How to become a substitute teacher in California
California's Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) issues the Emergency 30-Day Substitute Teaching Permit. You need a bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited college, and your transcripts now also meet the basic skills requirement. You must submit fingerprints by Live Scan if the CTC does not already have them. The permit lets you sub day to day in any classroom from preschool through grade 12 and adult classes.
Checked October 30, 2026 on the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing's own pages. Rules change; the state's page and your district have the last word.
At a glance
| Least schooling | A bachelor's degree |
|---|---|
| Credential | Emergency 30-Day Substitute Teaching Permit |
| Background check | Fingerprints by Live Scan for the CTC, unless already on file. |
| How long it lasts | One year, renewable online. |
| Who issues it | California Commission on Teacher Credentialing |
How to get it
- Gather official transcripts showing your bachelor's or higher degree.
- Get fingerprinted by Live Scan if you have not done so for the CTC before.
- Apply through a hiring district or county office, or directly on CTC Online.
- Pay the application processing fee.
- Renew online each year before the permit expires.
Limits and conditions
- Up to 30 days for any one teacher per school year in a general classroom.
- Up to 20 days for any one teacher per school year in a special education classroom.
- The employer must keep a Statement of Need (CL-505a) on file for the school year.
Ready for the first day
Sources
- CTC: Emergency 30-Day Substitute Teaching Permit (CL-505p) (opened October 30, 2026)
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