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Submit a Waiver Request

Information and frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the system to submit waivers to the State Board of Education. Information includes FAQs, which data elements are required for submission, and sample Education Code strike-out language.

Gather Data Elements for Completing General, Specific, or Federal Waiver Requests

General Waiver Requests
Guidance for completing General Waiver Requests, including data field definitions for the online application and required documents that must be submitted with the online waiver request.

Specific Waiver Requests
Guidance for completing Specific Waiver Requests, including data field definitions for the online application and required documents that must be submitted with the online waiver request.

Federal Waiver Requests
Guidance for completing Perkins V Waiver Requests, including data field definitions for the online application.

Education Code Strike-Out Language Examples
Samples of Education Code strike-out language for some waivers.


Online Application to Submit a Waiver Request to the State Board of Education

Waiver requests to be heard by the State Board of Education must be submitted online through the Waiver Request System. Please note only a superintendent of a district or county office, Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) Director for special education students, or their designee may apply for a waiver.

Charter schools must have their chartering district submit all General Waiver Requests for the charter school. A charter school may continue to directly submit only federal waivers of the Carl Perkins Act and some specific waivers, such as a waiver of Instruction Time Penalties.

Before starting the online application, be sure to have all the necessary data elements and attachments. The application cannot be saved and returned to at a later date, and must be completed within a two-hour window.

Waiver Request System
Link to the online waiver submission web application.

Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions most commonly asked about waivers to the State Board of Education, the online waiver application, and Waiver Request System.

Other Resources

Waiver Contact Guide
List of topics of waiver requests and the corresponding department staff.

State Board of Education
California’s K-12 policy-making body for academic standards, curriculum, instructional materials, assessments and accountability.


Return to Main Waiver Page

Questions: Waiver Office | waiver@cde.ca.gov | 916-319-0824 
Last Reviewed: Wednesday, July 12, 2023
Related Content
  • Frequently Asked Questions
    Answers to the questions most commonly asked related to the online waiver application for waivers to the State Board of Education.
  • General Waiver Request
    Data field definitions and required attachments for the online waiver application for general waivers.
  • Specific Waiver Request
    Data field definitions and required attachments for the online waiver application for specific waivers.
  • Waivers
    Waiver Process for the California State Board of Education.
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