South Carolina Substitute Teacher Requirements

Last reviewed: February 8, 2026

At a Glance

Required Items

Optional/Recommended

Required Requirements

You must meet all of these requirements to become a substitute teacher in South Carolina.

Education Requirements

South Carolina allows substitute teachers to qualify with a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution or with a minimum of 60 semester hours of college coursework. Candidates with a bachelor's degree may qualify for a higher-tier substitute certificate with fewer restrictions. Official transcripts documenting degree conferral or completed coursework must be submitted with the application.

Background Check

All substitute teacher applicants in South Carolina must undergo a criminal background check, including fingerprinting processed through the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the FBI. Background check results are reviewed by the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE). Certain criminal convictions will disqualify an applicant from receiving a substitute certificate.

Age Requirements

Substitute teachers in South Carolina must be at least 18 years of age. This applies to all categories of substitute teaching certificates issued by the SCDE.

Application Process

Candidates apply for a substitute teaching certificate through the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) online certification portal. The application requires official transcripts, background check clearance, and applicable fees. Districts may have additional local application requirements. The SCDE issues the certificate once all state-level requirements are met.

Substitute Teaching Certificate

The SCDE issues substitute teaching certificates that authorize the holder to work as a substitute in South Carolina public schools. The certificate is typically valid for three to five years and is renewable. Different certificate tiers may be available based on the applicant's educational qualifications, with holders of bachelor's degrees eligible for broader assignment options.

Recommended / Optional

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

Training/Orientation

Individual school districts in South Carolina may require substitute teachers to attend an orientation or complete training before accepting assignments. Training often covers classroom management, emergency procedures, and district-specific expectations. Some districts partner with staffing agencies that provide their own training programs.

References

Districts in South Carolina may require professional references as part of the local hiring process for substitute teachers. Typically two to three references are requested from individuals who can speak to the applicant's character, work ethic, and ability to work with children.

Additional Information

For more information, visit the South Carolina Department of Education - Certification.

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