Substitute Teaching Requirements
School districts vary in their experience requirements for substitute teachers. Contact your local district for their requirements. Substitute teaching experience does not count towards a student teaching practicum or towards the experience requirements necessary to obtain a Provisional or Standard Teaching Certificate.
Substitute K-12 Teaching Certificate
The Substitute K-12 Certificate entitles the holder to substitute in the temporary absence of a regular contract teacher. An individual who holds a valid Arizona Teaching or Administrator certificate shall not be required to hold a Substitute certificate to be employed as a substitute teacher. An individual holding only a Substitute certificate shall not be assigned a contract teaching position and shall be limited to teaching 120 days in the same school each school year. Substitute teaching may not be used to waive the student teaching practicum.
- All requirements for the Substitute Certificate must be met.
- The Certificate is valid for six years and renewable by reapplication.
- Requirements may be subject to change and are fully referenced in the Arizona Revised Statutes and Administrative Code.
- Fees are not refundable.
Substitute K-12 Requirements:
- A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Official transcript(s) required.
- A valid Arizona Department of Public Safety Identity Verified Prints (IVP) fingerprint card (plastic).
To Apply:
- Download, complete and submit the Certification Application Form [PDF] with fee.
- Include or send Official transcript(s) with a Bachelor’s or higher degree posted from an accredited institution.
- Include a copy of your valid IVP fingerprint clearance card.