What You Need to Know Before You Start
A substitute teaching license lets you teach in public schools when the regular teacher is absent. The path to getting one depends entirely on which state you live in — there is no single national license. Some states issue a substitute license that stands on its own; others require you to hold a full teaching license first. A few states let you teach as a substitute with just a high school diploma and a background check, while others demand a bachelor's degree and passing scores on state exams.
The fastest route is usually to contact your state's Department of Education directly, because they control which documents you need and how long processing takes. Your local school district can also tell you what their specific requirements are, since districts sometimes add their own rules on top of state requirements. Most people can move through the process in four to twelve weeks, but this depends on how quickly you gather documents and how backed up your state's licensing office is.
Key Takeaways
- Requirements vary by state — some need only a high school diploma and background check, while others require a bachelor's degree and passing exam scores.
- Contact your state's Department of Education first to learn the exact documents and fees you need, since they set the baseline requirements.
- Your local school district may have additional requirements beyond what the state mandates, so check with them before you submit anything.
- A background check is required in every state and typically takes two to four weeks to clear.
- Once licensed, you will register with your district's substitute teacher pool and wait for schools to call you for assignments.
Find Your State's Specific Requirements
Start by visiting your state's Department of Education website and searching for "substitute teacher license" or "substitute teaching credential." The site will list what documents you must submit, what exams you must pass (if any), and the process fee. Write down the exact title of the license your state issues — it might be called a "substitute teaching license," a "substitute teacher certificate," or something else entirely.
If you cannot find the information online, call the Department of Education's licensing division directly. Have a pen ready and ask: What documents do I need? What exams must I pass? What is the fee? How long does processing take? Are there any restrictions on how many days per year I can substitute? This one call often saves you weeks of guessing.
While you have the state office on the line, ask whether your state allows you to substitute with a high school diploma alone, or whether you must have a bachelor's degree. This answer determines whether you can start when ready or whether you need to finish college first.
Gather the Documents Your State Requires
Every state requires a background check, which is the longest part of the process. You will need to submit fingerprints, usually through a service your state's Department of Education recommends. Some states use LiveScan fingerprinting (a digital scan at a police station or authorized vendor), while others accept ink fingerprints on a paper form. The background check typically takes two to four weeks, but can take longer if there are delays in processing.
Beyond the background check, most states require a high school diploma or GED, proof of a bachelor's degree (if your state mandates one), and a valid photo ID. Some states also require you to pass a subject-matter exam or a general knowledge test — your state's website will specify which one. If an exam is required, you will need to register for it separately, often through a testing company like Pearson or ETS.
Gather these documents now: your Social Security number, a valid driver's license or passport, your high school diploma or GED certificate, and your bachelor's degree diploma (if required). If you have lived in multiple states, you may need to submit additional background checks for each state where you have lived in the past five to seven years — your state's process will tell you.
Complete Your State's process
Once you have your documents ready, submit your process through your state's Department of Education website or by mail, depending on what your state accepts. The process itself is usually straightforward — name, address, Social Security number, education history, and a declaration that you have no disqualifying criminal convictions. Some states let you submit everything online; others require you to print, sign, and mail the forms.
Include a check or money order for the process fee, which typically ranges from $50 to $200 depending on your state. Some states accept credit card payments online, which speeds up processing. Keep a copy of everything you submit, and note the date you mailed it or the confirmation number if you submitted online.
After you submit, your state's Department of Education will send you a confirmation email or letter with a case number. Use this number to check the status of your process online, if your state offers that service. If you do not hear anything within two weeks, call the licensing office and confirm they received your process.
Pass Any Required Exams
If your state requires an exam, you will register for it separately through the testing company your state uses. The most common exams are the Praxis Core (a general knowledge test covering reading, writing, and math) and subject-specific Praxis exams if you want to substitute in a particular subject. Some states use different exams entirely — your state's Department of Education will tell you which one you need and where to register.
Register for the exam as soon as you know it is required, because test dates fill up and you may have to wait weeks for an opening. Most exams cost $100 to $150. You will take the test at a testing center, usually in your city or a nearby town. Scores are typically available within two to four weeks.
If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can retake the exam. There is usually a waiting period of a few days to a few weeks before you can test again, depending on the testing company. Your state's Department of Education will tell you the passing score you need.
Wait for Your License and Register With Your District
Once your background check clears and any required exams are passed, your state will issue your substitute teaching license. This usually arrives as a physical certificate in the mail, though some states now issue digital licenses you can read. The entire process from process to license typically takes four to twelve weeks, depending on how quickly the background check processes.
As soon as you receive your license, contact your local school district's human resources or substitute teacher coordinator and ask how to register. Most districts have you fill out a form, provide a copy of your license, and sometimes attend a brief orientation. Once you are registered, the district will add you to their substitute teacher pool, and schools will begin calling you for assignments.
Your license is usually valid for a set period — often three to five years — after which you will need to renew it. Your state will send you a renewal notice before it expires. Renewals are usually simpler than the initial license and may not require another background check, depending on your state.
Understand Restrictions and Next Steps
Some states limit how many consecutive days you can substitute in the same classroom or how many total days per school year you can work as a substitute. A few states require you to complete professional development hours or take additional courses to renew your license. Check your state's rules so you understand these limits before you start accepting assignments.
If you plan to become a full-time teacher, your substitute license is a good first step. Many teachers use substitute work to get classroom experience and build relationships with schools before pursuing a full teaching license. However, a substitute license does not count toward a full teaching license in most states — you will still need to complete a teacher preparation program and pass additional exams if you want to teach permanently.
Once you are licensed and registered with your district, you can expect to receive calls from schools needing substitutes. The frequency of calls depends on your district's size and how many substitutes are available. Some substitutes work several days a week; others work only a few days a month. You can usually accept or decline assignments based on your availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a bachelor's degree to substitute teach?
It depends on your state. Some states require only a high school diploma and a background check. Others require a bachelor's degree in any field. A few require a bachelor's degree in education or a subject you want to teach. Check your state's Department of Education website to find out what applies to you.
Can I substitute teach while I am still in college?
Many states allow you to substitute with a high school diploma or while you are enrolled in a bachelor's degree program. However, some states require the degree to be completed before you can be licensed. Contact your state's Department of Education to confirm whether you can start before graduation.
What happens if I fail the required exam?
You can retake the exam after a waiting period, usually a few days to a few weeks. There is typically a fee each time you test. Most people pass on their second or third attempt. Your state's Department of Education can tell you the passing score and how many times you can retake the exam.
How long does the background check take?
Background checks typically take two to four weeks, but can take longer if there are delays in fingerprint processing or if you have lived in multiple states. Some states process faster than others. You can usually check the status online using your case number.
Can I substitute in multiple school districts?
Once you have your state license, you can register with multiple districts in your state. However, you will need to register separately with each district and may need to complete their own background check or orientation. Some districts share substitute pools, so registering with one automatically includes you in others.