California consistently needs educators to manage classrooms temporarily, making substitute teaching a high-demand career path. Becoming a substitute teacher requires obtaining specific credentials issued by a state agency. Navigating the requirements involves meeting educational benchmarks, passing mandated examinations, and obtaining the necessary state-level permits. This structured process must be completed before applying for local district positions.
Meeting the Foundational Requirements
Aspiring substitute teachers must be at least 18 years of age to begin the credentialing process. The most substantial requirement is possessing a baccalaureate degree or a higher degree from a regionally accredited college or university. This degree can be in any subject area, as the state does not mandate a specific field of study for substitute roles. Candidates must also demonstrate proficiency in the English language, often satisfied through the academic degree itself or through the required state testing process.
Understanding California Substitute Permits
California utilizes a permit system to authorize substitute teaching, and two main pathways exist for most applicants. The Emergency 30-Day Substitute Teaching Permit is the most common and accessible option for new substitutes. This permit authorizes the holder to serve as a day-to-day substitute in any classroom, including preschool through adult education. The primary limitation is that a holder cannot substitute for more than 30 days for any one teacher during the school year, or 20 days in a special education setting. This permit is valid for one year and is renewable annually.
The General Substitute Teaching Permit requires a more advanced level of qualification, such as holding a valid or expired teaching credential from California or another state. This permit offers a broader scope of service and is generally valid for five years. The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) is the state entity responsible for issuing both permits.
Completing Mandated Examinations
Before the CTC issues a permit, applicants must satisfy the state’s Basic Skills Requirement (BSR), which ensures proficiency in fundamental academic areas. This requirement is most commonly met by passing the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST), which evaluates reading, writing, and mathematics skills. Scores on the CBEST are valid indefinitely once achieved, meaning the test only needs to be passed one time for all credential purposes.
However, there are several pathways to satisfy the BSR without taking the CBEST:
- Achieving qualifying scores on specific SAT or ACT examinations.
- Achieving qualifying scores on Advanced Placement (AP) exams in English and mathematics.
- Using qualifying college coursework in reading, writing, and mathematics, provided the courses were taken at a regionally accredited institution and passed with a grade of ‘B’ or better.
- Submitting results from a basic skills examination passed in another state.
Undergoing Background and Safety Clearances
The state mandates specific safety and health clearances for all school employees. The Live Scan fingerprinting process is necessary to conduct a criminal background check through the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the California Department of Justice (DOJ). Applicants must complete the Live Scan using the specific CTC form to ensure the results are routed directly to the Commission for clearance. The Live Scan must be processed before the permit can be issued, verifying that the applicant has no disqualifying criminal history.
The other mandatory clearance is providing proof of a negative Tuberculosis (TB) test result. School districts require this documentation to confirm that the individual is free of active tuberculosis. This clearance is typically obtained through a skin test or a chest X-ray and must be current. While the Live Scan is submitted to the CTC for the permit, the TB clearance is usually provided directly to the employing school district during the hiring process.
Applying for the Credential
With all prerequisites, examinations, and clearances completed, the final administrative step involves submitting a formal application to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). Applicants must create an account on the CTC online portal, which serves as the hub for managing all credentialing documentation.
The application requires uploading supporting materials, such as official transcripts verifying the bachelor’s degree and documentation confirming the satisfaction of the Basic Skills Requirement. Proof of the Live Scan submission is tracked in the CTC system. A non-refundable application fee must be paid during this submission process before the CTC officially issues the permit.
Securing Employment with a School District
Holding a state-issued substitute teaching permit functions as a license, not a job offer. Applicants must apply directly to individual school districts or county offices of education for employment. Most districts utilize online platforms, such as EdJoin, to advertise their substitute vacancies and manage applications.
Once hired by a district, the substitute teacher will typically be required to attend a mandatory orientation session. These sessions cover local policies, procedures, and the specific duties expected within that district’s schools. Districts may also require additional application forms and local background checks. Some substitutes find work through third-party substitute teacher agencies, which districts contract with to manage their staffing needs.