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Georgia Substitute Teacher Requirements

Last reviewed: February 8, 2026
At a Glance

4

Required Items

2

Optional/Recommended

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

Education Requirements

Georgia does not require a bachelor's degree for substitute teachers. The minimum education requirement is a high school diploma or GED for most districts. However, some school systems may prefer or require candidates to have completed some college coursework. Candidates with a bachelor's degree or teaching certificate may qualify for higher-level or long-term substitute positions.

Background Check

All substitute teachers in Georgia must obtain a Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) background clearance, which includes fingerprinting for both a Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and FBI criminal background check. The GaPSC clearance certificate must be obtained before any substitute can begin working in a Georgia public school.

Age Requirements

Substitute teachers in Georgia must be at least 18 years of age. Some districts may set the minimum age requirement at 20 or 21, so applicants should verify the specific age policy with the district.

Application Process

Georgia substitute teachers must first obtain a GaPSC clearance certificate through the Georgia Professional Standards Commission's online portal (MyPSC). After receiving clearance, applicants apply to individual school districts. Many Georgia districts use online platforms or staffing agencies to manage their substitute teacher pools.

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

Substitute Teaching Permit/License

Georgia does not issue a separate substitute teaching license. Instead, the GaPSC clearance certificate serves as the primary authorization for substitute teaching. Individual school districts determine additional eligibility requirements and manage substitute credentials at the local level.

Training/Orientation

Georgia school districts typically provide an orientation for new substitute teachers covering district policies, safety and emergency procedures, student confidentiality requirements, and basic classroom management strategies. Some districts require ongoing professional development for substitutes who work regularly.

Additional Information

For more information, visit the Georgia Professional Standards Commission - Substitute Teaching page.

Substitute teaching guides for Georgia

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

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