Get your substitute teacher certification in Arizona

Arizona has one of the nation’s highest teacher shortages—with 25% of positions unfilled and vacancies up 30% since the pandemic. But here’s the good news: you can help by becoming a substitute teacher!

Substitute teaching can be perfect if you want to:

• Change your career
• Start something you’ve always dreamed of
• Earn extra income with scheduling flexibility

Want a quick checklist on how to become a sub in Arizona? Learn the steps to get certified and start making an immediate impact in Arizona schools.

Download the Scoot checklist

Why become a Scoot sub?

From hire to school placement, you’ll receive comprehensive support from our dedicated Education Consultants.

Rest easy knowing you don’t have to keep applying to different school districts for job opportunities. We connect you based on your preferences for any grade-level, subject, and location.

Apply now

Anton who substitute teaches in Phoenix shares:

My favorite thing is the people who work at Scoot. They’re always very friendly, professional, polite, and responsive. I get feedback quickly.

Arizona substitute teacher requirements

The requirements are simple. All you need are:

• Substitute, PreK-12 Certificate: Valid for 6 years and renewable
• Bachelor’s degree in ANY subject area (doesn’t need to be education-related)

No additional testing, formal teacher education, or prior student teaching experience is required to apply for the Substitute, PreK-12 Certificate.

How to become a substitute teacher in Arizona

Step 1: Create an account on the AZ Department of Public Services Portal

First, create an AZDPS account to apply for the card. The AZDPS portal also allows you to receive timely communications and check the status of your application.

1. Visit the AZDPS portal to create an account > Select “Fingerprint Clearance Card” > Select “Individual Personal Account”
2. Fill out your profile information and create a password.

Step 2: Get your IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card

What is the IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card?

Having an Identity Verified Prints Fingerprint Clearance Card (IVP FCC) is required for all school employees. It confirms you’ve passed state and federal background checks and are cleared to work with students.

How to apply for an IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card with Scoot’s help

Follow these steps when applying with Scoot Education as your employer! Or check out this visual guide created by the AZDPS.

1. Visit the AZDPS FCC Form > Select “Apply for a card / Request a replacement”
2. Sign into your AZDPS account > Select “Apply for a New Clearance Card” > Select “IVP”
3. Read and acknowledge the Privacy Act Statement
4. Under “Reason(s) for Applying”, Scoot substitutes can fill in the information as shown:
   
5. Fill out your personal information
6. Under “Employment Information,” Scoot substitutes can fill in the information below:
   • Scoot Education
   • 410 N. Scottsdale Road, #1000
   • Tempe, AZ 85281
   • (602) 888-7976 ext 301
7. Under “Signature”, check the box to authorize release information to the AZDPS > Sign your name
8. Review and submit your application carefully to avoid processing delays
9. Enter payment details and pay the $67.00 application fee.

Scoot fully reimburses the Fingerprint Clearance Card application fee! Just keep your receipt and submit it to us when you apply.

Get fingerprinted in person

After submitting, you’ll receive an email from AZDPS with a 10-digit reference number. Use the link in the email to select a location to have your fingerprints taken. Then, fill out this fingerprint request form and bring it with you to your fingerprinting appointment.

After fingerprinting

Wait for the fingerprint card to come in the mail. Check the status of your application on the AZDPS portal. Status changes may take 24-48 hours to appear online.

Step 3: Submit your transcripts to the Arizona Department of Education

You need a Bachelor’s degree or higher to qualify for the Arizona substitute certificate.

Send official transcripts to the Arizona Department of Education via:

• Email: certification@azed.gov
• Parchment online service
• Mail: Arizona Department of Education – Certification Unit, P.O. Box 6490, Phoenix, AZ 85005

Foreign transcripts: Submit a course-by-course evaluation by an approved Foreign Credential Evaluation Agency to certification@azed.gov. The agency will identify the equivalent degree in the United States.

Step 4: Apply for the substitute certificate

Once you have your physical fingerprint card and submitted transcripts, you’re ready to apply for the certificate.

1. Create an account on the My Certification Portal
2. Submit your documents:
   • A photocopy of your IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card
   • Your transcripts
3. Wait 3-8 weeks for approval. Check the portal for the status of your application.

Once your application is approved, you’ll receive your Substitute, PreK-12 Certificate in the mail. Now, you’re ready to teach!

Substitute teach with Scoot Education

Here at Scoot Education, we make it easy to become a substitute teacher. Our only requirements are:

• 3 professional references including at least one supervisor
• Completion of state-mandated and Scoot-required trainings

We help you feel completely supported in your work as a substitute teacher in Arizona. With Scoot, you get:

• Full reimbursement of the $67 fingerprint clearance card fee
• Personalized credentialing and teaching support
• Access to diverse assignments across grade levels, subjects, and roles
• Comprehensive teacher preparation resources covering behavior management, special education, and trauma-informed teaching

Scoot supports more than 200 school partners in Arizona. Join a community of 500+ educators helping schools and students thrive better than ever before!

Interested in supporting students in special education?

Scoot Education has a strong track record of supporting students with special needs in Arizona. We’ve successfully placed Special Education Lead Teachers in long-term positions and partnered with Phoenix Children’s Hospital for fundraisers.

Ready to make an impact as a special education teacher, paraeducator, or behavior support staff? Apply today!

Make a difference in Arizona

Arizona needs substitute teachers, and you can be part of the solution. With Scoot Education’s full support, you’ll help keep student learning and growth on track—one classroom at a time.

Apply now