Arizona Substitute Teacher Requirements
Official Arizona minimums (last reviewed February 8, 2026). Authorization comes only from government authorities. The real competitive edge: practical classroom skills that get you called back repeatedly.
5
Required Items
2
Optional/Recommended
$110
Daily Rate (avg)
Arizona Requirements
These are the current published minimums. Skills that exceed them are what move you to the top of district call lists.
Required
Education Requirements
Arizona requires substitute teacher candidates to hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution for a standard Substitute Teaching Certificate. Alternatively, candidates with 60 or more college credit hours may qualify for a Substitute Teaching Certificate in certain circumstances, depending on district needs.
Background Check
Arizona requires all substitute teachers to obtain an Identity Verified Prints (IVP) Fingerprint Clearance Card issued by the Arizona Department of Public Safety. This card involves a thorough FBI and state-level criminal background check. The Fingerprint Clearance Card must remain valid and current throughout the period of employment.
Age Requirements
Substitute teachers in Arizona must be at least 21 years of age to obtain a Substitute Teaching Certificate from the Arizona Department of Education. This requirement applies to all public school substitute placements throughout the state.
Application Process
Candidates apply for the Substitute Teaching Certificate online through the Arizona Department of Education's certification portal. The application requires submission of official transcripts, a valid IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card, and applicable fees. After obtaining the state certificate, applicants register with individual school districts.
Substitute Teaching Permit/License
Arizona issues a Substitute Teaching Certificate that is valid for up to six years. This certificate authorizes the holder to substitute teach in any Arizona public school district. The certificate must be renewed before expiration, and holders must maintain a valid Fingerprint Clearance Card throughout the certificate period.
Recommended / Optional
Training/Orientation
Many Arizona school districts provide or require an orientation program for substitute teachers. This may include training on classroom management, district technology systems, emergency protocols, and student behavior expectations. Some districts partner with staffing agencies that provide their own onboarding training.
References
Most Arizona school districts require applicants to provide two to three professional or character references. References from educators or individuals familiar with the applicant's ability to work with students are preferred.
Additional Information
For more information, visit the Arizona Department of Education - Educator Certification page.
After Authorization: How to Actually Get Called More in Arizona
Complete the official government process
Satisfy Arizona's published education, background check, and application requirements. These are issued only by state and district authorities.
Install fast authority signals
Students decide in the first 90 seconds whether to cooperate. Master the specific voice, posture, and routine moves that establish calm control immediately.
Build a portable engagement toolkit
Have 5-6 repeatable tactics ready for any grade band. Subs who keep learning happening (not just managed) get requested for long-term and repeat assignments.
Earn a reputation that travels
Leave every classroom better + one precise note. In Arizona, your documented reliability becomes your strongest job security.
The Real Picture in Arizona
$110
Avg Daily Rate
$30,000
Annual (regular subs)
60 college credit hours
Education Floor
Yes
License Required?
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Resources
All State Requirements
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Arizona: Salary Guide
Arizona: Without a Degree
Arizona: Background Check
Arizona: Age Requirements
Arizona: State Credential
Arizona: How to Apply
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Classroom Skills Courses
Practical training that gets you called more
This is skills-based professional development training only. It does not constitute state certification, a teaching license, or a guarantee of employment or assignments. All substitute teaching authorization and certification is issued exclusively by government/state/provincial/district authorities.
Skills-based professional development only. Actual substitute teaching authorization, certification, permits, and credentials in Arizona are issued exclusively by state, provincial, and district government authorities — never by Substitute Teacher Training or any private provider.
Meet the Arizona Rules — Then Stand Out with Skills
Our courses focus on the exact classroom tactics that turn authorized substitutes into the ones schools request again and again. All authorization and credentials come exclusively from state and district authorities.
Substitute Teacher Training provides practical skills development and resources to help substitute teachers perform more effectively in the classroom. Actual substitute teaching authorization, certification, permits, and credentials are issued exclusively by government/state/provincial/district education authorities. Decisions about hiring, pay rates, assignments, and any required credentials are made solely by schools, districts, and state education authorities. Completion of our courses results in a Certificate of Completion for professional development purposes only. We do not issue, approve, or guarantee any form of certification or employment.
Substitute Teacher Training provides no authorization, certification, or employment guarantees. All hiring, pay, and credential decisions rest solely with schools, districts, and state education authorities.