North Dakota Substitute Teacher Requirements
Official North Dakota 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
$95
Daily Rate (avg)
North Dakota 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
North Dakota requires substitute teachers to hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. The degree does not need to be in education, but candidates with education-related coursework may have an advantage when applying. Official transcripts must be submitted as part of the credentialing process.
Background Check
All substitute teacher candidates in North Dakota must pass a criminal background check, including fingerprinting submitted to the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and the FBI. The background check must be completed prior to receiving a credential. Disqualifying offenses include felonies and certain misdemeanor convictions.
Age Requirements
Substitute teachers in North Dakota must be at least 18 years of age. Given the bachelor's degree requirement, most applicants will exceed this minimum age threshold.
Application Process
Candidates must apply for a substitute teaching credential through the Education Standards and Practices Board (ESPB). The application requires official transcripts, background check results, and applicable fees. Once credentialed, substitutes can apply to individual school districts for placement. The ESPB credential must be renewed periodically as specified by the board.
Substitute Teaching Permit/License
North Dakota issues substitute teaching credentials through the ESPB. This credential authorizes the holder to serve as a substitute teacher in any public school district in the state. The credential is valid for a set period and must be renewed with updated background checks and any required documentation.
Recommended / Optional
Training/Orientation
School districts in North Dakota may require substitutes to attend a district orientation or training session. Topics typically include emergency procedures, student safety protocols, and classroom management strategies. Training requirements vary by district and are in addition to the state credentialing process.
References
The ESPB application may require professional or character references as part of the credentialing process. Districts may also request references during the local hiring process. References from educators or supervisors in educational settings are generally preferred.
Additional Information
For more information, visit the North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board (ESPB).
After Authorization: How to Actually Get Called More in North Dakota
Complete the official government process
Satisfy North Dakota'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 North Dakota, your documented reliability becomes your strongest job security.
The Real Picture in North Dakota
$95
Avg Daily Rate
$29,000
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 North Dakota are issued exclusively by state, provincial, and district government authorities — never by Substitute Teacher Training or any private provider.
Meet the North Dakota 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.