The Emergency 30-Day Substitute Teaching Permit authorizes the holder to serve as a day-to-day substitute teacher in any classroom, including preschool, kindergarten, and grades 1-12 inclusive, or in classes organized primarily for adults. The holder may serve as a substitute for no more than 30 days for any one teacher during the school year, except in a special education classroom, where the holder may serve for no more than 20 days for any one teacher during the school year.

This permit is valid for one year and is renewable. In order to employ individuals on an Emergency 30-Day Substitute Teaching Permit, the employing agency must keep a completed Statement of Need form (CL-505a) on file at their office for the duration of the school year.

Requirements for Initial Issuance

Application packets submitted must include all of the following:

  1. Official transcripts showing the conferral of a baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
  2. Basic skills requirement. See Commission leaflet CL-667, entitled Basic Skills Requirement for additional information.*
  3. Completed application (form 41-4), and, if not previously submitted to the Commission, a completed Live Scan receipt (form 41-LS). Out-of-State residents must submit two fingerprint cards (FD-258) in lieu of a Live Scan receipt. If submitting fingerprint cards, current fingerprint processing fees must accompany the application packet.
  4. Application processing fees.

* Passage of SB 1397 has temporarily waived the Basic Skills Requirement from January 1, 2023, to July 1, 2024. Basic skills proficiency will once again be required for the initial issuance of the Emergency 30-Day Substitute Teaching Permit after July 1, 2024.

How to Apply

Individuals may submit their application packet through their employer or directly to the Commission submitting the items listed above.

Renewing Your Permit

Effective October 1, 2009, all Emergency 30-Day Substitute Permits must be renewed online. Paper applications for renewal received on or after October 1, 2009 will be returned to sender with a letter instructing them to renew online. Visit the Credentialing Information webpage to renew your permit online.

Period of Validity

Applications for initial issuance will be valid for one year beginning the date the application was received at the Commission or employing agency. Applications for renewal submitted prior to the expiration date of the current permit will be valid for one year beginning the date the current permit expires. Applications for renewal submitted after the current permit expires will be valid for one year starting the date the application is submitted to the employing agency or to the Commission.

Reference:

Title 5, California Code of Regulations, Section 80025

CL-505P  December, 2016
Updated August 22, 2023