Arizona Substitute Teaching Certificate
To become a substitute teacher in Arizona, you need a bachelor’s degree in any subject and a Substitute Teaching Certificate from the Arizona Department of Education. The process requires an IVP fingerprint clearance card, a completed application, and official transcripts. The certificate costs $60, has a processing time that varies by application volume, and stays valid for six years.
The Arizona Department of Education issues Substitute Teaching Certificates to qualified applicants. Holders of a Substitute Teaching Certificate may only work for 120 days in the same school each school year and may not accept a contract teaching position in Arizona.
Arizona Substitute Teaching Certificate Requirements
Education Requirements
You must have a bachelor’s degree in any subject to receive a Substitute Teaching Certificate. Arizona doesn’t require an education-specific degree or any additional coursework for this certificate, which sets it apart from a Provisional or Standard Teaching Certificate.
Experience
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.
Criminal History Background Check
Arizona requires all applicants for teaching certification to submit to a criminal background check, which includes fingerprinting. Apply for an Identity Verified Prints (IVP) Fingerprint Clearance Card through the Arizona Department of Public Safety. You must submit a copy of your valid IVP card with your Application for Certification.
How to Apply for the Certificate
Once you have your IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card and official transcripts, you’re ready to submit your application. Processing times vary depending on application volume.
The application fee is $60. Apply through the ADE Educator Portal, or follow ADE’s current application instructions for your certificate. If you want to learn how to earn a professional teaching certification instead, schools offering teaching certification programs in Arizona can walk you through that path.
Certificate Renewal and Validity
Substitute Teaching Certificates are valid for six years and are renewable. File the Application to Renew a Substitute or JROTC Certificate to do so.
Once you have a Substitute Teaching Certificate, apply at your local school district to become a substitute. Some districts may allow you to choose the school and/or grade level in which you substitute teach. A listing of all Arizona public school districts can be found here.
Deadlines and Contact Information
Application deadlines for substitute teachers vary from one school district to the next. Contact your local school district for their deadlines. If you have any questions about obtaining the Arizona Substitute Teaching Certificate, contact the Arizona Department of Education-Certification Unit at (602) 542-4367.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Arizona substitute teaching certificate cost?
The application fee for a Substitute Teaching Certificate is $60. This covers processing by the Arizona Department of Education and does not include the separate fee for your IVP fingerprint card.
How long does it take to get a substitute teaching certificate in Arizona?
Processing time varies depending on application volume. Submitting a complete application, with transcripts and a valid IVP fingerprint card, is the best way to avoid added delays.
How many days can a substitute teacher work in the same Arizona school?
Substitute Teaching Certificate holders may work up to 120 days in the same school in a single school year. Contact your local district directly to confirm current limits, since district policies can add restrictions.
Do Arizona substitute teachers need to pass a certification exam?
No. Arizona doesn’t require substitute teachers to pass any certification exam. The Substitute Teaching Certificate only requires a bachelor’s degree, a background check, and a completed application. If you eventually want a full teaching credential, Arizona’s alternative path to teacher certification lets you start teaching sooner while finishing coursework requirements.
Can I renew my Arizona substitute teaching certificate?
Yes. Substitute Teaching Certificates are valid for six years and can be renewed by filing the Application to Renew a Substitute or JROTC Certificate with the Arizona Department of Education.
- A bachelor’s degree is the only education requirement. Arizona doesn’t require an education-specific degree, coursework, or a certification exam for the Substitute Teaching Certificate.
- The IVP fingerprint clearance card comes first. You need this before your application to the Arizona Department of Education can move forward.
- The certificate costs $60, and processing time varies. Budget both the fee and some flexibility for processing volume into your timeline.
- The certificate is valid for six years. Renew it through the Application to Renew a Substitute or JROTC Certificate.
- Substitute experience doesn’t count toward a Provisional or Standard certificate. Student teaching and supervised experience requirements are separate.
Find accredited teacher certification programs in Arizona, including application requirements and licensing timelines for your certification path.
