Nevada Substitute Teaching License
A Nevada substitute teaching license requires an applicant to earn a K-12 Special License with a Substitute Endorsement from the Nevada Department of Education. Applicants need at least 60 semester credits, or an associate degree or higher, from a regionally accredited college or university, along with an FBI criminal history background check. Under NAC 391.0897, the license allows unlimited substitute days when filling a contracted teacher’s position, or up to 60 days otherwise.
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The Nevada Department of Education requires all substitute teachers to be licensed. You’ll receive a K-12 Special License with a Substitute Endorsement, and the rules governing it are spelled out in Nevada Administrative Code (NAC) 391.0897.
Education Requirements
You must have at least 60 semester credits, or an associate’s degree or higher, from a regionally accredited college or university, to receive this license.
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Standard vs. Emergency Substitute License
Most applicants apply for the Standard Substitute License described above. Nevada also issues an Emergency Substitute License for rural districts, or non-rural districts during a declared state of emergency, subject to current Nevada emergency regulations, when a school can’t otherwise fill a position. The table below breaks down the differences.
| License Type | Eligibility | Where It’s Valid |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Substitute License | 60 semester credits, or an associate’s degree or higher, from an accredited college or university | Any Nevada school district, Pre-K through grade 12 |
| Emergency Substitute License | High school diploma or equivalent; district must request authorization from the Department of Education | Rural districts and designated rural schools, or non-rural districts during a declared emergency (subject to current Nevada emergency regulations) |
Under NAC 391.0897, a district can hire a substitute for an unlimited number of days if the substitute is filling the position of a licensed teacher who’s under contract. If the position isn’t filled by a contracted, licensed teacher, the substitute is capped at 60 days of service in that role.
Experience
No specific experience is required.
Criminal History Background Check
If you’re applying for a K-12 Special License with a Substitute Endorsement, you must allow the FBI to run a criminal history background check on you. Submit your application through OPAL first, then complete fingerprinting through an approved Nevada Livescan vendor if one is available near you. If Livescan isn’t available, or if you’re applying from outside Nevada, use FBI FD-258 fingerprint cards and mail them with your fingerprint authorization form to the nearest licensure office of the Nevada Department of Education: Northern Office, 700 East Fifth St., Suite 105, Carson City, NV 89701-5096; or Southern Office, 2080 E. Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, NV 89119.
Documents and Application Requirements
To apply for a K-12 Special License with a Substitute Endorsement, submit your application electronically through the OPAL application system. Along with the application, make sure to include:
- Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
- Livescan fingerprint results, or FBI FD-258 fingerprint cards if Livescan isn’t available or you’re applying from outside Nevada
- Fingerprint Authorization Form (Included in the Substitute License Application)
- Child Support Disclosure Form (Included in the Substitute License Application) – must be submitted with all initial applications
Supporting documentation is uploaded and tracked through OPAL. If you need to submit fingerprint cards rather than Livescan results, mail them to the nearest licensing office of the Nevada Department of Education: Northern Office, 700 East Fifth St., Suite 105, Carson City, NV 89701-5096; or Southern Office, 2080 E. Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, NV 89119. Processing typically takes several weeks once the Department of Education receives a complete application.
Contact Information
For more information on special licensing for substitute teachers in Nevada, contact the Licensure Office at 702-486-6458.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a Nevada substitute teaching license?
Processing time varies based on application volume and how quickly your Livescan or fingerprint results and transcripts arrive, and typically runs several weeks from the date the Nevada Department of Education receives a complete application. Submitting all required documents through OPAL at once helps avoid delays.
Do I need teaching experience to become a substitute in Nevada?
No. Nevada doesn’t require prior classroom experience for the Standard Substitute License. You do need at least 60 semester credits, or an associate’s degree or higher, from a regionally accredited college or university.
What’s the difference between the Standard and Emergency Substitute License?
The Standard Substitute License is open to anyone who meets the education requirement and can be used in any Nevada school district. The Emergency Substitute License only requires a high school diploma or equivalent, but it’s limited to rural districts and designated rural schools, or non-rural districts during a declared emergency, subject to current Nevada emergency regulations, and a district must request the authorization.
How many days can a substitute teacher work in Nevada?
Under NAC 391.0897, there’s no day limit if you’re filling the position of a licensed teacher who’s under contract. If the position isn’t filled by a contracted, licensed teacher, the limit is 60 days of service.
Where do I submit my Nevada substitute license application?
Applications and supporting documents go through the OPAL application system electronically. If you need to submit fingerprint cards instead of Livescan results, mail them to either the Northern or Southern licensure office of the Nevada Department of Education.
- The K-12 Special License covers all grade levels — a Substitute Endorsement lets you teach any subject from Pre-K through 12th grade.
- 60 credits or an associate’s degree is the baseline — no bachelor’s degree or teaching experience is required for the Standard Substitute License.
- Livescan is the primary fingerprinting route — fingerprint cards are only needed when Livescan isn’t available or you’re applying from outside Nevada.
- An Emergency Substitute License exists for rural need — it requires only a high school diploma but is limited to rural districts or declared emergencies.
- Day limits depend on the position — unlimited days when covering a contracted teacher under NAC 391.0897, 60 days otherwise.
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