How to become a substitute teacher in California.

With more than 300,000 teachers, California has the largest public education system in the country. When those teachers take a day off, school districts need inspiring people like you to become substitute teachers. 

Kelly Education hires substitute teachers for school districts throughout the U.S.—and we’re experts in helping people become a substitute teachers in California.

Below are the minimum substitute teacher requirements in California. Note that charter, private, and public-school districts can also establish requirements in addition to what the state has put in place. Always check the district’s substitute teaching job description for any extras. 

Minimum California state requirements, at a glance*: 

• Certification: Substitute Permit or Emergency Substitute Permit 
• Education: Bachelor’s degree, unless you are in college studying to be a teacher. High school diploma or equivalent (for emergency career tech permit) 
• California Basic Educational Skills Requirement 
• Employment verification to work in the U.S. 
• Fingerprinting 
• TB test 

In addition to California state requirements, Kelly Education requires: 

• Background check 
• Pre-hire training 
• New hire orientation 

A deeper dive into substitute teacher requirements

There are several different types of permits issued by California to become a substitute teacher. Depending on the district’s need, permits require different thresholds of education. You’ll want to be diligent and patient in following the timelines needed to gather all of the application materials.

Emergency 30-day substitute teaching permit.

This permit authorizes the holder to serve as a day-to-day substitute teacher in any classroom, including preschool, kindergarten, grades 1 – 12, and classes organized primarily for adults. They can substitute for a maximum of 30 days for any one teacher. A bachelor’s degree is required. It is valid for one year and is renewable. 

Emergency substitute teaching permit for prospective teachers.

This permit authorizes the holder to work as a day-to-day substitute teacher in any classroom and grade level. They can substitute for a maximum of 30 days for any one teacher and no more than 90 days total during a school year. Although a bachelor’s degree is not required, applicants must provide transcripts showing that they have completed a minimum of 90 semester units of coursework from a regionally accredited 4-year college or university, and they must verify that they are currently enrolled in a regionally accredited 4-year California college or university. The permit is valid for one year and can be renewed only once. 

Emergency career substitute teaching permit. 

With this permit, the holder can work as a day-to-day substitute teacher in any classroom and grade level. They can substitute for a maximum of 60 days for any one teacher during the school year. The applicant must be able to show three consecutive years of at least 90 days per year of day-to-day substitute teaching at one or more California school districts participating in a consortium with the school district requesting the permit. It is valid for one year and is renewable. A bachelor’s degree is required. 

Designated subjects career technical education 30-day substitute teaching permit.

This permit authorizes the holder to work as a substitute teacher in any classroom in any county in which the permit is registered. It is limited to technical, trade, and vocational programs. The holder can serve as a substitute teacher for no more than 30 days for any one teacher. Applicants do not need a bachelor’s degree, but they do need a high school diploma or equivalent, and they must be able to demonstrate 3 years of work experience directly related to an industry sector. This permit can be reissued each year. 

Education verification.

Depending on the substitute permit, applicants must provide (1) transcripts showing that they hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, (2) proof of semester credits from a regionally accredited college or university along with proof that they are currently enrolled in a regionally accredited 4-year California college or university or (3) a high school diploma or equivalent. 

Be sure to request these as soon as you can to avoid delays. It can take a few days or weeks to get transcripts back. Also, you will be responsible for any transcript fees. 

Also, California requires proof that substitute teachers meet a basic skills requirement in reading, writing, and math. Many choose the option to take the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST).  CBEST passing scores remain valid indefinitely for all credential and employment purposes. To pass the CBEST, one must obtain a minimum scaled score of 41 in each of the three sections—reading, writing, and mathematics. However, a score as low as 37 on an individual section is acceptable if the total scaled score is at least 123. Check out the hyperlink for more details, exemptions, and alternatives to the basic skills requirement. If working with a Kelly Education partner district, our recruiter will help you to understand this requirement. 

Employer verification.

Like most jobs, substitute teachers must provide proof that they can legally work in the U.S. To complete this step, you’ll submit an I-9 form with valid identification credentials. This form can be completed in just a few minutes. If working with Kelly Education, we’ll guide you through this process.

Background check and fingerprinting.

The state of California requires fingerprinting. Fingerprints are processed by the Department of Justice. Any fees are the applicant’s responsibility. 

In addition to state screening requirements, Kelly Education runs a National Sex Offender registry check and county criminal check on all applicants. 

All applicants are also required to clear a TB test. 

Training.

While the state doesn’t require additional training, all applicants must complete the online Basic Skills Requirement mentioned above.  

Kelly Education requires that all substitute teachers working for us complete a free pre-hire ClassSmarts training. The online module covers subjects such as ethics of teaching, legal obligations of educators, and classroom management techniques. It takes about 60-90 minute to complete.  

Kelly Education substitute teachers must also complete our New Hire Orientation online module before they can begin working. This paid orientation is designed to acquaint new teachers with Kelly Education procedures and policies and those in the district where they will be working. 

Getting started with Kelly Education and our school district partners

If you’re interested in teaching in one of our Kelly Education partner districts, we’re ready to help you through the entire process. Fill out our interest form, and a Kelly Education recruiter will contact you to discuss the process in more detail and answer any questions you have. We’re eager to help you get started! 

*Information subject to change. This is a general guideline. School districts may have additional requirements, in addition to state requirements.