Substitute Teacher Certification in Kentucky: Complete Guide
Kentucky substitute teacher state credential. Credential Name: Substitute Teaching Certificate. Issuing Body: Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB).
Substitute Teaching Certificate
Credential Name
Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB)
Issuing Body
bachelor's degree or 64 college credit hours
Education Requirement
$42
Background Check Cost
3-5 years (typical)
Validity Period
Kentucky: State Credential
Kentucky Requirements Snapshot
Legal minimums. Real success comes from exceeding them with classroom skills.
Required
Education Requirements
Kentucky has a tiered system for substitute teachers. A certified substitute requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. A classified substitute, who may serve in more limited capacities, needs a minimum of an associate's degree or 64 college credit hours. The specific requirements depend on the type of substitute position sought.
Background Check
Kentucky requires all substitute teacher candidates to undergo a national and state criminal background check, including FBI fingerprint screening. The background check is processed through the Kentucky State Police and must be cleared before the candidate can begin working. A letter from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services regarding the child abuse and neglect registry is also required.
Age Requirements
Substitute teachers in Kentucky must be at least 18 years of age. This minimum age requirement applies to both certified and classified substitute positions across all public school districts in the state.
Application Process
Candidates must apply through the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB) for a substitute teaching certificate. The application is submitted online and requires official transcripts, background check clearance, and a completed application form with the applicable fee. Candidates must also apply directly with the school districts where they wish to work.
Substitute Teaching Certificate
Kentucky issues substitute teaching certificates through the EPSB. The standard certificate requires a bachelor's degree and is valid for four years. An emergency substitute certificate may be available for candidates with fewer qualifications in districts facing shortages. Holders of a valid Kentucky teaching certificate are automatically authorized to substitute teach.
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 Kentucky state and district government authorities — never by any training provider.
Succeed as a Substitute in Kentucky
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.