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Substitute Teaching in California

All Substitute Teaching Permits Require

In 2021, the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) streamlined requirements for obtaining substitute permits. This includes new options for meeting the Basic Skills Requirement through coursework, examination or a combination of the options available.  

To be a substitute in a California public school or charter school, one must meet certification requirements set by the California Department of Education, CTC and the Local Education Agency (LEA).  

Education Code and Title V Regulations include employment requirements for certificated employees. Please contact your LEA for details of employment requirements.

For information about certificated positions available in California, please go to EdJoin.org. Positions currently available within San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools can be found at EdJoin.org/SBCSS.  

Fingerprint Clearance

For applicants submitting their first application requesting a credential or permit in California, or applicants that held a permit or credential that expired over 18 months ago, CTC will require new fingerprint clearance for certification purposes. Fingerprint clearance for certification is separate from employment fingerprinting. 

For questions regarding whether you need to complete certification fingerprinting, please contact your employer’s certificated personnel technician. Additional information can be found on CTC’s Fingerprint Information webpage.  

Local fingerprinting facilities may be found on the State of California Department of Justice webpage.  

Sandra Khodadadi

Human Resources Manager

For additional information, please call 909.386.9561.

send email

760 East Brier Drive
San Bernardino, CA 92408

Types of Substitute Teaching Permits

Please note it is LEA discretion on employment requirements.

Basic Skills Waiver for Emergency 30-Day Substitute Teaching Permit 
(Day-to-Day Substitute Teaching)

  • LEA recommendation (see employer for details)
  • Bachelor's Degree from a Regionally Accredited Institution
  • Maximum three renewals, based on meeting renewal requirements

Emergency 30-Day Substitute Teaching Permit 
(Day-to-Day Substitute Teaching) 

Emergency Substitute Teaching Permit for Prospective Teachers 
(For individuals who have not earned a bachelor's or higher degree) 

  • 90 semester units from a Regionally Accredited Institution 
  • Basic Skills Requirement
  • Verification of current enrollment in a regionally-accredited four-year California college or university 
  • Only one renewal available 

Emergency Career Substitute Permit 
(For individuals with 3+ years of substitute teaching in one school district) 

  • Bachelor’s Degree from a Regionally Accredited Institution 
  • Basic Skills Requirement 
  • Verification of experience 
  • Statement of endorsement 
  • Staff development made available 
  • No limitation on renewals 

Teaching Permit for Statutory Leaves (TPSL): Multiple Subject, Single Subject, and Special Education 

  • Bachelor’s Degree from a Regionally Accredited Institution 
  • Basic Skills Requirement
  • 45 hours of TPSL preparation, as decided by the Local Employing Agency 
  • Verification of subject matter competency (coursework evaluation) 

Emergency Designated Subjects Career Technical Education Permit for 30-Day Substitute Teaching Service (For substitute teaching in Career Technical Education [CTE] classes) 

  • High School Diploma (or equivalent) 
  • Does not require basic skills  
  • Three years of experience in the related industry sector 
  • No limitation on renewals 

Additional Resource

Authorizations - Link includes a chart showing the number of days each document can provide services as a substitute teacher, including teaching and services credentials.