BC
Canada
British Columbia Substitute Teacher Requirements
Last reviewed: February 8, 2026
At a Glance
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A high school diploma or equivalent is the minimum requirement to work as a classroom supervisor (substitute teacher) in British Columbia. A Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) is preferred and may qualify candidates for higher pay rates, but it is not required. Due to ongoing teacher shortages, school districts across British Columbia are actively hiring classroom supervisors who do not hold a B.Ed. degree. Classroom supervisors perform the same day-to-day duties as substitute teachers, including following lesson plans, managing classrooms, and supervising students. Candidates with post-secondary education in any field, relevant work experience with children, or educational assistant credentials may be given preference during the hiring process.
All prospective substitute teachers must undergo a Criminal Record Check through the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General under the Criminal Records Review Act. A Vulnerable Sector Screening is also required. The check must be completed before any classroom assignment is given.
Candidates must be at least 19 years of age, the age of majority in British Columbia, to be eligible for teacher certification and substitute teaching positions. There is no maximum age restriction.
Candidates apply directly to individual school districts in British Columbia to be placed on the classroom supervisor or substitute teacher roster. Most boards accept applications through their online portals or human resources departments. The typical application requires a resume, proof of education (high school diploma or higher), a current Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening, government-issued photo identification, and two to three professional references. Some boards may also require a brief interview or orientation session before adding candidates to their active roster. Processing times vary by board but generally range from two to six weeks.
A provincial teaching certificate is not required to work as a classroom supervisor in British Columbia. Candidates who hold a valid Certificate of Qualification issued by BC Teacher Regulation Branch may be offered preferential placement, higher daily pay rates, or priority access to long-term assignments. However, the classroom supervisor role was created specifically to address teacher shortages by allowing individuals without formal teaching credentials to fill substitute positions. School boards set their own criteria for classroom supervisors, and requirements may vary between school districts.
Proficiency in English is required for instruction in the majority of BC schools. Francophone school districts under the Conseil scolaire francophone de la Colombie-Britannique require fluency in French. Proficiency in Indigenous languages is valued in certain district programs.
School districts often require Teachers on Call to attend a district-specific orientation. Topics may include district policies, student safety protocols, technology platforms for booking assignments, and culturally responsive teaching practices relevant to the local community.
A valid First Aid certificate is recommended and may be required by certain school districts, particularly for assignments in rural or remote schools where emergency services may be less accessible. CPR-C certification is commonly requested alongside First Aid.
For more information, visit the BC Teacher Regulation Branch page. Note: Classroom supervisor positions may have different requirements than certified teaching positions. Contact individual school districts directly for the most current classroom supervisor hiring criteria.
Our courses are designed to help you meet all the requirements for substitute teacher training.