Background Check Requirements for Substitute Teachers in Arizona
Arizona substitute teacher background check. Background Check Type: DPS fingerprint clearance card. Approximate Cost: $67.
DPS fingerprint clearance card
Background Check Type
$67
Approximate Cost
2-4 weeks
Processing Time
Arizona Department of Education
Administered By
Every 3-5 years
Renewal Period
Arizona: Background Check
Arizona Requirements Snapshot
Legal minimums. Real success comes from exceeding them with classroom skills.
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.
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.
Practical skills training only. Actual substitute teaching authorization, certification, permits, and credentials are issued exclusively by Arizona state and district government authorities — never by any training provider.
Succeed as a Substitute in Arizona
Practical skills training that helps you stand out once you have met the government's authorization requirements. We do not issue credentials or guarantees.
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 does not issue substitute teaching authorization, credentials, or employment. All decisions rest solely with state education authorities, provincial ministries, and local school districts.