How to Apply to Be a Substitute Teacher in Washington
Washington substitute teacher how to apply. Apply Through: OSPI E-Certification system and individual school districts. Credential Required: Substitute Teaching Certificate.
OSPI E-Certification system and individual school districts
Apply Through
Substitute Teaching Certificate
Credential Required
$68
Background Check Cost
3-6 weeks
Processing Time
Seattle Public Schools
Largest District
Washington: How to Apply
Washington Requirements Snapshot
Legal minimums. Real success comes from exceeding them with classroom skills.
Required
Education Requirements
Washington State requires substitute teachers to hold at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, or an associate's degree combined with additional qualifying requirements such as documented coursework or experience in education. The specific education pathway determines the type of substitute certificate the candidate may obtain through OSPI.
Background Check
All substitute teachers in Washington must complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check through the Washington State Patrol (WSP) and the FBI. The background check is processed as part of the substitute certificate application through OSPI. Candidates must also complete the Character and Fitness Supplement form.
Age Requirements
Substitute teachers in Washington State must be at least 18 years of age. Age verification is part of the standard identification and credential review process conducted during the substitute certificate application.
Application Process
Candidates must first obtain a substitute certificate through the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) by submitting an application via the E-Certification system. After obtaining the state certificate, candidates then apply to individual school districts for placement. Districts maintain their own hiring processes and substitute rosters.
Substitute Teaching Permit/License
OSPI issues a Substitute Certificate that is valid statewide and must be renewed every five years. The certificate authorizes the holder to serve as a substitute teacher in any Washington public school district. Emergency substitute certificates may be issued by districts when the regular substitute pool is insufficient.
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 Washington state and district government authorities — never by any training provider.
Succeed as a Substitute in Washington
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.