Substitute Teaching in California

In this article, we’ve broken down the four types of substitute teaching permits and listed the requirements to apply for each of them. We also included recommendations for organizations that can support you in becoming a substitute teacher in California!

4 types of CA substitute teaching permits:

1. Emergency 30-Day Substitute Teaching Permit

• Best choice for those getting into day-to-day substitute teaching
• Can sub day-to-day, or for an individual teacher for up to 30 days (up to 20 days in a special education classroom) 
• Valid for one year, and may be renewed repeatedly
• Requirements to apply:
  • Provide official BA transcript (as proof that you have graduated from SNHU)
  • Take TB skin test
  • Complete Live Scan
  • Submit application ($100 processing fee)

2. Emergency Substitute Teaching Permit for Prospective Teachers

For those who are currently enrolled in a regionally-accredited four-year California university

• Can sub day-to-day, or for an individual teacher for up to 30 days (up to 20 days in a special education classroom) with a maximum of 90 days during the school year
• Valid for one year, and may be renewed only once
• Requirements to apply:
  • Provide official transcript(s) showing completion of at least 90 semester units of coursework from a regionally-accredited four-year university
  • Verify current enrollment in a regionally-accredited four-year California university
  • Meet Basic Skills Requirement
  • Take TB skin test
  • Complete Live Scan
  • Submit application ($100 processing fee)

NOT APPLICABLE TO RIVET SCHOOL FELLOWS BECAUSE SNHU IS NOT A CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY

3. Emergency Career Substitute Permit

• For experienced subs with 3+ years of substitute teaching
• Can sub day-to-day, or for an individual teacher for up to 60 days (up to 20 days in a special education classroom) 
• Valid for one year, and may be renewed repeatedly
• Requirements to apply:
  • Provide official BA transcript (as proof that you have graduated from SNHU)
  • Verify 3 consecutive years of at least 90 days per year of day-to-day substitute teaching in one or more school districts located in the same California county that you're seeking the permit
  • Obtain superintendent of the school district’s signature on statement of endorsement
  • Verify that your employing agency will make “staff development activities” offered to regular teaching staff available to the permit holder
  • Submit application ($100 processing fee)

4. Emergency Designated Subjects Career Technical Education 30-Day Substitute Teaching Permit

• For those who want to sub in Career Technical Education (CTE) classes
• Can sub day-to-day, or for an individual teacher for up to 30 days
• Valid for one year, and may be renewed repeatedly
• Requirements to apply:
  • Provide proof of a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Verify 3 years of work experience directly related to an industry sector
  • Submit application ($100 processing fee)

How do I get started?

• Rivet School recommends subbing through Scoot Education (a staffing company) if you want coaching every step of the way.
  • Note: You don’t need a BA to get started.

• Rivet School recommends SwingCert if you only want support with obtaining an Emergency 30-Day Substitute Teaching Permit. With Swing’s help you can get this permit in as little as 2 weeks (instead of 10) and they’ll reimburse you up to $150.
  • Note: You must have a BA to get started.