer who made it sound like I didn't try to pass. Had to get it fixed but took FOOOOREVER cuz of phone tag. So don't just wait.
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Yara Nassar
•Oh man, that's concerning. I really hope my principal doesn't accidentally make it sound like I wasn't trying. Did you have to get your employer to submit something in writing to correct the misunderstanding?
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Natasha Volkova
•Yep, had to get a letter from my supervisor clarifying I had made "every reasonable attempt" to complete certification requirements. Had to upload it to my EDD account AND mail a copy. The whole process took like 2 extra months to get paid. Don't wait - be proactive!!
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Javier Torres
Question for anyone who knows - is this the same for professional licenses like real estate? My license expired and I didn't complete the continuing ed in time. Different situation I know, but wondering if anyone has experience with that.
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Keisha Robinson
•That's actually a different situation. Not completing required continuing education could be considered negligence or a willful failure to maintain your license. The key distinction in OP's case is that they genuinely attempted to pass the exam but couldn't, versus choosing not to complete required education. Your situation might be viewed as misconduct unless there were extenuating circumstances that prevented you from completing the CE requirements.
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Javier Torres
•Oh crud. Thanks for clarifying. Sorry for hijacking your thread OP!
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Yara Nassar
UPDATE: Just got the determination letter - I was approved! The letter specifically mentioned that my inability to pass the credential exam despite genuine efforts doesn't constitute misconduct. Thank you everyone for your help and support through this stressful time!
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Keisha Robinson
•That's great news! Just as expected based on the precedent. Make sure you keep certifying for benefits every two weeks and document your job search efforts - they can audit those later.
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GalaxyGuardian
•congrats!! told ya it would be fine :
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Amina Toure
•Lucky! At least someone at EDD knows how to follow their own rules for once!
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