How to Apply to Be a Substitute Teacher in Utah
Utah substitute teacher how to apply. Apply Through: USBE CACTUS system and individual school districts. Credential Required: Substitute Teaching License.
USBE CACTUS system and individual school districts
Apply Through
Substitute Teaching License
Credential Required
$52
Background Check Cost
2-4 weeks
Processing Time
Granite School District
Largest District
Utah: How to Apply
Utah Requirements Snapshot
Legal minimums. Real success comes from exceeding them with classroom skills.
Required
Education Requirements
Utah requires substitute teachers to hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. The degree does not need to be in education, though candidates with education-related degrees may have additional employment opportunities. Official transcripts must be submitted to verify degree completion.
Background Check
All substitute teacher candidates in Utah must complete a criminal background check, including fingerprinting, through the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) and the FBI. The background check is a prerequisite for licensure and must be cleared before the candidate can be placed in a classroom.
Age Requirements
Substitute teachers in Utah must be at least 21 years of age to obtain a substitute teaching license through the Utah State Board of Education (USBE). This age requirement is higher than many other states and is a condition of licensure, not just district policy.
Application Process
Candidates must apply for a substitute teaching license through the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) online licensing system, CACTUS. After obtaining the state license, candidates then apply to individual Local Education Agencies (LEAs) or school districts for placement. Each LEA may have additional requirements beyond the state license.
Substitute Teaching Permit/License
Utah issues a Substitute License through the USBE, which is required to substitute teach in public schools. Additionally, an LEA Specific Educator License may be issued for longer-term substitute assignments in specific districts. The standard Substitute License must be renewed every three years and requires ongoing compliance with background check 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 Utah state and district government authorities — never by any training provider.
Succeed as a Substitute in Utah
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.