How to become a substitute teacher in Missouri
The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) issues a Substitute Certificate. For a K-12 classroom you need at least 36 semester hours of credit from an accredited college, or 20 clock hours of DESE-approved substitute training. You also need a criminal fingerprint background clearance. Holders of a valid Missouri teaching certificate do not need a separate sub certificate.
Checked October 30, 2026 on the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Educator Certification's own pages. Rules change; the state's page and your district have the last word.
At a glance
| Least schooling | 36 semester hours of college credit, or 20 clock hours of approved sub training |
|---|---|
| Credential | Substitute Certificate (Content Substitute) |
| Background check | Criminal fingerprint background clearance for a new certificate or a new district hire; a new clearance is needed if the previous DESE fingerprint is over 12 months old. |
| Fee | $50 processing fee to renew, as of 2026-10-30. |
| Who issues it | Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Educator Certification |
How to get it
- Earn 36 college semester hours, or finish 20 clock hours of DESE-approved sub training.
- Follow DESE's Substitute Certificate Checklist and apply in the Educator Certification System.
- Send transcripts to DESE if they are not already on file.
- Complete a fingerprint background check.
- Apply to the districts you want to sub for.
Limits and conditions
- Retired teachers have limits on how many hours they may substitute teach.
- Career Technical Substitute certificates (career centers and vocational courses) need a degree plus work hours, or 6,000 hours of related work.
- Subs are asked to complete a DESE online survey each day they work.
Ready for the first day
Sources
- Missouri DESE: Substitute Teachers (opened October 30, 2026)
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