Kentucky Substitute Teacher Requirements
Official Kentucky 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
$82
Daily Rate (avg)
Kentucky 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
Kentucky has a tiered system for substitute teachers. A certified substitute requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. A classified substitute, who may serve in more limited capacities, needs a minimum of an associate's degree or 64 college credit hours. The specific requirements depend on the type of substitute position sought.
Background Check
Kentucky requires all substitute teacher candidates to undergo a national and state criminal background check, including FBI fingerprint screening. The background check is processed through the Kentucky State Police and must be cleared before the candidate can begin working. A letter from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services regarding the child abuse and neglect registry is also required.
Age Requirements
Substitute teachers in Kentucky must be at least 18 years of age. This minimum age requirement applies to both certified and classified substitute positions across all public school districts in the state.
Application Process
Candidates must apply through the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB) for a substitute teaching certificate. The application is submitted online and requires official transcripts, background check clearance, and a completed application form with the applicable fee. Candidates must also apply directly with the school districts where they wish to work.
Substitute Teaching Certificate
Kentucky issues substitute teaching certificates through the EPSB. The standard certificate requires a bachelor's degree and is valid for four years. An emergency substitute certificate may be available for candidates with fewer qualifications in districts facing shortages. Holders of a valid Kentucky teaching certificate are automatically authorized to substitute teach.
Recommended / Optional
Training/Orientation
Kentucky does not mandate specific state-level training hours for substitute teachers, but most districts require completion of an orientation program before substitutes can accept assignments. Orientation typically covers district policies, student safety protocols, and technology resources available in the classroom.
References
Many Kentucky school districts require substitute teacher applicants to provide two to three professional references. References should be from individuals who can speak to the candidate's character, work ethic, and ability to work with children. Former supervisors or educators are typically preferred.
Additional Information
For more information, visit the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board page.
After Authorization: How to Actually Get Called More in Kentucky
Complete the official government process
Satisfy Kentucky'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 Kentucky, your documented reliability becomes your strongest job security.
The Real Picture in Kentucky
$82
Avg Daily Rate
$27,000
Annual (regular subs)
High school diploma
Education Floor
Often No
License Required?
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Resources
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 Kentucky are issued exclusively by state, provincial, and district government authorities — never by Substitute Teacher Training or any private provider.
Meet the Kentucky 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.