How to become a substitute teacher in Washington
Washington's Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) issues two substitute certificates. The regular Substitute Teacher certificate needs a bachelor's degree plus teacher preparation or out-of-state teaching. The Emergency Substitute Teacher certificate lists no degree, but an employing district must request it for you. Both require fingerprints for a background check unless you already hold a valid Washington certificate.
Checked October 30, 2026 on the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction's own pages. Rules change; the state's page and your district have the last word.
At a glance
| Least schooling | No degree listed for the emergency certificate; a bachelor's degree for the regular one |
|---|---|
| Credential | Emergency Substitute Teacher certificate (or Substitute Teacher certificate) |
| Background check | Fingerprints for a background check are required unless you already have a valid Washington certificate on record. |
| How long it lasts | The emergency substitute certificate is valid for up to two school years and can be reissued at an employer's request. |
| Who issues it | Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction |
How to get it
- Apply to sub with a Washington school district.
- Ask the district to start an Emergency Substitute Teacher application for you.
- Finish the application in your OSPI E-Certification account.
- Submit fingerprints if you have no valid Washington certificate on record.
Ready for the first day
Sources
- OSPI: Substitute certificates (opened October 30, 2026)
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