A Guide to Becoming a Substitute Teacher in California

Substitute teaching in California, like in many states, is often a gateway position, leading to full-time teaching positions for the many people who decide while substituting that a career in education is the right fit for them.

In similar fashion to most other states, the main prerequisite for becoming a substitute in California is having a bachelor's degree, and like those other states, it doesn't matter what the degree is in, only that you have one. As long as you have a bachelor's, qualifying for California's substitute license is a relatively easy process, though it does require the passing of a test.

Candidates must pass the California Basic Educational Skills Test, or CBEST. Along with the official transcripts showing the conferral of a bachelor's degree, or a higher degree, applicants are required to submit the CBEST scores with their application for a substitute license. The CBEST is a very basic exam that tests on basic reading, writing, and math skills, essential to teaching. Information on the CBEST exam, what it consists of and where it can be taken, is available at their website.

The application for a substitute teaching license can be obtained online here. College transcripts and passing CBEST scores should be submitted along with the application, and for an out of state resident hoping to become certified in California, it is also required that applicants submit two fingerprint cards, along with fingerprint processing fees. Due to the nature of substitute teaching, fingerprints are required to be on file for safety purposes.