California Substitute Teacher Certification

Become a substitute teacher in California.

The California Department of Education employs the largest teacher workforce in the country. More than 300,000 teachers provide day-to-day instruction to more than 6 million students. Substitute teachers play an important role as they provide structure, leadership and instruction for those students when teachers are unable to be in the classroom. California substitute teacher certification begins with an application process through California's Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

Types of Substitute Permits

A person in possession of the Emergency 30-Day Substitute Teaching Permit can substitute for any grade between pre-kindergarten and 12th grade. The person cannot substitute for any one teacher for longer than 30 days, and in the case of special education classrooms, the maximum is 20 days. Additional permit options are available for those with at least three years of California substitute teaching experience (the Emergency Career Substitute Teaching Permit), those who are enrolled in an approved university teacher preparation program (the Emergency Substitute Teaching Permit for Prospective Teachers), and those wanting to substitute in vocational schools (the Emergency Vocational Education 30-day Substitute Teaching Permit). Each permit is valid for one year and renewable.

Transcripts

Individuals wanting to serve as a substitute teacher in California must have completed a bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university and submit official transcripts.

Basic Skills Requirement

Anyone wanting to become a substitute teacher in California public schools must show proof of basic reading, writing and math skills. The State of California Commission on Teacher Credentialing offers four exam options that fulfill this requirement. Applicants must register for exams, visit a testing center, and pay the accompanying fees.

CBEST (California Basic Educational Skills Test)

CSET (California Subject Examinations for Teachers)

CSU Early Assessment Program or the CSU Placement Examinations: Tests required prior to enrollment at California State University. Those who took them and met a minimum score requirement might be able to use it to fulfill the basic skills requirement.

Basic Skills Examination from Another State: Proof of passing of another state's basic skills comparable exam might meet California's basic skills requirement.

Fingerprints

California's Department of Education requires all prospective employees to be fingerprinted through the Department of Justice. California residents must have fingerprints done at a LiveScan location and include a receipt as proof of this process. Those applying for California certification but currently residing outside of California can submit two fingerprint cards. Your fingerprints will then need to be taken by your local law enforcement agency and placed on the cards. Fingerprint packets can be ordered through the Commission on Teacher Credentialing at [e-mail].

Processing Fees

As of April 2010, the initial processing fee for a California substitute credential is $55. This is waived for applicants from out of state who are relocating due to a military transfer.

Completed Application

An application for a California substitute teaching certification includes the following: Application For Credential Authorizing Public School Service (can be downloaded from California Commission on Teacher Credentialing website), a LiveScan receipt or two fingerprint cards (for anyone applying from outside of California), transcripts from the applicant's college or university, and a $55 processing fee.

Mail to:

State of California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
P.O. Box 944270

Sacramento, CA 94244-2700

References

• California Department of Education
• California Basic Educational Skills Test
• California Subject Examinations for Teachers

Resources

• Commission on Teacher Credentialing