Washington Substitute Teacher Requirements
Official Washington 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
$165
Daily Rate (avg)
Washington 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
Washington State requires substitute teachers to hold at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, or an associate's degree combined with additional qualifying requirements such as documented coursework or experience in education. The specific education pathway determines the type of substitute certificate the candidate may obtain through OSPI.
Background Check
All substitute teachers in Washington must complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check through the Washington State Patrol (WSP) and the FBI. The background check is processed as part of the substitute certificate application through OSPI. Candidates must also complete the Character and Fitness Supplement form.
Age Requirements
Substitute teachers in Washington State must be at least 18 years of age. Age verification is part of the standard identification and credential review process conducted during the substitute certificate application.
Application Process
Candidates must first obtain a substitute certificate through the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) by submitting an application via the E-Certification system. After obtaining the state certificate, candidates then apply to individual school districts for placement. Districts maintain their own hiring processes and substitute rosters.
Substitute Teaching Permit/License
OSPI issues a Substitute Certificate that is valid statewide and must be renewed every five years. The certificate authorizes the holder to serve as a substitute teacher in any Washington public school district. Emergency substitute certificates may be issued by districts when the regular substitute pool is insufficient.
Recommended / Optional
Training/Orientation
Washington school districts typically require substitute teachers to complete a district orientation before accepting assignments. Orientation covers district-specific policies, safety procedures, student management expectations, and use of the district's absence management systems. OSPI does not mandate specific statewide training hours.
References
District-level applications in Washington commonly require professional references, usually two to three, from individuals who can attest to the candidate's qualifications and suitability for working with students. References may be contacted during the hiring process.
Additional Information
For more information, visit the Washington OSPI Certification page.
After Authorization: How to Actually Get Called More in Washington
Complete the official government process
Satisfy Washington'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 Washington, your documented reliability becomes your strongest job security.
The Real Picture in Washington
$165
Avg Daily Rate
$39,000
Annual (regular subs)
Bachelor's degree
Education Floor
Yes
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 Washington are issued exclusively by state, provincial, and district government authorities — never by Substitute Teacher Training or any private provider.
Meet the Washington 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.