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How to become a substitute teacher in Iowa

Iowa's Board of Educational Examiners, part of the Iowa Department of Education, issues the Substitute Authorization. You need an associate degree or 60 semester hours, an approved substitute authorization course, and mandatory reporter training for child abuse. First-time applicants are fingerprinted through Fieldprint for a federal background check. The authorization lasts five years and covers short absences, not long-term jobs.

Checked October 30, 2026 on the Iowa Department of Education, Board of Educational Examiners's own pages. Rules change; the state's page and your district have the last word.

At a glance

Least schoolingAn associate degree or 60 semester hours
CredentialSubstitute Authorization
Background checkFirst-time applicants are fingerprinted through Fieldprint for the federal background check.
How long it lastsFive years. Renewal needs two renewal credits and mandatory reporter training.
Fee$35 background check fee in the online application, plus Fieldprint's own fee, as of 2026-10-30.
Who issues itIowa Department of Education, Board of Educational Examiners

How to get it

  1. Finish an approved substitute authorization course, such as one from an Iowa AEA.
  2. Complete mandatory reporter training for child abuse.
  3. Apply online with the Board of Educational Examiners.
  4. Get fingerprinted through Fieldprint using the code in your application.
  5. Apply to a district once the authorization is issued.

Limits and conditions

  • No more than 10 days in a row in a 30-day period in the same assignment.
  • Cannot serve as a long-term substitute or fill open positions.

Ready for the first day

Sources

Indiana · Kansas · Every state

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