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?

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

Becoming a substitute teacher is an excellent career choice! We're excited you're interested in this career path. Not only do you get to set your own schedule and still earn a steady paycheck, but as a substitute, you'll make an impact in education by aiding schools and influencing students.

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

Whether you're in Los Angeles, Orange County or San Francisco Bay Area, you're authorized to teach in the classroom when you have the right substitute teacher license. 

1) The Classic Substitute Teacher Certification

EMERGENCY 30-DAY SUBSTITUTE TEACHING PERMIT 

This is the substitute teacher certification that Scoot Education typically asks for when we hire subs. It can take up to 3 months for the Commission on Teacher Credentialing to process your paperwork and provide your permit. So if you want to start earning cash soon, then get your application started right away! If you're interested in this particular substitute teacher license in California, you can also find more detailed information on how to become a substitute teacher in addition to the snapshot below.

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.

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!

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. You can also renew this permit only once as opposed to the prior substitute teacher license that can be renewed multiple times.

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 verifying a few things that you'll continue needing 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 employer of your 3+ years of substitute teaching in the district
• Statement of endorsement signed by the superintendent of the school district
• Verification from 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 ranges can vary 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 30 days for any one teacher during the school year.
• Teaching will be part of technical, trade, or vocational education.

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.