There are a few simple steps to becoming a substitute teacher in California.
The first step is to apply with the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC). You will be able to fill out an online application, or you can print and mail it in. The application requires contact information, including your mailing address and email address, as well as your date of birth. It also asks for your social security number and driver’s license number.
You will need to attach copies of your transcripts from any colleges or universities you attended, as well as any certificates or licenses you have obtained from other states or countries. You may also need to provide proof of citizenship or legal residence status in the United States if you were not born here originally. Finally, you must submit verification that you have passed your background check and fingerprinted by submitting a copy of your FBI fingerprint clearance card (Form FD-258) through our website at cctc.ca.gov/substitute-application/substitute-applicants-guide/federal-fingerprinting-process/fd-258/. If possible, please also include a copy of your California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) certificate with this submission via our website at cct
How To Become A Substitute Teacher Ca
- Have a bachelor’s degree
- Go to WellnessMart
- Take a CBEST test
- Obtain a 30-day permit
At Scoot, we help substitute teachers find schools and schools find exceptional substitute teachers like you. Working with Scoot as your employer, you can always expect a flexible schedule and market-leading pay. Substitute teaching allows for a rewarding career or job without the hassle of extra schooling or restrictive schedules.
(Pst! Already ready to start teaching?)
Ready to become a substitute teacher in CA? Here’s how to get started and the requirements.
Not from California, but still want to become a sub? No worries! Check out our other blog posts – How To Become A Substitute Teacher In Arizona and How To Become A Substitute Teacher In Houston.
Step 1: Have a bachelor’s degree
To become a substitute teacher in California, your first step is to obtain a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and provide official transcripts.
Your bachelor’s degree can be in ANY major. It doesn’t need to be education-related.
Step 2: Go to WellnessMart
To become a substitute teacher, schools in CA require a tuberculosis test (TB test) and a Live Scan.
When working with an agency, the TB test is required to be dated within 60 days of your interview. You can either take a TB test or obtain a TB risk assessment test.
The results of both the TB test and Live Scan will be submitted to Scoot through WellnessMart but you’ll still have to upload this paperwork to Scoot!
TB RISK ASSESSMENT FORM
Please fill out the TB Risk Assessment form. This will allow a physician to simply screen you without having to prick or inject you. They’ll ask you a series of questions and assess your risk factor. Scoot can provide this form for you.
LIVE SCAN
After completing the Live Scan method, you’ll be one step closer to become a substitute teacher. To check your criminal history is clear, you’ll take a Live Scan test which captures your fingerprints in a digitized format and then checks it against state police and FBI databases.
DOWNLOAD OUR LIVESCAN FORM
Click to download the pre-filled pdf to ensure Scoot receives your Live Scan results! This is what you’ll send to Scoot.
FIND A LOCATION NOW
There are WellnessMarts all over California! Schedule an appointment now with one near you.
Step 3: Take the CBEST Exam to Become a Substitute Teacher
The California Basic Educational Skills Test™ (CBEST®) is a basic aptitude test developed to meet requirements of laws relating to credentialing and employment. You can think of it like the SAT, but for adults.
If you have any of the following you can opt-out of the CBEST exam:
- Achieved a score of 3 or higher on the College Board AP English exam and a score of 3 or higher on the AP Calculus or the AP Statistics exam.
- Achieved a score of at least 500 on the SAT English exam and a score of at least 550 on the SAT mathematics exam.
- Achieved a score of at least 22 on the ACT English exam and a score of at least 23 on the ACT mathematics exam.
- Demonstrate proficiency on both the English and Mathematics sections of the California State University (CSU) Early Assessment Program (EAP), showing status as “College Ready” or “Exempt” in each section.
- Passed all three subtests of CSET: Multiple Subjects plus the CSET: Writing Skills.
- Passed a basic skills examination from another state.
You can expect test results can take up to 2 weeks time.
**NEW: As of July 2021, you can use subject-related college coursework to pass the California Basic Education Skills Test (CBEST) and the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET).
COST OF THE CBEST
The CBEST exam costs $30 for each section when taking through the computer and $41 when taking on paper. Scoot does not reimburse for CBEST testing.
WHERE TO TAKE THE CBEST
Test dates are held 6 times a year at various test centers across the state. To see the dates and locations, click here.
A few locations are below:
| WEST LA | SOUTH LA | DOWNTOWN LA |
| ABCO Technology 11222 S La Cienega Blvd Suite #588 Inglewood, California 90304 | Pearson Professional Center 1515 West 190th Street Suite 405 Gardena, California 90248 | Online Edugo, Inc. 808 S. Western Avenue #233 Los Angeles, California 90005 |
| Pearson Professional Center 300 Corporate Pointe Suite 200 Culver City, California 90230 | ||
| Global Educational Placement 10850 Wilshire Blvd #570 Los Angeles, California 90024 | |
Step 4: Obtain a 30-day Permit to Become a Substitute Teacher
Once you’ve passed the CBEST, you’ll be eligible to apply for an Emergency 30 Day Substitute Teacher Permit.
Keep in mind, the Commission on Teacher Credentialing is a busy public office and obtaining the Emergency 30 Day Permit can take up to 3 months, but it’ll be worth it as the money and time spent will more than earn itself back when you’re eligible to teach in any classroom at any school!
COST OF 30 DAY PERMIT
The permit costs $100.
WHERE TO APPLY
To apply, review this form and submit the required applications and materials.
Need a paycheck sooner? Don’t worry, we’ll put you to work immediately!
As long as you have a Bachelor’s degree, we’ll be able to place you into a classroom without a CBEST or 30 Day Permit. While you wait to receive your “pass” results, feel confident that you’ll be considered for schools that do not require CBEST of 30 Day Permits for substitute teachers.
