California Substitute Teacher Requirements
Official California minimums (last reviewed February 8, 2026). Authorization comes only from government authorities. The real competitive edge: practical classroom skills that get you called back repeatedly.
5
Required Items
2
Optional/Recommended
$190
Daily Rate (avg)
California Requirements
These are the current published minimums. Skills that exceed them are what move you to the top of district call lists.
Required
Education Requirements
California requires substitute teachers to hold a bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited college or university. In addition, candidates must pass the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) or an equivalent basic skills assessment approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). These requirements apply to all 30-day substitute teaching permits.
Background Check
All substitute teachers in California must complete a Live Scan fingerprinting process for both a California Department of Justice (DOJ) and FBI criminal background check. The fingerprinting must be completed at an authorized Live Scan location. Background clearance must be obtained before any classroom placement, and results are sent directly to the CTC.
Age Requirements
Substitute teachers in California must be at least 18 years of age. Given the bachelor's degree requirement, most candidates are at least 21 or 22, but the legal minimum age for credentialing purposes is 18.
Application Process
Candidates apply for a substitute teaching permit through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing's online application system. The application requires submission of official transcripts, CBEST or equivalent test scores, completed Live Scan fingerprinting, and the applicable processing fee. After obtaining the permit, candidates apply directly to school districts.
Substitute Teaching Permit/License
California offers a 30-Day Substitute Teaching Permit, which allows the holder to substitute for any teacher for up to 30 days in the same assignment. For longer-term substitute positions, a Short-Term Staff Permit or Emergency Substitute Permit may be required. Emergency permits may have reduced requirements in districts experiencing acute shortages.
Recommended / Optional
Training/Orientation
California school districts typically require substitute teachers to complete a district orientation covering emergency procedures, mandatory reporting obligations, technology access, and classroom management. Some districts also require completion of online training on topics such as bloodborne pathogens and sexual harassment prevention.
References
Most California school districts require two to three professional references as part of the substitute teacher application. At least one reference should be from a previous supervisor or educator who can attest to the applicant's ability to work in an educational environment.
Additional Information
For more information, visit the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing - Substitute Teaching Permits page.
After Authorization: How to Actually Get Called More in California
Complete the official government process
Satisfy California's published education, background check, and application requirements. These are issued only by state and district authorities.
Install fast authority signals
Students decide in the first 90 seconds whether to cooperate. Master the specific voice, posture, and routine moves that establish calm control immediately.
Build a portable engagement toolkit
Have 5-6 repeatable tactics ready for any grade band. Subs who keep learning happening (not just managed) get requested for long-term and repeat assignments.
Earn a reputation that travels
Leave every classroom better + one precise note. In California, your documented reliability becomes your strongest job security.
The Real Picture in California
$190
Avg Daily Rate
$42,000
Annual (regular subs)
Bachelor's degree
Education Floor
Yes
License Required?
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Resources
This is skills-based professional development training only. It does not constitute state certification, a teaching license, or a guarantee of employment or assignments. All substitute teaching authorization and certification is issued exclusively by government/state/provincial/district authorities.
Skills-based professional development only. Actual substitute teaching authorization, certification, permits, and credentials in California are issued exclusively by state, provincial, and district government authorities — never by Substitute Teacher Training or any private provider.
Meet the California Rules — Then Stand Out with Skills
Our courses focus on the exact classroom tactics that turn authorized substitutes into the ones schools request again and again. All authorization and credentials come exclusively from state and district authorities.
Substitute Teacher Training provides practical skills development and resources to help substitute teachers perform more effectively in the classroom. Actual substitute teaching authorization, certification, permits, and credentials are issued exclusively by government/state/provincial/district education authorities. Decisions about hiring, pay rates, assignments, and any required credentials are made solely by schools, districts, and state education authorities. Completion of our courses results in a Certificate of Completion for professional development purposes only. We do not issue, approve, or guarantee any form of certification or employment.
Substitute Teacher Training provides no authorization, certification, or employment guarantees. All hiring, pay, and credential decisions rest solely with schools, districts, and state education authorities.