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North Carolina 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 North Carolina.

Education Requirements

North Carolina offers two tiers of substitute teaching. A licensed substitute must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution. A non-licensed substitute may qualify with a high school diploma or GED, though employment options and pay may be more limited at the district level.

Background Check

All substitute teacher applicants must undergo a comprehensive criminal background check, including fingerprinting processed through the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) and the FBI. Any history of felony convictions or certain misdemeanors may disqualify an applicant. Background checks must be completed before any classroom assignment.

Age Requirements

Substitute teachers in North Carolina must be at least 18 years of age. This minimum age requirement applies to both licensed and non-licensed substitute categories.

Application Process

Applicants should apply through the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (DPI) for a substitute teaching license or directly through individual school districts for non-licensed positions. The application typically requires official transcripts, identification documents, and background check authorization. Processing times vary, so early application is recommended.

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

Substitute Teaching License

North Carolina issues substitute teaching licenses through the DPI for candidates holding a bachelor's degree. Licensed substitutes may serve in longer-term assignments and are generally preferred by districts. Non-licensed substitutes do not receive a state-issued license but may be approved at the district level.

Training/Orientation

Individual school districts in North Carolina may require substitute teachers to complete an orientation or training program before beginning assignments. Training often covers classroom management, school safety procedures, and district-specific policies. Some districts offer online training modules for convenience.

Additional Information

For more information, visit the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction - Educator Licensure.

Substitute teaching guides for North Carolina

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

Recommended training

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