Skip to main content

Loading...

CertifiedSub
Courses
For SchoolsAbout
Courses
Resources
BlogFree DownloadsFAQRequirements by State
For SchoolsAbout
Quebec Substitute Teacher Requirements | CertifiedSub | CertifiedSub
Back to All States
QC
Canada

Quebec Substitute Teacher Requirements

Last reviewed: February 8, 2026
At a Glance

5

Required Items

3

Optional/Recommended

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

Education Requirements

A high school diploma or equivalent is the minimum requirement to work as a classroom supervisor (substitute teacher) in Quebec. A Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) is preferred and may qualify candidates for higher pay rates, but it is not required. Due to ongoing teacher shortages, centres de services scolaires (school service centres) or English-language school boards across Quebec are actively hiring classroom supervisors who do not hold a B.Ed. degree. Classroom supervisors perform the same day-to-day duties as substitute teachers, including following lesson plans, managing classrooms, and supervising students. Candidates with post-secondary education in any field, relevant work experience with children, or educational assistant credentials may be given preference during the hiring process.

Background Check

A judicial background check (verification des antecedents judiciaires) is mandatory for all substitute teachers in Quebec. The check is required under the Education Act and must be completed before any contact with students. School boards are responsible for initiating this process.

Age Requirements

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, the age of majority in Quebec. This is a prerequisite for obtaining a teaching authorization and for entering into an employment contract with a school board or centre de services scolaire.

Application Process

Candidates apply directly to individual centres de services scolaires (school service centres) or English-language school boards in Quebec to be placed on the classroom supervisor or substitute teacher roster. Most boards accept applications through their online portals or human resources departments. The typical application requires a resume, proof of education (high school diploma or higher), a current Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening, government-issued photo identification, and two to three professional references. Some boards may also require a brief interview or orientation session before adding candidates to their active roster. Processing times vary by board but generally range from two to six weeks.

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

Teaching Certification

A provincial teaching certificate is not required to work as a classroom supervisor in Quebec. Candidates who hold a valid teaching authorization (brevet d'enseignement) issued by Ministere de l'Education du Quebec may be offered preferential placement, higher daily pay rates, or priority access to long-term assignments. However, the classroom supervisor role was created specifically to address teacher shortages by allowing individuals without formal teaching credentials to fill substitute positions. School boards set their own criteria for classroom supervisors, and requirements may vary between centres de services scolaires (school service centres) or English-language school boards.

Training/Orientation

School service centres and school boards may require substitute teachers to attend orientation sessions. These cover board-specific policies, the Quebec Education Program (Programme de formation de l'ecole quebecoise), student evaluation frameworks, and administrative procedures for supply teaching assignments.

First Aid/CPR

While not a provincial requirement for teacher certification, some school boards and school service centres may require or recommend that substitute teachers hold a valid First Aid and CPR certificate, particularly for physical education or early childhood assignments.

Additional Information

For more information, visit the Ministere de l'Education du Quebec (MEQ) page. Note: Classroom supervisor positions may have different requirements than certified teaching positions. Contact individual centres de services scolaires (school service centres) or English-language school boards directly for the most current classroom supervisor hiring criteria.

Get Trained in Quebec

Our courses are designed to help you meet all the requirements for substitute teacher training.

View CoursesContact Us

Language Requirements

French is the official language of Quebec and the primary language of instruction in the vast majority of schools. Substitute teachers in French-language school service centres must demonstrate proficiency in French. English-language school boards require English proficiency, and many also require functional French for communication purposes.

CertifiedSub

Courses

  • All Courses
  • Substitute Teacher Training Program
  • The Ultimate Classroom Management Toolkit for Substitute Teachers
  • The First-Year Teacher's Classroom Management Toolkit

Resources

  • Career Change Guides
  • Teaching Skills
  • Subject Guides
  • All State Requirements

Support

  • About Us
  • Contact
  • FAQ

Legal

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Verify Certificate

© 2026 CertifiedSub.org. All rights reserved.