Published: December 29, 2025
Last Updated: January 10, 2026
Substitute teaching in California can pay $300+/day in some major districts—if you choose the right permit path and don’t get stuck on the two slow steps (fingerprints + transcripts).
Real pay examples: SFUSD lists $405.82/day for Prop A subs; Oakland USD lists $337.07/day.
This guide is the fast checklist: what you need, which CTC substitute permit to pick, and how to avoid the delays that waste weeks.
Quick Answer (2026): What You Need
Correct CTC substitute permit application
Bachelor’s degree (or 90+ units for the student/prospective route)
Live Scan fingerprints (CTC Form 41-LS)
TB clearance
1. What Is Required to Be a Substitute Teacher in California?
For most applicants, your Bachelor’s degree acts as your pass.
- Note: Most bachelor’s degrees from regionally accredited universities satisfy the Basic Skills Requirement, but the final determination is made by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).
- Clarification: Some applicants may still be asked to demonstrate basic skills through coursework review or other approved methods if transcripts are unclear.
- Tip: If the CTC requests clarification, they may ask for coursework verification instead of forcing you to take the CBEST test.
2. CTC Substitute Permit: Which One You Actually Need
Option A: The Standard Route (Emergency 30-Day Permit)
- Who it’s for: Anyone with a Bachelor’s degree in any subject.
- Important: The 30-day limit applies per teacher, per district, per school year—not your total days worked. You can work every day of the year if you rotate classrooms.
- Exception: Special Education assignments may allow up to 60 days for a single teacher in some specific cases.
Option B: The Student Route (Prospective Teacher Permit)
- Who it’s for: Current college students with at least 90 semester units completed.
- Reminder: You must remain actively enrolled in a four-year university while using this permit.
- Warning: If you drop your enrollment or pause your studies, the permit automatically becomes invalid.
⚠️ Student Tip: Don’t lose your funding while you work. Check the Cal Grant 2026-27 Deadline to keep your financial aid secure.
3. The 3 Delays That Waste Weeks (Fix Them First)
Gather these digital documents before opening the application portal.
Official Transcripts
- Requirement: Electronic PDF transcripts from your university.
- Tip: Have them sent to you, not the CTC. You upload the PDF directly in the portal.
Live Scan (Fingerprints)
- Requirement: You must use CTC Form 41-LS. Previous background checks do not transfer.
- Tip: Use a Live Scan location experienced with Form 41-LS to avoid rejected fingerprints.
- Keep This: Save your ATI number from the receipt. You will need it if your application stalls or gets lost in the system.
TB Test
- Accepted Formats: A TB blood test, skin test, or a risk assessment form signed by a medical professional.
- Pro Tip: Upload the document as a single-page PDF. Multi-page uploads often cause system errors in the portal.
4. How to Apply Online (The CTC Portal)
- Create an Educator Account on the CTC website.
- Select “Emergency 30-Day Substitute Teaching Permit” (or your specific type).
- Important: Upload your official transcripts before submitting payment. Missing documents will reset the processing clock.
- Pay the Fee: Approximately $100.
Timeline & Notifications
- Reality Check: Processing times slow down significantly during August–October due to school-year demand.
- Tip: Apply early if you want to work at the start of a semester.
- Monitor Email: Check your spam/junk folders specifically for CTC emails labeled “recommendation” or “deficiency.”
5. How to Get Hired (Where the Money Is)
⚠️ Speed Option (Not Everywhere)
Some County Offices of Education can issue a Temporary County Certificate (TCC).
This authorizes you to start working/earning while your official state paperwork processes. Ask your district or COE credential analyst if this applies in your area.
The permit validates you; the district hires you.
- Where to Look: Go to EdJoin.org and search for “Substitute Pool” in your local area.
- Extra: Some districts require a short orientation or training session before you can accept your first assignment.
- Tip: Apply to multiple substitute pools. Being cleared in 2-3 districts ensures you have job options every morning.
Pay Reality (2026): Districts Can Differ by $50–$100/day
Pay varies wildly by district. Don’t settle for the state minimum. Here are verified numbers currently listed for the 2025-2026 school year:
- San Francisco (SFUSD): Up to $405.82/day (Prop A Substitute roles).
- Oakland (OUSD): Listings show $337.07/day.
- Los Angeles (LAUSD): Ranges from $234.72 to $275.73/day.
Pro Strategy: Apply to 2–3 districts in different pay brackets to maximize your options. A 20-minute commute difference could mean an extra $100 per day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need CBEST to become a substitute teacher in California?
In many cases, a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university satisfies the basic skills requirement, meaning CBEST may not be required. Final approval depends on the CTC.
How long does it take to get a substitute teaching permit in California?
Processing typically takes a few weeks, but timelines can extend during peak hiring periods like late summer and early fall.
Can I work every day with a 30-day substitute permit?
Yes. The 30-day limit applies per teacher per district, not to your total number of working days.
Can college students work as substitute teachers in California?
Yes. Students with at least 90 completed semester units may qualify under the Prospective Teacher Permit, as long as they remain enrolled.
How do substitute teachers find jobs in California?
Most public school districts post substitute openings through EdJoin, where applicants apply to district substitute pools.
Requirements and processing timelines are set by the CTC and may change.
Sarah Johnson is an education policy researcher and student-aid specialist who writes clear, practical guides on financial assistance programs, grants, and career opportunities. She focuses on simplifying complex information for parents, students, and families.
