Substitute Teacher Certifications in California

Are you looking to enjoy the flexibility of substitute teaching but finding yourself overwhelmed by all the different types of substitute teacher certifications in California?

Don’t worry! We’ve compiled a list of all the CA substitute teacher certifications for you.

Why get certified?

Expands your placement options

Most schools in California require you to have a substitute teaching permit before you start subbing. Charter and public schools require it the most, but some private schools and teaching assistant positions won’t check for it.

Getting a certification opens up your options when looking for substitute teaching positions. More opportunities means you’ll have an easier time finding placements whether you’re in Los Angeles, San Diego, or the Bay Area.

No need for a basic skills test

Getting certified now is easier than it’s ever been! Since the beginning of this year, the basic skills requirement has been waived for new prospecting subs until July 1, 2024.

Now is the best time to get started if you’re interested in this career path. Besides getting to set your own schedule and earn a steady paycheck, as a substitute, you’ll help schools and influence students.

Thankfully, it’s simple to start subbing. Below you’ll learn the requirements needed to earn any permit.

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Types of CA Substitute Teaching Permits

There are 4 substitute teaching certifications offered in California. The first step to getting started is to identify which permit you need to begin subbing. These two charts help summarize permit requirements and the length of teaching days for each permit.

CA Substitute Teacher Certification Requirements

Number of Days Individuals May Substitute Teach for One Teacher in a School Year

*The 2022 Education Omnibus Budget Trailer Bill continues to extend the number of days you can teach up to 60 days until July 1, 2023. After July 1, 2023, the maximum number of days goes back down to 30 days.

Now that you’ve gotten a preview of the differences between each permit, let’s break down the specific details about each one.

1) The Classic Substitute Teacher Certification

EMERGENCY 30-DAY SUBSTITUTE TEACHING PERMIT 

Out of the 4 sub certifications, the most popular one for graduates is the emergency 30-day substitute teaching permit. This permit allows you to get started with part-time substitute teaching without any experience or basic skills requirement.

Nowadays, you can get this credential in just one month – easier and faster than ever before! And if you apply to sub with a staffing company like Scoot Education, we help you organize all your paperwork.

If you’re interested in this particular substitute teacher license in California, you can check out our detailed step-by-step article on how to become a substitute teacher.

Snapshot

• A license that allows you to be a day-to-day substitute teacher in any classroom. This includes anywhere from preschool to high school, including classes specifically for adults.
• It allows you to teach for only 30 days* for any one teacher and only 20 days if you’re teaching in a special education classroom.
• It’s valid for 1 year and renewable online.

*After July 1, 2023, the maximum number of days goes back down to 30 days.

Requirements to Apply

• Proof of a Bachelor’s Degree or higher
• Passing Test Scores in The California Basic Educational Skills Test™ (CBEST®)*, a basic aptitude test
• Recent TB Skin Test
• Live Scan (Scoot reimburses you for your test up to $71, so keep your receipt)
• Put together your application and prepare to send it!

*NEW: As of January 1, 2023, the basic skills proficiency requirement for an emergency 30-day substitute permit are waived until July 1, 2024. If you’ve applied after January 1, 2023, you don’t need to pass the CBEST to become a substitute teacher until after July 1, 2024.

2) The Degree-Not-Required Substitute Teacher Certification

EMERGENCY SUBSTITUTE TEACHING PERMIT FOR PROSPECTIVE TEACHERS

You can even get a substitute teacher certification in California while you’re still in school, studying to receive your Bachelor’s or higher degree. This is very similar to the previous license, but keep in mind that the total number of days you can teach is limited to 90 days per year.

Snapshot

• A license that allows you to be a day-to-day substitute teacher in any classroom. This includes anywhere from preschool to high school, including classes specifically for adults.
• It allows you to teach for only 30 days for any one teacher and only 20 days if you’re teaching in a special education classroom.
• You can only teach a maximum of 90 days during the school year.
• It’s valid for 1 year and renewable only once.

Requirements to Apply

• Official transcripts showing completion of at least 90 semester units of course work from a regionally-accredited four-year college or university
• Verification of current enrollment in a regionally-accredited four-year California college or university
• Passing Test Scores in The California Basic Educational Skills Test™ (CBEST®), a basic aptitude test
• Recent TB Skin Test
• Live Scan (Scoot reimburses you for your test up to $71, so keep your receipt)
• Put together your application and prepare to send it!

3) The Substitute Teacher Certification for Veteran Subs

EMERGENCY CAREER SUBSTITUTE PERMIT

If you’ve had 3+ years of substitute teaching in one district, then this might be the right substitute teacher certification for you. You’ll require more paperwork to verify a few things to renew the permit. However, it is still smooth sailing to receive this substitute teacher license in California!

Snapshot

• A license that allows you to be a day-to-day substitute teacher in any classroom. This includes anywhere from preschool to high school, including classes specifically for adults.
• It allows you to teach for only 60 days for any one teacher and only 20 days if you’re teaching in a special education classroom.
• It’s valid for 1 year and renewable through your employer.

Requirements to Apply

• Proof of a Bachelor’s Degree or higher
• Passing Test Scores in The California Basic Educational Skills Test™ (CBEST®), a basic aptitude test
• Verification from the employer of your 3+ years of at least 90 days per year of day-to-day substitute teaching in the district
• Statement of endorsement signed by the superintendent of the school district
• Verification from your employing agency that they will make “staff development activities” offered to regular teaching staff available to the permit holder
• Put together your application and prepare to send it!

4) The CTE Substitute Teacher Certification

EMERGENCY DESIGNATED SUBJECTS CAREER TECHNICAL EDUCATION PERMIT OR 30-DAY SUBSTITUTE TEACHING SERVICE

This substitute teacher certification in California is when you want to sub in Career Technical Education (CTE) classes. Valid work experience in the industry that you want to teach in can range from self-employment to occupational internships to college-level course work. To see if you qualify for this permit, check the official document for this substitute teaching license.

Snapshot

• A license that allows you to serve as a substitute teacher for any classroom in any county as long as the employing agency completed a Statement of Need.
• It allows you to teach for only 60 days* for any one teacher during the school year.
• Teaching will be part of technical, trade, or vocational education.
• It’s valid for 1 year and renewable through your employer.

*After July 1, 2023, the maximum number of days goes back down to 30 days.

Requirements to Apply

• Proof of a high school diploma OR diploma based on passage of the GED Test OR foreign equivalent of a high school diploma
• Verification of 3 years of work experience directly related to an industry sector
• Put together your application and prepare to send it! The app also contains info on what verification of work experience should look like.

Conclusion

If you want to set your own hours and enjoy giving back to your community through teaching, substitute teaching may be the right fit for you. Consider which permit suits your situation the best and reach out to us if you want to start subbing with great perks!

Ready to start subbing?

Apply now