South Carolina
Columbia
high demand

Substitute Teacher Training for Columbia, South Carolina

Get professionally trained and certified to substitute teach in Columbia. Learn about local requirements, build classroom skills, and earn your certification online.

$100

Daily Rate

$28,000

Annual Avg

136,632

Population

High

Demand

South Carolina Substitute Teacher Requirements

To substitute teach in Columbia, you must meet these South Carolina state requirements:

Education Requirements

South Carolina allows substitute teachers to qualify with a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution or with a minimum of 60 semester hours of college coursework. Candidates with a bachelor's degree may qualify for a higher-tier substitute certificate with fewer restrictions. Official transcripts documenting degree conferral or completed coursework must be submitted with the application.

Background Check

All substitute teacher applicants in South Carolina must undergo a criminal background check, including fingerprinting processed through the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the FBI. Background check results are reviewed by the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE). Certain criminal convictions will disqualify an applicant from receiving a substitute certificate.

Age Requirements

Substitute teachers in South Carolina must be at least 18 years of age. This applies to all categories of substitute teaching certificates issued by the SCDE.

Application Process

Candidates apply for a substitute teaching certificate through the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) online certification portal. The application requires official transcripts, background check clearance, and applicable fees. Districts may have additional local application requirements. The SCDE issues the certificate once all state-level requirements are met.

Substitute Teaching Certificate

The SCDE issues substitute teaching certificates that authorize the holder to work as a substitute in South Carolina public schools. The certificate is typically valid for three to five years and is renewable. Different certificate tiers may be available based on the applicant's educational qualifications, with holders of bachelor's degrees eligible for broader assignment options.

How to Become a Substitute Teacher in Columbia

1

Check South Carolina Requirements

Review the state requirements for substitute teaching in South Carolina. You'll need at minimum a high school diploma.

2

Complete Professional Training

Build your classroom skills with professional substitute teacher training. Our online courses cover classroom management, lesson delivery, safety procedures, and more — study at your own pace from anywhere.

3

Earn Your Certification

Complete your coursework and earn a substitute teacher certificate recognized by school districts nationwide. This sets you apart from other candidates.

4

Complete a Background Check

South Carolina requires a background check including fingerprinting. Processing times vary but typically take 1-4 weeks.

5

Connect with Local Districts

With your training and certification complete, you'll be well-prepared to work with school districts in Columbia, including Richland School District Two. Certified substitutes are in high demand.

Salary & Compensation in Columbia

Compensation Overview

$100

Average Daily Rate

$28,000

Estimated Annual Salary

95

Cost of Living Index

100 = US average

High

Demand Level

School Districts in Columbia

Richland School District Two

28,000 students

42 schools

Daily rate: $95

Richland School District One

23,000 students

48 schools

Daily rate: $92

Why Substitute Teach in Columbia?

  • +State capital
  • +University of SC home
  • +Multiple school districts

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Resources

Get Trained for Columbia Classrooms

Our professional training courses prepare you to succeed as a substitute teacher in Columbia, South Carolina. Start your certification online today.