Substitute Teacher Certification in North Dakota: Complete Guide
North Dakota substitute teacher state credential. Credential Name: Substitute Teaching License. Issuing Body: North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board (ESPB).
Substitute Teaching License
Credential Name
North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board (ESPB)
Issuing Body
bachelor's degree or ESPB approval with fewer credits
Education Requirement
$43
Background Check Cost
3-5 years (typical)
Validity Period
North Dakota: State Credential
North Dakota Requirements Snapshot
Legal minimums. Real success comes from exceeding them with classroom skills.
Required
Education Requirements
North Dakota requires substitute teachers to hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. The degree does not need to be in education, but candidates with education-related coursework may have an advantage when applying. Official transcripts must be submitted as part of the credentialing process.
Background Check
All substitute teacher candidates in North Dakota must pass a criminal background check, including fingerprinting submitted to the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and the FBI. The background check must be completed prior to receiving a credential. Disqualifying offenses include felonies and certain misdemeanor convictions.
Age Requirements
Substitute teachers in North Dakota must be at least 18 years of age. Given the bachelor's degree requirement, most applicants will exceed this minimum age threshold.
Application Process
Candidates must apply for a substitute teaching credential through the Education Standards and Practices Board (ESPB). The application requires official transcripts, background check results, and applicable fees. Once credentialed, substitutes can apply to individual school districts for placement. The ESPB credential must be renewed periodically as specified by the board.
Substitute Teaching Permit/License
North Dakota issues substitute teaching credentials through the ESPB. This credential authorizes the holder to serve as a substitute teacher in any public school district in the state. The credential is valid for a set period and must be renewed with updated background checks and any required documentation.
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 North Dakota state and district government authorities — never by any training provider.
Succeed as a Substitute in North Dakota
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.