---
title: Substitute Teacher Requirements | Swing Education
description: Looking for substitute teacher requirements? Check out our comprehensive overview to see what you need to do to become a substitute teacher.
image: https://start.swingeducation.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_455006497.jpeg
---

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# Requirements for becoming a substitute teacher

## Introduction

If you are looking for part-time work that gives back to your community, you may be interested in becoming a substitute teacher. But where to start? Each state (and sometimes city or even school district) has different substitute teacher requirements, and it can be challenging to understand exactly what you need to do to become a substitute teacher.

At Swing, we’re dedicated to making the process of becoming a substitute teacher easier. We currently operate in Arizona, California, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Texas, and Washington, D.C. and we’ve created a comprehensive overview of the substitute teacher requirements in each of these states. We will continue to update this page as we work with new states, so check back if you are interested in becoming a substitute teacher in a state that’s not currently listed.

Ready to substitute teach with Swing? You can [get started here](https://swingeducation.com/for-subs/?utm_campaign=Both-Inbound-Website&utm_source=inbound-traffic-website&utm_medium=homepage-hero&utm_term=teach-as-a-sub-button).

## [Chapter 1 Requirements for becoming a substitute teacher in Arizona View Chapter 1](https://start.swingeducation.com/substitute-teacher-requirements#chapter-1)

## [Chapter 2 Requirements for becoming a substitute teacher in California View Chapter 2](https://start.swingeducation.com/substitute-teacher-requirements#chapter-2)

## [Chapter 3 Requirements for becoming a substitute teacher in Illinois View Chapter 3](https://start.swingeducation.com/substitute-teacher-requirements#chapter-3)

## [Chapter 4 Requirements for becoming a substitute teacher in New Jersey View Chapter 4](https://start.swingeducation.com/substitute-teacher-requirements#chapter-4)

## [Chapter 5 Requirements for becoming a substitute teacher in New York View Chapter 5](https://start.swingeducation.com/substitute-teacher-requirements#chapter-5)

## [Chapter 6 Requirements for becoming a substitute teacher in Texas View Chapter 6](https://start.swingeducation.com/substitute-teacher-requirements#chapter-6)

## [Chapter 7 Requirements for becoming a substitute teacher in Washington D.C. View Chapter 7](https://start.swingeducation.com/substitute-teacher-requirements#chapter-7)

- [Chapter 1](https://start.swingeducation.com/substitute-teacher-requirements#chapter-1)
- [Chapter 2](https://start.swingeducation.com/substitute-teacher-requirements#chapter-2)
- [Chapter 3](https://start.swingeducation.com/substitute-teacher-requirements#chapter-3)
- [Chapter 4](https://start.swingeducation.com/substitute-teacher-requirements#chapter-4)
- [Chapter 5](https://start.swingeducation.com/substitute-teacher-requirements#chapter-5)
- [Chapter 6](https://start.swingeducation.com/substitute-teacher-requirements#chapter-6)
- [Chapter 7](https://start.swingeducation.com/substitute-teacher-requirements#chapter-7)
- <https://start.swingeducation.com/substitute-teacher-requirements#offerForm>

![Chapter_1_Arizona](https://start.swingeducation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Pillar%20Page%20-%20Images/Chapter_1_Arizona.jpg?width=1920&name=Chapter_1_Arizona.jpg)

Chapter 1

## Requirements for becoming a substitute teacher in Arizona

Substitute teachers are in high demand in Arizona, with [nearly every district in the state](https://cronkitenews.azpbs.org/2022/03/04/substitute-teachers-high-demand-amid-pandemic-teacher-shortage/) reporting unfilled teacher vacancies. If you are considering becoming a substitute teacher, now is the perfect time to enter the profession. You’ll have rich opportunities to grow your skills in the classroom and make a difference in the lives of students in need.

Arizona has a relatively easy path to earning your substitute teaching certification. In fact, the state does not have any additional testing requirements.

Here are the requirements for becoming a substitute teacher in Arizona:

- A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution,
- A fingerprint-based FBI/DOJ background check, and
- An application for certification

To apply for certification, you'll need to:

- Pay a $60 processing fee,
- Provide a photocopy of your fingerprint clearance card, and
- Provide your official transcripts.

If you are looking for more in-depth information on the requirements and steps for becoming a substitute teacher in Arizona, check out our [Complete Guide](https://swingeducation.com/sub-success-blog/the-complete-guide-to-becoming-a-substitute-teacher-in-arizona/). 

### Resources

[![Arizona_450x300](https://start.swingeducation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Pillar%20Page%20-%20Images/Arizona_450x300.png?width=450&length=450&name=Arizona_450x300.png)](https://start.swingeducation.com/complete-guide-to-becoming-a-substitute-in-arizona)

#### The Complete Guide to becoming a substitute teacher in Arizona

[Read More](https://start.swingeducation.com/complete-guide-to-becoming-a-substitute-in-arizona)

[![Better_Sub_With_Swing_450x300](https://start.swingeducation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Pillar%20Page%20-%20Images/Better_Sub_With_Swing_450x300.jpg?width=450&length=450&name=Better_Sub_With_Swing_450x300.jpg)](https://swingeducation.com/sub-success-blog/why-its-better-to-sub-with-swing/)

#### Why it's better to substitute teach with Swing

[Read More](https://swingeducation.com/sub-success-blog/why-its-better-to-sub-with-swing/)

![Chapter_2_California](https://start.swingeducation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Pillar%20Page%20-%20Images/Chapter_2_California.jpg?width=1920&name=Chapter_2_California.jpg)

Chapter 2

## Requirements for becoming a substitute teacher in California

If you are interested in becoming a substitute teacher in California, you are pursuing a meaningful and rewarding career and can expect to be well compensated for your work. Substitutes in California earn an average of $20-$31 per hour and, at some schools, can earn up to $316 per day.

To substitute teach in California, you’ll likely want to get your substitute teaching permit. While not all substitute teaching roles require a permit, those with credentials have access to more positions (and higher pay!).

Here are the requirements for becoming a substitute teacher in California:

- A bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution,
- A fingerprint-based FBI/DOJ background check,
- Proof of a negative tuberculosis scan, and
- A substitute or full-time teaching credential (optional, but highly beneficial).

To earn your substitute teaching credential, you’ll need to:

- Pass a basic skills test (requirement currently waived through July 1, 2024),
- Pay the $100 processing fee, and
- Obtain an additional Live Scan fingerprint background check.

If you are looking for more in-depth information on the requirements and steps for becoming a substitute teacher in California, check out our [Complete Guide](https://swingeducation.com/sub-success-blog/the-complete-guide-to-becoming-a-substitute-teacher-in-california/).

### Resources

[![California_450x300](https://start.swingeducation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Pillar%20Page%20-%20Images/California_450x300.png?width=450&length=450&name=California_450x300.png)](https://start.swingeducation.com/complete-guide-to-becoming-a-substitute-in-california)

#### The Complete Guide to becoming a substitute teacher in California

[Read More](https://start.swingeducation.com/complete-guide-to-becoming-a-substitute-in-california)

[![First_day_sub_450x300](https://start.swingeducation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Pillar%20Page%20-%20Images/First_day_sub_450x300.jpg?width=450&length=450&name=First_day_sub_450x300.jpg)](https://swingeducation.com/sub-success-blog/what-to-do-on-your-first-day-as-a-substitue-teacher/)

#### What to do on your first day as a substitute teacher

[Read More](https://swingeducation.com/sub-success-blog/what-to-do-on-your-first-day-as-a-substitue-teacher/)

![Chapter_3_Illinois](https://start.swingeducation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Pillar%20Page%20-%20Images/Chapter_3_Illinois.jpg?width=1920&name=Chapter_3_Illinois.jpg)

Chapter 3

## Requirements for becoming a substitute teacher in Illinois

Substitute teaching is a great job for aspiring teachers, part-time job seekers, and retired teachers or educational professionals who want to continue to make an impact in the classroom. As a substitute teacher in Illinois, you’ll have flexible part-time work while giving back to your community.

It’s also a great time to become a substitute teacher in Illinois because [Chicago Public Schools](https://swingeducation.com/school-insights/how-chicago-public-schools-is-solving-the-substitute-teacher-shortage/) has taken an innovative approach to incentivizing substitute teachers and improving the experience of being a substitute.

Here are the requirements for becoming a substitute teacher in Illinois:

- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution,
- A fingerprint-based FBI background check, 
- Proof of a negative tuberculosis scan and drug test (depends on district), and
- A substitute teaching license or a Professional Educator License (PEL).

To earn your [substitute teaching license or a Professional Educator License (PEL)](https://www.isbe.net/Pages/Educator-Licensure-Application.aspx?_cltk=9erqcr&rx_duplicates_3321_???_pageview=1678306917523), you’ll need to:

- Apply for a Substitute License in the Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS),
- Pay the $50 application fee, and
- Have your regionally accredited institution send your official transcripts to the Illinois State Board of Education.

If you are looking for more in-depth information on the requirements and steps for becoming a substitute teacher in Illinois, check out our [Complete Guide](https://swingeducation.com/school-insights/how-chicago-public-schools-is-solving-the-substitute-teacher-shortage/).

### Resources

[![Illinois_450x300](https://start.swingeducation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Pillar%20Page%20-%20Images/Illinois_450x300.png?width=450&length=450&name=Illinois_450x300.png)](https://start.swingeducation.com/complete-guide-to-becoming-a-substitute-in-illinois)

#### The Complete Guide to becoming a substitute teacher in Illinois

[Read More](https://start.swingeducation.com/complete-guide-to-becoming-a-substitute-in-illinois)

[![Freedom_Subbing_450x300](https://start.swingeducation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Pillar%20Page%20-%20Images/Freedom_Subbing_450x300.png?width=450&length=450&name=Freedom_Subbing_450x300.png)](https://swingeducation.com/sub-success-blog/how-i-found-freedom-in-substitute-teaching/)

#### How I found freedom in substitute teaching

[Read More](https://swingeducation.com/sub-success-blog/how-i-found-freedom-in-substitute-teaching/)

![Chapter_4_New_Jersey](https://start.swingeducation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Pillar%20Page%20-%20Images/Chapter_4_New_Jersey.jpg?width=1920&name=Chapter_4_New_Jersey.jpg)

Chapter 4

## Requirements for becoming a substitute teacher in New Jersey

Whether you have recently earned your degree, are reentering the workforce after some time off, or are ready for a change from a decades-long career, exploring how to become a substitute teacher in New Jersey may be a natural next step for you.

There are a few different paths to substitute teaching in New Jersey. The most straightforward one is to obtain your substitute credential, which allows you to work as a substitute for 20 instructional days per school year.

Here are the requirements for becoming a substitute teacher in New Jersey:

- Required: Associate's or Bachelor's degree or higher, unless holding the NJ 60 or 30 Credit Instructional Substitute Credential.
- A fingerprint-based FBI/DOJ background check,
- Proof of a negative tuberculosis scan, and
- A substitute credential.

To earn your substitute credential, you’ll need to:

- Seek and obtain a sponsor school district or organization (like Swing!) for criminal history record clearance,
- Complete a criminal history record check process, and
- Apply for the substitute credential online.

If you are looking for more in-depth information on the requirements and steps for becoming a substitute teacher in New Jersey, check out our [Complete Guide](https://swingeducation.com/sub-success-blog/the-complete-guide-to-becoming-a-substitute-teacher-in-new-jersey/).

### Resources

[![New_Jersey_450x300 (1)](https://start.swingeducation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Pillar%20Page%20-%20Images/New_Jersey_450x300%20(1).png?width=450&length=450&name=New_Jersey_450x300%20(1).png)](https://start.swingeducation.com/complete-guide-to-becoming-a-substitute-in-new-jersey)

#### The Complete Guide to becoming a substitute teacher in New Jersey

[Read More](https://start.swingeducation.com/complete-guide-to-becoming-a-substitute-in-new-jersey)

[![Good_Notes_450x300](https://start.swingeducation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Pillar%20Page%20-%20Images/Good_Notes_450x300.png?width=450&length=450&name=Good_Notes_450x300.png)](https://swingeducation.com/sub-success-blog/how-to-leave-good-substitute-notes/)

#### How to leave good substitute notes

[Read More](https://swingeducation.com/sub-success-blog/how-to-leave-good-substitute-notes/)

![Chapter_5_New_York](https://start.swingeducation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Pillar%20Page%20-%20Images/Chapter_5_New_York.jpg?width=1920&name=Chapter_5_New_York.jpg)

Chapter 5

## Requirements for becoming a substitute teacher in New York

Substitute teaching in New York is a rewarding and flexible way to develop your career on your terms. New York state does not offer a specific substitute teacher permit, and a teaching certificate is not required to become a substitute teacher.

That being said, there are advantages to subbing with a certificate. For instance, without one, you are limited to working 40 days in a given school year. If you are working towards your certification at a rate of at least six semester hours per year, you can also teach in any capacity, for any number of days.

Here are the requirements for becoming a substitute teacher in New York:

- An online nomination by a school Principal
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- A fingerprint-based FBI/DOJ background check
- Proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking the English language

You can find more information about getting your full-time teaching certification in New York from the [New York State Education Department.](https://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/certificate/certprocess.html)

If you are looking for more in-depth information on the requirements and steps for becoming a substitute teacher in New York, check out our [Complete Guide](https://swingeducation.com/sub-success-blog/complete-guide-becoming-substitute-teacher-new-york/).

### Resources

[![New_York_450x300](https://start.swingeducation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Pillar%20Page%20-%20Images/New_York_450x300.png?width=450&length=450&name=New_York_450x300.png)](https://start.swingeducation.com/complete-guide-to-becoming-a-substitute-teacher-in-new-york)

#### The Complete Guide to becoming a substitute teacher in New York

[Read More](https://start.swingeducation.com/complete-guide-to-becoming-a-substitute-teacher-in-new-york)

[![Full_Time_Teacher_450x300](https://start.swingeducation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Pillar%20Page%20-%20Images/Full_Time_Teacher_450x300.png?width=450&length=450&name=Full_Time_Teacher_450x300.png)](https://swingeducation.com/sub-success-blog/how-substitute-teaching-is-helping-me-become-a-full-time-teacher/)

#### How substitute teaching is helping me become a full time teacher

[Read More](https://swingeducation.com/sub-success-blog/how-substitute-teaching-is-helping-me-become-a-full-time-teacher/)

![Chapter_6_Texas](https://start.swingeducation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Pillar%20Page%20-%20Images/Chapter_6_Texas.jpg?width=1920&name=Chapter_6_Texas.jpg)

Chapter 6

## Requirements for becoming a substitute teacher in Texas

Becoming a substitute teacher in Texas can fit in people’s lives in a myriad of ways. It’s a natural next step for budding educators who have completed their student-teaching assignments; it’s a great transition into the workforce for those who have recently graduated or have taken time off; it’s the perfect option for anyone looking to broaden professional skills or pivot to an encore career.

To substitute teach in Texas, you do not need a specific substitute credential. While some school districts post jobs that do require a permit, you can typically work as a substitute teacher (sometimes called an “associate teacher”) without one.

Here are the requirements for becoming a substitute teacher in Texas:

- A high school diploma or GED (depends on the district), or
- 60+ college credit hours (depends on the district), or
- 90+ college credit hours with a minimum 2.5 GPA (depends on the district), and
- A fingerprint-based FBI/DOJ background check
- To complete a substitute orientation or one-day training course

If you are looking for more in-depth information on the requirements and steps for becoming a substitute teacher in Texas, check out our [Complete Guide.](https://swingeducation.com/sub-success-blog/the-complete-guide-to-becoming-a-substitute-teacher-in-texas/)

### Resources

[![Texas_450x300](https://start.swingeducation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Pillar%20Page%20-%20Images/Texas_450x300.png?width=450&length=450&name=Texas_450x300.png)](https://start.swingeducation.com/complete-guide-to-becoming-a-substitute-in-texas)

#### The Complete Guide to becoming a substitute teacher in Texas

[Read More](https://start.swingeducation.com/complete-guide-to-becoming-a-substitute-in-texas)

[![5_Teaching_Tips_450x300](https://start.swingeducation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Pillar%20Page%20-%20Images/5_Teaching_Tips_450x300.png?width=450&length=450&name=5_Teaching_Tips_450x300.png)](https://swingeducation.com/sub-success-blog/5-teaching-tips-for-the-first-10-minutes-of-class/)

#### 5 teaching tips for the first 10 minutes of class

[Read More](https://swingeducation.com/sub-success-blog/5-teaching-tips-for-the-first-10-minutes-of-class/)

![Chapter_7_Washington_DC](https://start.swingeducation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Pillar%20Page%20-%20Images/Chapter_7_Washington_DC.jpg?width=1920&name=Chapter_7_Washington_DC.jpg)

Chapter 7

## Requirements for becoming a substitute teacher in Washington D.C.

As a substitute teacher in Washington D.C., you have the opportunity to gain experience in the workforce, hone your teaching skills, and supplement your income. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the median substitute teacher wage in Washington D.C. is $38,410, or about $140 per day.

To substitute teach in Washington D.C., you do not need a specific substitute teacher permit, and a teaching certificate is also not required.

Here are the requirements for becoming a substitute teacher in Washington, D.C.:

- 60 credit hours or more in lieu of a conferred degree,
- 1-2 years’ experience working with students in a classroom setting, or
- Experience as a retired teacher in DCPS and other U.S. school districts, or
- A professional reference letter if you have less than 1 year work experience,
- A fingerprint-based FBI/DOJ background check, and
- An application to substitute teach.

If you are looking for more in-depth information on the requirements and steps for becoming a substitute teacher in Washington, D.C., check out our [Complete Guide](https://swingeducation.com/sub-success-blog/complete-guide-becoming-substitute-teacher-washington-dc/).

### Resources

[![Washington DC_450x300](https://start.swingeducation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Pillar%20Page%20-%20Images/Washington%20DC_450x300.png?width=450&length=450&name=Washington%20DC_450x300.png)](https://start.swingeducation.com/complete-guide-to-becoming-a-substitute-in-washington-dc)

#### The Complete Guide to becoming a substitute teacher in Washington, D.C.

[Read More](https://start.swingeducation.com/complete-guide-to-becoming-a-substitute-in-washington-dc)

[![50_Activities_450x300](https://start.swingeducation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Pillar%20Page%20-%20Images/50_Activities_450x300.png?width=450&length=450&name=50_Activities_450x300.png)](https://swingeducation.com/sub-success-blog/50-quick-activities-for-when-sub-lessons-run-short/)

#### 50 quick activities for when sub lessons run short

[Read More](https://swingeducation.com/sub-success-blog/50-quick-activities-for-when-sub-lessons-run-short/)

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