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United States

Ohio Substitute Teacher Requirements

Last reviewed: February 8, 2026
At a Glance

5

Required Items

2

Optional/Recommended

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

Education Requirements

Ohio requires substitute teachers to hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution to obtain a standard substitute teaching license. Candidates without a bachelor's degree may qualify for an Alternative Authorized Substitute One-year License (AASOL) if they meet specific district-sponsored requirements, including having completed some college coursework. Official transcripts are required for all applicants.

Background Check

Ohio mandates a Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and FBI criminal background check for all substitute teacher applicants. Fingerprinting must be completed through an approved vendor such as a WebCheck location. Results are submitted directly to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (ODE). Applicants with disqualifying offenses will be denied licensure.

Age Requirements

Substitute teachers in Ohio must be at least 18 years of age to apply for a substitute teaching license. This requirement applies to both the standard substitute license and the AASOL pathway.

Application Process

Applicants must apply for a substitute teaching license through the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce's online CORE system. The application requires uploading official transcripts, completing background checks, and paying applicable fees. Once a license is issued, candidates may apply directly to school districts for assignments. The license is valid statewide.

Substitute Teaching License

Ohio issues a Substitute Teaching License through ODE that is valid for up to five years and is renewable. The standard license requires a bachelor's degree, while the AASOL is a one-year, district-specific alternative for candidates without a degree. Both license types authorize the holder to serve in public school classrooms under specific conditions outlined by ODE.

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

Training/Orientation

Training requirements for substitute teachers in Ohio are determined at the district level. Many districts require substitutes to complete an orientation covering school policies, safety protocols, and classroom management techniques. Some districts partner with third-party staffing agencies that provide their own onboarding and training programs.

References

While ODE does not mandate references for licensure, individual school districts in Ohio often require professional references as part of the local hiring process. Typically two to three references from educators, supervisors, or other professional contacts are requested.

Additional Information

For more information, visit the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce - Licensure.

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