Becoming a substitute teacher in California offers a flexible and meaningful way to contribute to the state’s expansive public education system. The role of a substitute educator is to maintain instructional continuity and a safe learning environment when the regular teacher is absent. Given the size of the student population and the number of schools across the state, there is a high demand for qualified individuals across all grade levels. The process requires understanding the state’s specific credentialing and employment procedures, defined by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).
Basic Eligibility Requirements in California
An applicant must be at least 18 years old to work in a California public school setting. The most significant educational prerequisite is the possession of a bachelor’s or higher degree. This degree must be obtained from a college or university that is regionally accredited, which verifies institutional quality and academic rigor. The degree can be in any major; it does not need to be in education or a subject-specific field.
Fulfilling the Basic Skills Requirement
In addition to the degree, California mandates that all prospective teachers demonstrate proficiency in basic academic skills, known as the Basic Skills Requirement (BSR).
CBEST Examination
The traditional method for satisfying the BSR has been passing the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST). This examination is composed of three sections: reading comprehension, writing, and mathematics. To pass, an applicant must achieve a total scaled score of at least 123 across the three sections.
Alternative Pathways
A significant number of alternative pathways now exist for meeting the BSR without taking the CBEST, which are highly relevant for many applicants.
Standardized Tests: Applicants can submit qualifying scores from other standardized tests, such as the SAT, ACT, or certain College Board Advanced Placement (AP) exams. For instance, a specific score on the SAT’s Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section and its Math section can fully satisfy the BSR.
College Coursework: Applicants can use qualifying college coursework to meet the requirement. This involves submitting transcripts showing completion of specific college-level courses in reading, writing, and mathematics. To be accepted, each course must be a minimum of three semester units and the applicant must have earned a grade of B-minus or better at a regionally accredited institution.
Choosing the Right Substitute Teaching Permit
The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) issues different permits that determine the scope and duration of a substitute teacher’s service.
Emergency 30-Day Substitute Teaching Permit
This is the most common permit for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree. This permit authorizes the holder to work as a day-to-day substitute in any classroom, from preschool through grade 12. A substitute cannot serve for more than 30 days for any one teacher during the school year. This limit is reduced to 20 days for any one teacher in a special education classroom setting. The permit is valid for one year and can be renewed repeatedly, making it a flexible option for those exploring education.
Career Technical Education (CTE) Permit
This option is available for individuals who have specialized vocational experience but may not possess a bachelor’s degree. It allows an applicant to substitute teach in Career Technical Education (CTE) classes. To qualify, an applicant must have a high school diploma or equivalent and three years of work experience directly related to an industry sector. This permit also carries the 30-day limit for any one teacher.
Completing the Credential Application and Live Scan
Once the degree and Basic Skills Requirement are satisfied, the next step is to submit a formal application to the CTC for the desired permit. This process is primarily conducted through the CTC Online portal, where applicants create an educator account to manage their credentials. Official transcripts from the regionally accredited university that conferred the bachelor’s degree must be requested and submitted to the CTC to verify academic eligibility. The application requires payment of a processing fee, which typically costs around $100.
A mandatory component of the credentialing process is the fingerprint clearance, known as the Live Scan. The CTC requires a criminal background check to ensure the safety and well-being of students. Applicants must print the required Live Scan form from the CTC website and take it to an authorized operator. The operator electronically captures the fingerprints and submits them directly to the California Department of Justice and the FBI. The clearance results are sent electronically to the CTC, and the process can take several weeks or even months to complete.
How to Get Hired by School Districts
After the CTC has issued the substitute teaching permit, the focus shifts to securing employment with local educational agencies. Substitute teachers must apply directly to individual school districts or County Offices of Education (COEs), which manage the hiring and placement of substitutes. Many districts use centralized education job boards, such as EDJOIN, to post their substitute openings.
District-level applications require additional documentation beyond the state-issued permit. A tuberculosis (TB) risk assessment or clearance is a standard requirement for all school employees who have direct student contact. Districts often require their own new-hire paperwork and may conduct a separate, district-specific Live Scan fingerprinting check for payroll purposes. Once hired, substitutes utilize centralized placement systems to view and accept available assignments directly. Some larger counties also organize substitute consortiums, allowing a single application and clearance to cover multiple participating districts.