How to Become a Substitute Teacher in Arizona: A Clear, Updated Guide

If you’re considering becoming a substitute teacher in Arizona, you’re exploring a structured, meaningful opportunity that many schools depend on — and one that can offer flexibility, purpose, and a chance to make a difference. Whether you want part-time work, are re-entering the workforce, or simply want a role aligned with a school-year schedule, substitute teaching can be an accessible option in Arizona.

This guide walks you through what substitute teaching requires in Arizona, what the application process usually looks like, and how Certified Sub can help you step into the classroom prepared — even if you don’t have prior teaching experience.

Why Substitute Teaching Appeals to So Many in Arizona

Substitute teaching in Arizona offers flexibility and variety. You may work in different schools, grade levels, or communities, and assignments tend to be temporary — giving you freedom to accept as many (or as few) days as you like. That flexibility can be especially attractive if you’re balancing other responsibilities or pursuing additional education or work.

Because many school districts across the state regularly need substitutes, demand tends to stay strong — meaning frequent opportunities. The structure of paid daily (or per-assignment) work, with the potential for longer-term or repeated assignments, can provide reliable income without the commitment of a full-time teaching contract.

What It Takes to Become a Substitute Teacher in Arizona

In Arizona, substitute teaching is regulated at the state level via the ADE. Under the current rules, there are two main paths to substitute teaching: obtaining a regular Substitute Certificate (valid PreK–12) or — in certain situations — an Emergency Substitute Certificate. 

Regular Substitute Certificate (PreK–12)

  • To qualify, you must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, and have a valid fingerprint-clearance card (Identity Verified Prints, or IVP) issued by the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS). 
  • Once issued, the certificate is valid for six years and may be renewed. 

Emergency Substitute Certificate (PreK–12)

  • This option exists for certain urgent staffing needs. Requirements are more flexible: you need a high school diploma, GED, or associate degree, plus a valid DPS IVP fingerprint clearance card — and a formal request from a district or charter-school superintendent attesting to an emergency employment situation. 
  • The Emergency Certificate authorizes substitution only in the district that requested it, and typically for limited time or days per school year. 

Because each district or charter school holds authority to request an Emergency Substitute Certificate (in case of critical shortage), the Emergency path offers a lower barrier — though with more restrictions. 

All substitute teachers — under either certificate — must have a valid fingerprint-clearance card from DPS, ensuring compliance with background-check requirements. 

What the Application Process Looks Like in Arizona

Here’s a typical path if you want to become a substitute teacher in Arizona:

  1. Decide which certificate path you’ll pursue — Regular Substitute Certificate (if you have a bachelor’s degree) or Emergency Substitute Certificate (if eligible and if a district approves).
  2. Obtain your DPS IVP fingerprint clearance card — required for both regular and emergency certificates. You’ll need to follow fingerprinting procedures via DPS. 
  3. Submit your application to the ADE, along with official transcripts (for a bachelor’s degree) or diploma/GED (for emergency certificate), and pay the applicable application fee (typically $60 for a Substitute Certificate). 
  4. If applying for an emergency certificate, ensure a district superintendent signs the request — this verifies there is a staffing emergency. 
  5. Wait for certification approval — once approved, you’ll be eligible to apply for substitute jobs through districts or charter schools.
  6. Apply for substitute assignments through districts — once certified, you can contact local school districts or charter schools to join their substitute pool. Some districts may require additional local paperwork, references, or orientation before placing you.

Given the two paths available, many prospective substitutes find it worth checking with districts directly — especially if they don’t have a bachelor’s degree but are open to emergency substitute work.

How Certified Sub Helps Prepare Substitute Teachers in Arizona

Though Arizona’s certification rules allow you to substitute with minimal training beyond background clearance and transcripts, actually stepping into a classroom requires more than paperwork. That’s where Certified Sub offers real value — especially for first-time or inexperienced substitutes.

Certified Sub delivers structured, classroom-ready training tailored to substitute teaching. Their self-paced online curriculum covers critical skills like establishing classroom routines, managing behavior, running lessons based on existing plans, and responding to unpredictable situations — all of which are essential when stepping into a classroom where you may not know the students or the teacher’s usual routines.

For substitute teachers in Arizona — where requirements don’t mandate formal pedagogical training — this preparation can make the difference between a difficult first day and a confident, smooth one. Certified Sub equips new substitutes with tried-and-true strategies, practical tools, and a plan to follow, helping ensure that they can handle the challenges of substitute teaching from day one.

This training doesn’t just benefit substitutes: it also benefits schools. A substitute who walks in prepared helps preserve instructional quality, supports a stable learning environment for students, and reduces disruptions — which is especially valuable in districts relying heavily on substitute staff.

If you want to start substitute teaching in Arizona with more than just eligibility — and instead walk into the classroom ready, confident, and effective — Certified Sub offers a clear pathway to preparedness.

Your Next Step

Substitute teaching in Arizona is accessible whether you pursue the standard Substitute Certificate or the Emergency Substitute Certificate, and there is real demand across the state. With compliant paperwork and perhaps additional training, you can become a substitute — and make a positive difference. And with Certified Sub’s training, you’re not just eligible — you’re prepared.

Ready to get trained and classroom-ready?

Explore the full library of substitute teacher training courses here:
👉 https://www.certifiedsub.org/courses/