Become a Substitute Teacher in Iowa Without a Degree
Iowa substitute teacher without a degree. Degree Required?: Yes (or equivalent credits). Minimum Education: bachelor's degree or substitute authorization with 60 credit.
Yes (or equivalent credits)
Degree Required?
bachelor's degree or substitute authorization with 60 credit
Minimum Education
Iowa Board of Educational Examiners
Licensing Body
Community college credits may qualify
Alternative Path
Iowa: Without a Degree
Iowa Requirements Snapshot
Legal minimums. Real success comes from exceeding them with classroom skills.
Required
Education Requirements
Since 2019, Iowa requires substitute teachers to hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Previously, a lesser credential was accepted, but updated regulations raised the minimum education standard. Official transcripts verifying degree completion must be submitted with the application.
Background Check
Iowa mandates a comprehensive criminal background check for all substitute teacher applicants, including fingerprinting through the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and the FBI. The background check must be completed before a Substitute Authorization can be issued. Results are reviewed by the Board of Educational Examiners.
Age Requirements
Applicants for substitute teaching in Iowa must be at least 21 years of age. This requirement is tied to the bachelor's degree mandate and ensures candidates have sufficient maturity and academic preparation for the classroom.
Application Process
Candidates apply for a Substitute Authorization through the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners (BoEE) online portal. The application requires submission of official transcripts, background check clearance, and payment of the applicable fee. Processing times vary, and applicants are encouraged to apply well in advance of the school year.
Substitute Authorization
Iowa issues a Substitute Authorization credential through the BoEE that permits holders to serve as substitute teachers in any Iowa school district. The authorization is valid for five years and is renewable. Holders of a valid Iowa teaching license do not need a separate Substitute Authorization.
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 Iowa state and district government authorities — never by any training provider.
Succeed as a Substitute in Iowa
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.