Background Check Requirements for Substitute Teachers in Minnesota
Minnesota substitute teacher background check. Background Check Type: BCA and FBI fingerprint. Approximate Cost: $50.
BCA and FBI fingerprint
Background Check Type
$50
Approximate Cost
2-3 weeks
Processing Time
Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Boar
Administered By
Every 3-5 years
Renewal Period
Minnesota: Background Check
Minnesota Requirements Snapshot
Legal minimums. Real success comes from exceeding them with classroom skills.
Required
Education Requirements
Minnesota does not require a bachelor's degree for short-call substitute teachers. The minimum education requirement is a two-year degree (associate's degree) or 60 semester credit hours from an accredited institution. For long-term substitute assignments exceeding 15 consecutive days in the same position, a bachelor's degree and additional qualifications may be required.
Background Check
Minnesota requires all substitute teachers to undergo a criminal background check through the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) and the FBI. The background check includes fingerprinting and is initiated by the hiring school district. Results must be cleared before the substitute can begin working in any Minnesota school.
Age Requirements
Substitute teachers in Minnesota must be at least 18 years of age. This requirement is consistent across all substitute teaching license tiers and applies to both short-call and long-term substitute positions.
Application Process
Candidates apply for a short-call substitute teaching license through the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) online system. The application requires official transcripts, background check clearance, and payment of the licensure fee. Once licensed, candidates apply with individual school districts to be added to their substitute teacher roster.
Substitute Teaching License
Minnesota issues a Short-Call Substitute Teaching License through PELSB that allows holders to substitute for up to 15 consecutive days in the same assignment. The license requires a minimum of a two-year degree and is valid for five years. Candidates seeking to serve in longer-term substitute roles must obtain additional licensure with higher education requirements.
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 Minnesota state and district government authorities — never by any training provider.
Succeed as a Substitute in Minnesota
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.