Working as a short-term substitute teacher is a great way to explore the profession of K-12 teaching and get to know schools and districts. There are two paths for obtaining a substitute teaching permit in California.
Emergency 30-Day Substitute Teaching Permit (Day-to-Day Substitute Teaching)
The Emergency 30-Day Substitute Teaching Permit is for individuals who have earned a bachelor's degree or higher. The Emergency 30-Day Substitute Teaching Permit authorizes the holder to serve as a day-to-day substitute teacher in any classroom, including preschool, kindergarten, and grades 1-12 inclusive, or in classes organized primarily for adults.
Requirements for Initial Issuance
Application materials must include the following (see the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing website for details):
- Official transcripts showing the conferral of a baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally-accredited college or university
- Satisfaction of the basic skills requirement.
- A completed application form and a completed Live Scan receipt.
- Application processing fee.
Emergency Substitute Teaching Permit for Prospective Teachers
The Emergency Substitute Teaching Permit for Prospective Teachers is for individuals who have not earned a bachelor's degree or higher. Verification of current enrollment in a regionally accredited four-year California college or university. The Emergency 30-Day Substitute Teaching Permit authorizes the holder to serve as a day-to-day substitute teacher in any classroom, including preschool, kindergarten, and grades 1-12 inclusive, or in classes organized primarily for adults.
Requirements for Initial Issuance
Application materials must include the following (see the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing website for details):
- Official transcripts showing completion of a minimum of 90 semester units (or equivalent quarter units) of college course work.
- Verification of current enrollment in a regionally accredited four-year California college or university.
- Satisfaction of the basic skills requirement.
- A completed application form and a completed Live Scan receipt.
- Application processing fee.