California Emergency Teacher Certification Requirements

California’s public schools are facing ongoing teacher shortages—especially in special education, STEM subjects, bilingual classrooms, and high-need districts. To keep classrooms staffed, the state allows school districts to hire qualified individuals before they complete a full teaching credential through emergency pathways.

That’s where California emergency teacher certification requirements come in.

An emergency teaching credential in California allows eligible candidates to teach legally while they work toward full certification. These permits are not permanent credentials, but they offer a fast-track entry into the classroom for career changers, recent graduates, substitutes, and out-of-state educators.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or short on time, don’t worry—this article breaks everything down clearly and step by step.

What Is an Emergency Teacher Certification in California?

An emergency teacher certification is a temporary teaching permit issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) that allows individuals to teach without a full credential when a school district cannot find a fully credentialed teacher.

Key characteristics:

• Issued only at the request of a school district

• Temporary and non-renewable beyond specific limits

• Intended to address immediate staffing shortages

• Requires progress toward full certification

Emergency Permit vs Full Credential

Emergency Permit	Full Credential
Temporary	Permanent (with renewal cycles)
District-sponsored	Individually earned
Limited years	Long-term career credential
Fewer requirements upfront	Full preparation program required

Types of Emergency Teaching Permits in California

California does not issue a single “emergency credential.” Instead, several emergency and temporary permits exist, each with specific use cases.

Provisional Internship Permit (PIP)

Who it’s for:

• Candidates enrolled in or admitted to a teacher preparation program

• Individuals hired when no credentialed teacher is available

Key details:

• Valid for one year

• Can be renewed once

• Requires enrollment in a credential program

• District must show recruitment efforts

Short-Term Staff Permit (STSP)

Who it’s for:

• Candidates still completing subject-matter requirements

Key details:

• Valid for one year

• Limited to the specific subject area

• Typically non-renewable beyond one year

• Often used in severe shortage areas

Emergency Substitute Teaching Permit

Who it’s for:

• Substitute teachers covering daily or long-term assignments

Key details:

• Daily substitutes: up to 30 days per assignment

• Long-term substitutes: extended service with district approval

• Districts set assignment limits

California Emergency Teacher Certification Requirements

This is the most important section—here’s what you must meet before a district can request an emergency permit on your behalf.

Educational Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required

• Degree must be from an accredited institution

• No specific major required, though subject relevance helps

• Foreign degrees must be evaluated for equivalency

Basic Skills Requirement

Most emergency permits require proof of basic skills proficiency.

Common options include:

• CBEST (California Basic Educational Skills Test)

• Approved SAT/ACT/AP score combinations

• College coursework waivers (in some cases)

Exemptions may apply depending on the permit type and district needs.

Background Check & Fingerprinting

All applicants must complete:

• Live Scan fingerprinting

• DOJ and FBI background clearance

• Clearance must be on file with the CTC

Delays in fingerprinting are one of the most common application slowdowns.

District Sponsorship Requirement

You cannot apply on your own.

• A California school district must offer you a position

• The district submits the emergency permit application

• The CTC reviews and issues the credential

Who Qualifies for Emergency Teacher Certification in California?

Emergency permits are designed for flexibility. Common qualifying profiles include:

• Career changers with bachelor’s degrees

• Recent college graduates

• Long-term substitute teachers

• Out-of-state credentialed teachers

• Professionals with subject-matter expertise

• Non-education majors entering teaching

How to Apply for an Emergency Teaching Credential in California

Here’s the typical process from start to finish:

1. Secure a teaching position with a California school district

2. Complete Live Scan fingerprinting

3. Meet the basic skills requirement (CBEST or alternative)

4. District submits application to the CTC

5. Pay applicable fees

6. Wait for credential issuance

Processing times vary but usually range from 2–6 weeks, depending on clearance status.

How Long Does an Emergency Teaching Credential Last?

• Most emergency permits are valid for one year

• Some can be renewed once, others cannot

• Maximum time teaching under emergency permits is usually 2–3 years

• Progress toward full certification is required

If the permit expires and requirements aren’t met, teaching eligibility ends.

Can You Teach in California Without a Credential?

Technically, no one teaches “without a credential” in California.

Emergency permits:

• Are still legal teaching credentials

• Allow temporary service

• Come with limitations on duration and assignments

Teaching without any permit or credential is not allowed under California education code.

Does an Emergency Credential Lead to Full Teacher Certification?

Yes—but only if you take the right steps.

Common pathways include:

• District Intern Programs

• University-based teacher preparation programs

• Subject-matter competency completion

• Passing required exams

Emergency permits are meant as a bridge, not a destination.

Cost of Emergency Teacher Certification in California

Typical costs include:

• CTC application fee (varies by permit type)

• Live Scan fingerprinting fees

• CBEST or exam fees (if required)

• Transcript or evaluation fees

Some districts cover part or all of these costs, especially in shortage areas.

Emergency Credential vs Intern Credential vs Full Credential

Feature	Emergency Permit	Intern Credential	Full Credential
Entry speed	Fast	Moderate	Longest
Validity	1 year	Up to 2 years	5 years
Prep program	In progress	Required	Completed
Career stability	Temporary	Transitional	Long-term
Salary impact	Varies	Higher	Highest

Subjects and Areas with Teacher Shortages in California

Emergency permits are most common in:

• Special education

• Math and science

• Bilingual and ESL education

• Rural and high-need districts

• Career technical education (CTE)

FAQs About California Emergency Teacher Certification

Is CBEST required for emergency teaching credentials?
In most cases, yes—but approved alternatives may apply.

Can emergency credentials be renewed?
Some can be renewed once; others are strictly one-year permits.

Can substitutes get emergency permits?
Yes, especially for long-term substitute roles.

Can out-of-state teachers qualify?
Yes, particularly if they hold equivalent credentials or experience.

Is emergency teaching credential available in 2025?
Yes. California continues to issue emergency permits due to ongoing shortages.

Conclusion: Is Emergency Teacher Certification Right for You?

If you have a bachelor’s degree, meet basic skills requirements, and can secure district sponsorship, an emergency permit can be a powerful entry point into California teaching—especially if you plan to earn a full credential.

It’s not a shortcut forever, but it is a legitimate, state-approved pathway that helps schools and aspiring educators meet in the middle.

Your next step?
Explore intern programs, preparation pathways, and exam requirements so your emergency credential becomes the start of a sustainable teaching career, not a dead end.