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Arkansas Substitute Teacher Requirements

Last reviewed: February 8, 2026
At a Glance

5

Required Items

1

Optional/Recommended

Required Requirements
You must meet all of these requirements to become a substitute teacher in Arkansas.

Education Requirements

Arkansas requires substitute teachers to hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution or, alternatively, a minimum of 60 semester hours of college credit. Candidates who do not meet either threshold may still qualify in shortage areas at the discretion of the local school district, but the 60-credit-hour minimum is the general standard.

Background Check

All substitute teacher candidates in Arkansas must complete a criminal background check that includes FBI and Arkansas State Police fingerprint processing. The background check is a prerequisite for receiving any substitute teaching authorization. Applicants are responsible for paying the associated fingerprinting and processing fees.

Age Requirements

Substitute teachers in Arkansas must be at least 18 years of age. There is no upper age limit for serving as a substitute teacher in the state's public school system.

Application Process

Arkansas substitute teacher applicants apply through the Arkansas Department of Education's Educator Licensure system. Applications require submission of transcripts, background check results, and any additional district-specific documentation. Once approved at the state level, candidates register with individual school districts.

Substitute Teaching Permit/License

Arkansas issues a Substitute Teaching Permit through the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education. The permit is valid statewide and must be renewed according to the state's renewal cycle. Candidates with a bachelor's degree may be eligible for a Standard Substitute Teaching Permit, while those with 60 credit hours receive a Non-Degreed permit.

Recommended / Optional
These may help your application or are recommended but not strictly required.

Training/Orientation

Many Arkansas districts require substitute teachers to complete an orientation program that covers classroom management strategies, student safety protocols, and district-specific policies. Some districts offer online training modules that must be completed before a substitute's first assignment.

Additional Information

For more information, visit the Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education - Educator Licensure page.

Substitute teaching guides for Arkansas

City pay, district size, and the steps to apply in Arkansas.

Recommended training

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