Educators that hold a valid document issued based on completion of a bachelor's degree and the basic skills requirement are authorized to serve as day-to-day substitutes.  Valid credentials that were issued prior to February 1, 1983 and required the holder to complete a bachelor's degree and professional preparation program are also authorized to serve as day-to-day substitutes, even though the holder may not have met the basic skills requirement.

Substitute teachers have limitations regarding how long they are able to serve in a substitute capacity in a school year for any one teacher of record:

  • No more than 30 cumulative days in any one general education classroom; and
  • No more than 20 cumulative days in any one special education classroom.

This rule includes fully credentialed teachers serving as substitutes, unless that teacher is serving as a substitute in the subject or disability area(s) authorized by their credential; such fully credentialed teachers can serve as substitutes in classes that match their area of certification indefinitely.

Substitute FAQs

Who can serve as a Substitute during Summer School?

Whether the assignment is during the regular school year or during a summer school session, the individual must hold the appropriate credential to perform the service.  The school district and county office are held accountable in their monitoring for summer school assignments.  The holder of an Emergency 30-Day Substitute Teaching Permit may serve in a summer school assignment provided the employing agency can verify that the individual is serving as a substitute for a credentialed teacher and the assignment is not more than 30 days for one teacher in a General Education classroom, and not more than 20 days for one teacher in a Special Education classroom.  Employing agencies must be extremely cautious when assigning the holder of an Emergency 30-Day Substitute Teaching Permit to serve in a summer school assignment.

Can Interns serve as day-to-day substitutes?

Per Title 5 ยง80025.3(c), holders of university internship and district internship credentials are not authorized to serve as day-to-day substitutes unless the assignment is during summer school, is in the subject area authorized by the internship credential or certificate, and is considered as fulfilling the internship.
Substitute TeachingEd Code/Reg
Substitute teaching in a special education classroomEducation Code 56061(a)
Other documents authorizing substitute serviceTitle 5 80025.3
Teacher Permit for Statutory LeaveTitle 5 80022
Emergency 30-Day Substitute Teaching PermitTitle 5 80025
Emergency Career Substitute Teaching PermitTitle 5 80025.1
Emergency Substitute Teaching Permit for Prospective TeachersTitle 5 80025.2
Emergency Designated Subjects Career Technical Education Substitute PermitTitle 5 80025.5
Holders of Full-Time Voc. Ed., Full-Time CTE, or CTE may serve as a substitute in technical, trade or vocational coursesTitle 5 80034.5(a)
Full-Time Adult Education Credential holder may substitute in classes organized primarily for adultsTitle 5 80034.5(b)
Updated October 02, 2025