How to become a substitute teacher in District of Columbia
The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) stopped issuing substitute teacher licenses in March 2016. DC Public Schools hires its own subs. It asks for 60 or more college credit hours, in place of a degree, and one to two years of classroom experience with students. Hires complete a background clearance with fingerprints and a sex offender registry check. Public charter schools may differ, so check with the school.
Checked October 30, 2026 on the DC Public Schools (OSSE no longer licenses subs)'s own pages. Rules change; the state's page and your district have the last word.
At a glance
| Least schooling | 60 or more college credit hours (DC Public Schools) |
|---|---|
| Credential | No license; OSSE stopped issuing substitute licenses in 2016 |
| Background check | DCPS background clearance with fingerprinting and a sex offender registry check, plus a drug test. |
| Who issues it | DC Public Schools (OSSE no longer licenses subs) |
How to get it
- Apply for a DCPS substitute teacher position.
- Record the one-way video interview with a mock lesson.
- If selected, complete the clearance application and TB risk assessment.
- Complete fingerprinting, the sex offender registry check and a drug test.
- Upload your I-9 and identity documents.
Limits and conditions
- Early childhood subs need one to two years of experience in an early childhood classroom.
Ready for the first day
Sources
- DCPS: Substitute Teachers (opened October 30, 2026)
- Join DCPS FAQ: Do I need a license to be a substitute teacher? (opened October 30, 2026)
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