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North Dakota Substitute Teacher License Requirements
North Dakota interim substitute licenses need 48 semester hours, ESPB fingerprinting, and NDTeach. Fees are $95 plus the $30 application fee.
| College credit minimum | 48 semester hours (or Frontline training route) |
|---|---|
| Substitute license fee | $95 (two years) |
| Application fee | $30 plus $44.50 fingerprinting |
Sources checked November 2026
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North Dakota substitute teachers need an Interim Substitute License from ESPB before they work as paid substitutes in public schools. The standard path needs 48 semester hours of college coursework. You also complete a fingerprint background check through the board and file an online NDTeach application (substitute requirements).
Substitute license types
On the types of licenses page, ESPB lists Initial Interim Substitute License and Interim Substitute License Renewal under substitute credentials. The interim substitute is a two-year license. It fits people who are not yet on a full educator license but meet credit or training rules.
Substitute work is not the same as a 40-Day Provisional License. ESPB issues that license when a school has offered a job but the background investigation is still pending. Provisional credentials need administrator and applicant letters. They are limited to 40 calendar days (types of licenses).
Districts may also hire long-term substitutes. Licensing rules still flow through ESPB even when the assignment lasts weeks.
The 48 semester-hour route
For the classic interim substitute path, ESPB requires:
- An official transcript documenting at least 48 semester hours of college coursework.
- A successful background check completed with ESPB using the board fingerprint packet (background checks).
- An online application for the interim substitute license through NDTeach (NDTeach login).
The substitute license is $95 and lasts two years, expiring on the applicant’s birthday (substitute requirements). ESPB also lists a one-time $30 initial application fee and $44.50 fingerprinting on its licensing fees page, plus the $5 maintenance charge on new applications since June 2019.
Frontline training for fewer than 48 credits
ESPB describes a newer route for applicants with less than 48 credits of college education. The board partnered with Frontline to offer online substitute teacher training.
The training takes about 20 hours. The board gives two prices for it: $99 on its substitute requirements page and $180 in the notice on its home page. Check the price Frontline shows before you pay. Applicants must select North Dakota when registering at Frontline Education’s substitute teacher training site.
After training, applicants use NDTeach and also submit:
- Frontline training completion certificate
- Fingerprint background check packet
- High school diploma or GED, or any official college transcript showing credit earned
ESPB news posts may update this path; confirm the current checklist on the substitute license page before you pay for training.
How to apply in NDTeach
ESPB directs new substitute applicants to begin the online substitute application from its substitute license page (linked beside the NDTeach login on nd.gov/espb). If you already have an educator account from another application type, log in at NDTeach and choose the substitute license application.
Mail fingerprint forms to Education Standards and Practices Board, 2718 Gateway Ave Suite 204, Bismarck ND 58503 as instructed on the background check page. ESPB reports average three weeks for FBI/BCI results after the packet arrives.
Email questions to espbinfo@nd.gov. ESPB asks for 5 to 7 working days for email responses during busy seasons.
District hiring vs state licensing
School districts advertise substitute pools, pay scales, and training locally. ESPB only checks whether you hold a valid substitute credential. Some districts require extra orientation before you enter classrooms. Others require mandated reporter training first.
If you plan to move from substituting into a full teaching license, you will need a bachelor’s degree. You also need an approved preparation program or another ESPB route such as reciprocal or alternate access licensing. See become a teacher in North Dakota for the regular classroom path.
Renewing an interim substitute license
When your two-year substitute license nears your birthday expiration, log into NDTeach and start the renewal application listed under Interim Substitute License Renewal on types of licenses. ESPB may ask for an updated background check if your prior clearance is out of date.
If you completed additional college credit after the first substitute issue, upload unofficial transcripts showing progress toward a full teaching license. ESPB staff can advise whether you should switch application types rather than renew substitute status indefinitely.
Pay and licensing fees together
Budget for more than the $95 substitute credential. The licensing fees table lists separate line items so you do not underpay when mailing fingerprint payments. NDTeach accepts credit cards for license fees. Fingerprint payments may still need a separate method on the background check form.
Sources checked November 2026
- ESPB substitute license requirements
- ESPB types of licenses
- ESPB licensing fees
- ESPB background checks
Quick answers
Can I substitute anywhere in North Dakota with this license?
ESPB states the substitute license allows substitute teaching grades K-12 in all North Dakota schools. Individual districts still control hiring.
Does the substitute license expire on a fixed calendar date?
ESPB notes the two-year substitute license expires on the applicant's birthday, not a universal July date.