South Carolina Substitute Teacher Requirements
Official South Carolina 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
$85
Daily Rate (avg)
South Carolina 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
South Carolina allows substitute teachers to qualify with a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution or with a minimum of 60 semester hours of college coursework. Candidates with a bachelor's degree may qualify for a higher-tier substitute certificate with fewer restrictions. Official transcripts documenting degree conferral or completed coursework must be submitted with the application.
Background Check
All substitute teacher applicants in South Carolina must undergo a criminal background check, including fingerprinting processed through the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the FBI. Background check results are reviewed by the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE). Certain criminal convictions will disqualify an applicant from receiving a substitute certificate.
Age Requirements
Substitute teachers in South Carolina must be at least 18 years of age. This applies to all categories of substitute teaching certificates issued by the SCDE.
Application Process
Candidates apply for a substitute teaching certificate through the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) online certification portal. The application requires official transcripts, background check clearance, and applicable fees. Districts may have additional local application requirements. The SCDE issues the certificate once all state-level requirements are met.
Substitute Teaching Certificate
The SCDE issues substitute teaching certificates that authorize the holder to work as a substitute in South Carolina public schools. The certificate is typically valid for three to five years and is renewable. Different certificate tiers may be available based on the applicant's educational qualifications, with holders of bachelor's degrees eligible for broader assignment options.
Recommended / Optional
Training/Orientation
Individual school districts in South Carolina may require substitute teachers to attend an orientation or complete training before accepting assignments. Training often covers classroom management, emergency procedures, and district-specific expectations. Some districts partner with staffing agencies that provide their own training programs.
References
Districts in South Carolina may require professional references as part of the local hiring process for substitute teachers. Typically two to three references are requested from individuals who can speak to the applicant's character, work ethic, and ability to work with children.
Additional Information
For more information, visit the South Carolina Department of Education - Certification.
After Authorization: How to Actually Get Called More in South Carolina
Complete the official government process
Satisfy South Carolina'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 South Carolina, your documented reliability becomes your strongest job security.
The Real Picture in South Carolina
$85
Avg Daily Rate
$27,500
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 South Carolina are issued exclusively by state, provincial, and district government authorities — never by Substitute Teacher Training or any private provider.
Meet the South Carolina 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.