Utah 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 Utah.

Education Requirements

Utah requires substitute teachers to hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. The degree does not need to be in education, though candidates with education-related degrees may have additional employment opportunities. Official transcripts must be submitted to verify degree completion.

Background Check

All substitute teacher candidates in Utah must complete a criminal background check, including fingerprinting, through the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) and the FBI. The background check is a prerequisite for licensure and must be cleared before the candidate can be placed in a classroom.

Age Requirements

Substitute teachers in Utah must be at least 21 years of age to obtain a substitute teaching license through the Utah State Board of Education (USBE). This age requirement is higher than many other states and is a condition of licensure, not just district policy.

Application Process

Candidates must apply for a substitute teaching license through the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) online licensing system, CACTUS. After obtaining the state license, candidates then apply to individual Local Education Agencies (LEAs) or school districts for placement. Each LEA may have additional requirements beyond the state license.

Substitute Teaching Permit/License

Utah issues a Substitute License through the USBE, which is required to substitute teach in public schools. Additionally, an LEA Specific Educator License may be issued for longer-term substitute assignments in specific districts. The standard Substitute License must be renewed every three years and requires ongoing compliance with background check requirements.

Recommended / Optional

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

Training/Orientation

Utah does not mandate statewide training for substitute teachers, but individual school districts often require completion of an orientation program. District training typically covers classroom management, student safety, reporting requirements, and use of the district's instructional technology platforms.

Additional Information

For more information, visit the Utah State Board of Education Licensing page.

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