Education & Care

How to become a Substitute Teacher

From no experience: every step, how long it takes, and the credential it earns.

Time to get there

1–3 months

Typical pay

$30k–$42k

Starting from

No experience

The steps

1. 1

   Check your state's minimum

   Some require a bachelor's, many accept an associate or 60 college credits.

   varies

2. 2

   Apply for a substitute permit

   Issued by the state or district, with fingerprinting.

   4–8 weeksSubstitute teaching permit

3. 3

   Register with districts

   Sign up with several — availability is how you build steady work.

   2–4 weeks

   Course that covers thisTeaching Assistant with Special Education & Phonics CourseUdemy · around $24.99 →
4. 4

   Use it as a route to licensure

   Many districts fund alternative certification for reliable subs.

   1–3 years

Course links are Udemy affiliate links — we earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you. Licences and exams named above are issued by state boards and certifying bodies we have no relationship with; we list them because they are what the job actually requires.