How to become a substitute teacher in North Dakota
The North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board (ESPB) issues the Substitute License. You need an official transcript showing at least 48 semester hours of college. With fewer credits, you can finish ESPB's online Frontline training and show a high school diploma, GED or transcript. You also need a successful ESPB background check. The license costs $95, lasts two years, and covers grades K-12 in all North Dakota schools.
Checked October 30, 2026 on the North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board's own pages. Rules change; the state's page and your district have the last word.
At a glance
| Least schooling | 48 semester hours of college, or a high school diploma or GED plus online training |
|---|---|
| Credential | Substitute License |
| Background check | A successful background check completed with ESPB is required. |
| How long it lasts | Two years; it expires on the applicant's birthday. |
| Fee | $95 license plus a one-time $30 non-refundable application fee; the Frontline training is $99 (as of 2026-10-30). |
| Who issues it | North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board |
How to get it
- Gather an official transcript with at least 48 semester hours, or finish the Frontline online training.
- If you used the training route, have your training certificate and high school diploma, GED or transcript ready.
- Complete the ESPB background check.
- Apply online in NDTeach and upload your documents.
- Pay the license and application fees.
Limits and conditions
- The license covers substitute teaching in grades K-12 in all North Dakota schools.
- The Frontline training takes about 20 hours.
Ready for the first day
Sources
- ND ESPB: Substitute License (opened October 30, 2026)
- ND ESPB: Substitute License Requirements and Application (2026) (opened October 30, 2026)
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