Substitute Teaching
What is Needed To
Substitute Teach
Below you will find details on the requirements to earn a permit to serve as a substitute teacher in California, including academic and examination requirements. Select the type of permit you wish to apply for.
Emergency 30-Day Substitute Teaching Permit
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. The holder may serve as a substitute for no more than 30 days for any one teacher during the school year, except in a special education classroom, where the holder may serve for no more than 20 days for any one teacher during the school year.
The permit is valid for one year and is renewable.
How to get one:
- Official Transcripts showing completion of BA/BS from a regionally accredited college or university
- Satisfy basic skills requirement
- Complete an application through TCSOS
- Completed Live Scan Receipt
- Schedule a Live Scan
- $102.65 submitted online to CTC directly
Basic Skills
Options to satisfy basic skills:
- Pass the California Basic Education Skills Test
- Pass the California Subject Examinations for Teachers
- Pass the California State University
- Early Assessment Program or the
- CSU Placement Examinations
- Get a qualifying score on the SAT or ACT
- Use a passing College Board Advanced Placement Exam Pass a basic skills exam from another state
- Meet the basic skills requirement by coursework and exam
Emergency Substitute Teaching Permit for Prospective Teachers
The Emergency Substitute Teaching Permit for Prospective Teachers 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. The holder may serve as a substitute for no more than 30 days for any one teacher and may only serve for a maximum of 90 days during the school year. In a special education classroom, the holder may serve for no more than 20 days for any one teacher during the school year.
The permit is valid for one year and is renewable only once.
How to get one:
- Official transcripts showing completion of 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 college or university.
- Satisfy basic skills requirement
- Completed application through TCSOS
- Completed Live Scan Receipt
- Schedule a Live Scan
- $100 check/money order made out to CTC
Fingerprinting &
Live Scan
Securing a criminal background check before employment, licensure, or certification provides a hiring or licensing authority a vital resource that aids in evaluating the applicant. State law requires each agency that needs fingerprint clearance to receive its own. Sharing or transferring information is not allowed. Even if you have been fingerprinted for another agency, we will need to fingerprint you specifically for us to receive your clearance directly from the CA Department of Justice.
If you currently do not have an active permit/credential with CTC or have been 18 months since your permit/credential expired, you will be required to re-fingerprint. Please go to their fingerprint FAQ page for any questions about CTC’s fingerprint policies.
Visit our Live Scan Fingerprinting page to make an appointment.