Substitute Authorization

Steps to Apply for Substitute Authorization"]This document outlines the items that will need to be uploaded into your online application. Updated 7/11/2023

Limited Substitute Authorization License

Receiving a Limited Substitute Authorization will allow an individual who holds a paraeducator certificate with the limited substitute authorization to serve as a substitute only in their own special education classroom.

A 'limited' substitute authorization would include:

• someone who holds a paraeducator certificate
• completion of the substitute authorization course but 
• does not have an AA degree/60 college credits completed

Substitute teaching is limited to substituting only in the special education classroom where they are assigned to work as a paraprofessional.

Full Substitute Authorization License

Receiving a Full Substitute Authorization will allow an individual who holds a paraeducator certificate with an associate’s degree or higher or has completed 60 semester hours through a regionally-accredited institution to substitute in grades PK-12 classroom.

A full substitute authorization requires:

• 60 college credits/AA degree or higher
• completion of the substitute authorization course

Substitute teaching is for no more than 10 consecutive days in a 30-day period in one job assignment for a regularly assigned teacher who is absent, except in the driver’s education classroom.

Step 1: Complete Substitute Authorization Course

Substitute Authorization Course addresses the four components required by the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners: Classroom Management, Strategies for Learning, Diversity, and Ethics.

Registration Fee: $100

Dates/Times:  TBD

Location:  TBD

Instructor: TBD

OR

To view a statewide list of offerings and to register, visit

Substitute Authorization Quick Search Catalog

Step 2: Submit Application to the Board of Educational Examiners

The application directions and assistance will be provided during the Substitute Authorization course. The Iowa Board of Educational Examiners’ application system is entirely online at its website.

Background Check and Fingerprinting

As part of the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners’ application process, a background check and fingerprinting are required for all new applicants for Iowa licensure.  The cost of the federal background check and fingerprinting costs will be paid directly to Fieldprint at the time of registering for an appointment. The current cost of this procedure will be $34.35. The remaining fee for background check of $35.00 will be paid to the Board of Educational Examiners in the online application.  Click here for information on the background check process.

Application Fee (subject to change by the BOEE): $165 ($85 Application Fee plus Background Check Fee)

Substitute Authorization Authority

Receiving a Substitute Authorization will allow an individual who holds an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree or has completed 60 semester hours through a regionally-accredited institution to substitute in grades PK-12 for no more than 10 consecutive days in a 30-day period in one job assignment for a regularly assigned teacher who is absent, except in the driver’s education classroom. An individual who holds a paraeducator certificate without an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree or 60 semester hours of credit and completes the Substitute Authorization course will be authorized to substitute only in the special education classroom to which they are assigned for no more than 10 consecutive days in a 30-day period.

Term of a Substitute Authorization

A Substitute Authorization is valid for five years.

Renewal of a Substitute Authorization

For renewals, the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners accepts licensure renewal credits from an approved Iowa provider such as the AEA system, ISEA, or PEI, or undergraduate or graduate college credits from a regionally-accredited institution. If you choose an out-of-state program, college semester hour credits must be earned (not CEUs or staff development). Credits need to be earned after the issue date of the current license, or be no more than five years old if the license is expired. Credits should be relevant to education.

Employment Opportunities

Once you have obtained your Substitute Authorization, you can apply to your preferred school district(s). View the list of districts in the Prairie Lakes AEA region:

School Districts in Prairie Lakes AEA

You can also visit the Teach Iowa website for more opportunities.

Please note: Local school districts have the option of hiring individuals with a Substitute Authorization. It does not guarantee employment. It is your responsibility to contact districts for which you are interested in subbing.

Substitute Authorization vs. Substitute License

A Substitute Authorization is not the same as a Substitute License. To obtain a Substitute License, you must have completed a full state of Iowa approved teacher preparation program and held, or are eligible to hold, an Iowa teaching license.

Iowa Teacher Preparation Program Options

Waiting on Praxis Test scores or have not completed your student teaching?
If you have completed a teacher preparation program but are waiting on passing Praxis test scores, or you have not completed your student teaching:

• You do not need to take the substitute authorization course.
• You can apply for a Substitute Authorization through the Board of Educational Examiners’ online application system at www.boee.iowa.gov.
  As part of the online application process, you will need to upload a letter from the college on school letterhead outlining the courses you have completed that meet the substitute authorization course requirements AND your official transcript listing these courses. Or instead of a letter from the college, you can upload your official transcript AND the course descriptions for each of the courses you took that meet the substitute authorization course requirements (classroom management, strategies for learning, diversity and ethics).

Degrees Earned Outside the United States

If you earned your degree outside of the United States, you will need a credential evaluation that establishes the equivalent degree that would be awarded in the United States.

The Iowa Board of Educational Examiners will accept evaluations from members of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services. For a list of current members, visit their website. You will need to contact the members directly to obtain information about their services, fees and requirements.

Substitute Authorization is valid for five years, and expires five years from the date of issuance by the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners. Application fees are paid to the BOEE during the application process.