Substitute License Requirements
In order to become a substitute teacher in the state of Nevada, you must apply for and receive a substitute license. To qualify, you must
- have an Associate's degree or 60 credit hours from an accredited postsecondary institution
- submit fingerprints for a state and FBI criminal background check (click to see disqualifying criminal offenses)
- pay the state's $180.00 application fee
To begin an application for your substitute license, go to https://online.nvdoe.org/#/User/Loginwemail to log in to the state's OPAL system.
If you do not have an OPAL account, you will need to create one (see Guide to Register for an OPAL Account for help if needed).
Once you are logged into your OPAL account, go to the Application History area on the screen and click the link for "Initial Application - First Time Applicant in Nevada." If you have had a previous Nevada license, you will be able to click the appropriate link to renew or begin a new license application.
On the next screen, choose "Substitute" for your application type and then click the green "Create Application" button at the bottom right of the screen. You do not need to select a provider from the dropdown.
Next, you will go through the different parts of the substitute license application. The first screen has instructions; pay attention to the things that you will be required to provide to complete the application. After reading the instructions, click the green "Save & Next" button at the bottom right of the screen.
On the next screen, enter your personal information in each of the required fields, indicate if the Nevada Department of Education can send you email and text message updates, and then click the green "Save & Next" button at the bottom right of the screen.
On the next screen, answer the disclosure questions and provide any required explanations. When finished, click the green "Save & Next" button at the bottom right of the screen.
The next screen provides you the fingerprint background waiver. Read through the information and type your initials to allow the state of Nevada to review your background information for licensing. Then, click the green "Save & Next" button at the bottom right of the screen.
On the next screen, read through the mandatory reporting information and type your initials to confirm that you will follow the state law. Then, click the green "Save & Next" button at the bottom right of the screen.
On the next screen, indicate your status regarding any child support obligations, type your initials at the bottom, and then click the green "Save & Next" button at the bottom right of the screen.
On the next screen, indicate if you have a business license (not required to be a substitute), complete any information, type your initials at the bottom of the screen, and then click the green "Save & Next" button at the bottom right of the screen.
On the next screen, indicate if you have any active or veteran military status, complete any necessary information, and then click the green "Save & Next" button at the bottom right of the screen.
On the Education screen, read the instructions carefully. Enter your education information into the required fields, and click the green "Save" button. You may enter multiple degrees, one at a time, by saving your information and then clicking the blue "Add Education" button to enter each new degree. Remember to save after each one.
At the bottom, indicate the method that you will use to send official transcripts, and then click the green "Save & Next" button at the bottom right of the screen. Don't forget to send your transcripts after you have completed the application!
On the next screen, indicate if you have any testing related to educator licensure (not required to be a substitute). Enter any necessary information, and then click the green "Save & Next" button at the bottom right of the screen.
On the next screen, indicate if you have an educator license (not required to be a substitute) or any verifiable teaching experience (not required to be a substitute). These same screens are used for people applying for regular teacher licenses, giving them a place to report experience; it is okay to mark "No" for these as a community member seeking a substitute teaching license.
On the License/Endorsements screen, click the dropdown menu for License Kind and choose "Substitute." A second dropdown will appear for Endorsement, and you will again select "Substitute." Click the green "Save" button to the right of that section. Then, click the green "Save & Next" button at the bottom right of the screen.
On this screen, type your name into the first field, then read the oath of office. Type your name at the bottom to sign that you will uphold the state oath, and then click the green "Save & Next" button at the bottom right of the screen.
You cannot access the final Payment screen until you have completed and saved all the previous screens. Follow the directions on the Payment screen to pay the application fee and submit your application.
Once the Department of Education receives your application, you will get an email with instructions to complete your fingerprint background check. There may be an additional charge from the fingerprint provider when you schedule or arrive at your appointment.
The timeframe varies for The Department of Education to process your application; once you receive your substitute license, you can go back on the Senya platform and mark that you have your license. Once verified, you will be approved to work as a substitute teacher!
