The law says that a student at least 12 years of age can apply for a work permit.  However, typically jobs are not available for this age group.  Typically employers who hire students require them to be at least 14 years old.  Some even require students to be 16 or 18.  

No. It is solely within the discretion of the school district and school site to determine whether a minor, who is still subject to the state’s compulsory education laws, may obtain a work permit and, therefore, be employed to work.  

Foothill Ranch Middle School and Twin Rivers School District have requirements students must meet in order to be issued a work permit:

Good Attendance-no truancies, excessive lates, tardies, or absences

Good Grades-student should not be failing an classes

Good Behavior-student may not have multiple suspensions or referrals

There are 10 exclusions to work permit requirements for California minors:

• When the minor has graduated from a high school maintaining a four-year course above the eighth grade

• When the minor has as had an equal amount of education in a private school 

• When the minor has been awarded with a certificate of proficiency, better known as the California High School Proficiency Examination (CHSPE) 

• When the minor has been awarded with a certificate of equivalency, better known as the General Educational Development (GED)

• When the minor is employed by parents/guardians in agriculture, horticulture, viticulture, or domestic labor on or in connection with property the parents/guardians owns, operates, or controls 

• When the minor is self-employed 

• When the minor is employed by a governmental agency 

• When the minor receives payment for services or prize money for horseback riding exhibition, contest, or event 

• When the minor is irregularly employed in odd jobs in private homes, such as baby-sitting, lawn mowing, and leaf raking 

• When the minor is an unpaid-trainee, volunteer, or non-paid student 

1. The minor/student, after obtaining a promise of employment, shall obtain the "Statement of Intent to Employ a Minor and Request for a Work Permit - Certificate of Age" (CDE Form B1-1) from the school.

2. The minor must complete the "minor" section, request that the employer and parent complete their sections (making certain to obtain both required signatures), and then return the completed form to the appropriate school authority.

3. The school’s authorized work permit issuer shall verify all information on the work permit to be issued. If all requirements are met, the authorized work permit issuer may issue the work permit (CDE Form B1-4).

4. The local school district or school has discretion to impose additional requirements for the issuance of a work permit. For instance, the school district may have a policy requiring the minor to maintain a 2.0 grade point average (GPA). In such a case, the work permit issuer would need to verify the student’s GPA.

Yes. A work permit is required for minors employed regardless of relationship. However a work permit is not required when the parent or guardian is disciplining or training their child in the family business and financial pay is not received.

Exemptions are allowed for agricultural or domestic work performed on land that is owned, operated, or controlled by the parents.