Would you like to learn how to become a substitute teacher in California? In the state of California, substitute teachers must meet certain educational requirements, pass the CBEST reading, writing and math comprehension examination, obtain the proper credentials, obtain certificate of security clearance (which includes fingerprints) and fill out an application for a substitute teaching permit in the state. Some of these steps include processing fees, like the fees for the CBEST test and the fees related to security clearance. In California, a permit to substitute teach is valid for one year from the time it was issued.http://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/CREDS/substitute.html You will find full instructions on how you can become a substitute teacher in the state of California here and all the necessary contact information that you will need along the way.

Substitute teachers are educators hired on a temporary basis. Some choose to become substitute teachers as a stepping stone to becoming a full-time teacher. Others who decide to substitute teach are retired teachers who enjoy the freedom of part-time work. Substitute teachers earn less than certified teachers who work full-time. The main duties of a substitute teacher include managing the classroom, following the lesson plans provided by the teacher and doing any administrative tasks related to maintaining a class (attendance for example). http://www.teacher-world.com/substitute-teacher/california-substitute-teacher.html

The state of California has specific requirements for all substitute teachers. In California, substitute teachers are required to have a Bachelor's degree, take an educational skills test, get fingerprinted and complete an application, which must be filed along with the necessary credentials and documents. Some of these steps have fees attached. After receiving a permit to become a substitute teacher in California, the permit is valid for one full year after the day it was issued.http://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/how-to-apply.html

1. A Bachelor's Degree
2. Completed California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST)
3. LiveScan fingerprint clearance through the Department of Justice
4. Application for Credential Authorizing Public School Service (Application form 41-1)http://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/how-to-apply.html
5. Processing fees

The state of California requires all substitute teachers, who teach the grades Kindergarten through twelfth grade, to have a Bachelor's degree. Substitute teachers do not need to have a degree in the subject they are assigned to teach on a temporary basis. When applying as a substitute teacher in California, you will be required to provide your official transcript.http://www.teacher-world.com/substitute-teacher/california-substitute-teacher.html

Once you have your official college transcript, filled out an application for 41-4, obtained the security credentials (which includes LiveScan fingerprinting) and passed the CBEST test, all of the documents can be sent to:

• State of California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
• Certification, Assignment and Waivers Division
• P.O Box 944270
• Sacramento, California 94244-2700http://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/how-to-apply.html

In order to substitute teach in California, you'll have to take the California Basic Educational Skills test (CBEST). The CBEST is a comprehension test that evaluates reading, writing, and math skills. Test preparation materials can be found on the CBEST website, along with test dates, testing locations and practice tests.http://www.cbest.nesinc.com/CA15_prepare.asp http://www.Cbest.nesinc.com

The fee to take the test is $41 with an additional $64 for those who choose to take the test on a computer.http://www.cbest.nesinc.com/CA15_testfees.asp The three tests are graded on a scale from 20 to 80. The passing score in each section is 41; a total score of 123 must be earned in order to pass.http://www.cbest.nesinc.com/pdfs/CB_ISR_INSERT.pdf

Once the test is passed, you will receive a Permanent Verification card, which should be saved for your records. If you fail a part of the test, you can register to take that section again or take the entire test again. There is no limit on how many times you can retake the test. Proof of a passing grade on the CBEST test is a required document when submitting an application for Credential Authorizing Public School Service (substitute teaching license in California.)http://www.cbest.nesinc.com/pdfs/CB_ISR_INSERT.pdf

In order to become a substitute teacher in the state of California, applicants will need to have security clearance. The California law states that anyone hired to work in a public school must have a criminal background check through fingerprinting done by LiveScan. The fingerprints must then be cleared by the Department of Justice.http://mcoeweb.marin.k12.ca.us/personnel/credentials/livescan.htm

There is a fee for having the fingerprinting done, as well as an additional fee by the DOJ. When submitting an application to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, you will need proof that your fingerprints were taken.http://mcoeweb.marin.k12.ca.us/personnel/credentials/livescan.htmhttp://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/fee-and-fingerprint.html

To apply for a permit, prospective substitute teachers in California have to fill out a Form 41-4 application. When submitting this document, applicants must also provide transcripts, CBEST exam scores, and a copy of a "Request for LiveScan Service" (which proves fingerprints were done).http://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/how-to-apply.html

The first part of the application asks for the applicant's name, social security number, birth date and contact information. The second part relates to which kind of credential is being sought. In this section, check the box for Substitute Permits. The third page of the application relates to criminal background and applicants must check either yes or no to the questions. This form can be downloaded in a PDF file from Ctc.ca.gov, the official website for California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.http://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/leaflets/414.pdf

Congratulations! You've now learned what you need to know in order to start on the path of becoming a substitute teacher in California. Remember to be particular with all the paperwork, exams, and forms throughout the process. Use this as a reference source if you ever get lost or confused about the steps to becoming a substitute teacher. Remember to have everything ready before you start doing anything in the process.