How to become a substitute teacher in Nevada
The Nevada Department of Education issues a Substitute Teaching License. You need at least 60 semester credits from an accredited college or university, or an associate degree or higher. Testing credits do not count, and no exam is required. You apply online through the OPAL portal. Nevada's rules tie a first license to fingerprint processing by the state criminal records repository and the FBI, and a background check is part of every renewal.
Checked October 30, 2026 on the Nevada Department of Education's own pages. Rules change; the state's page and your district have the last word.
At a glance
| Least schooling | 60 semester credits of college, or an associate degree |
|---|---|
| Credential | Substitute Teaching License |
| Background check | Fingerprints are processed by Nevada's Central Repository for Nevada Records of Criminal History and the FBI. A background check is also required to renew. |
| Who issues it | Nevada Department of Education |
How to get it
- Check that your transcripts show at least 60 real semester credits, or an associate degree or higher.
- Create an account in OPAL, the Nevada Department of Education's online licensure portal.
- Submit the electronic application and upload your official transcripts and other documents.
- Complete fingerprints and pay the fee as the application directs.
- Once licensed, apply to the district where you want to substitute.
Limits and conditions
- A district may use a sub for unlimited days when the sub fills in for a licensed teacher under contract.
- In a teaching position with no licensed teacher under contract, the limit is 60 days, with one possible 30-day extension from the Department.
- An emergency substitute license exists only for rural districts or schools, at a district's written request.
- Nevada does not accept substitute licenses from other states.
- Professional development is not required to renew.
Ready for the first day
Sources
- Nevada Department of Education: Substitute Teaching License (opened October 30, 2026)
- Nevada Administrative Code, Chapter 391 (NAC 391.0897 and 391.045) (opened October 30, 2026)
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