Step 1) Create an account on the Arizona Department of Public Services website
First, before you can apply for an Arizona substitute certificate, you must create an account on the Arizona Department of Public Services’ (AZDPS) website. Follow the steps below to create your account:
Visit the AZDPS page for creating an account and when asked for the type of account you would like to create, select “Individual Personal Account”, then click “Continue”.
Then fill out the rest of the questions with your information. Make sure everything is correct!
Follow the next step to apply for an IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card.
Step 2) Get your IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card
The IVP (Identity Verified Prints) Fingerprint Clearance Card is required of anyone who is applying to be a substitute in the state of Arizona.
To start your application, you must visit the AZDPS FCC Form.
Select “Request a Replacement / Apply for a Card for Myself or Someone Else” and click “Continue”.
Sign into your AZDPS account and select “Apply for a New Clearance Card” under “What do you need to do?”
Then, select “IVP” under “Do you require an IVP Clearance Card?”
Next, select “No” under “Have you ever had an IVP Clearance Card before?”
At the end of the Privacy Act Statement, click “Continue”.
After that, under “Reason(s) for Applying”, fill in the information that fits you best.
Substitutes who plan to teach with Scoot Education can fill in the information as shown:
Fill out the rest of the questions with your information. Make sure everything is correct!
“Employment Information” is optional but Scoot substitutes can fill in the information below:
Scoot Education
410 N. Scottsdale Road, #1000
Tempe, AZ 85281
(602) 888-7976 ext 301
Under “Fingerprinting Preference”, you have the option to select where you are located. Select the option that fits you best.
Under “Applicant Signature”, click the box to authorize custodians of records to release information and sign your name under it.
Review your application and click “Continue to My Order” to enter your payment details to pay the $67.00 fee.
Scoot subs: Select the option to “Submit & Pay by Credit Card” and keep your receipt! Scoot will reimburse this fee on your next paycheck!
Woohoo! Your electronic application has been created and will be matched with your physical fingerprints.
You will receive an email shortly from AZDPS with a 10-digit reference number. Please follow the link in the email to select a location to have your fingerprints taken.
Step 3) Submit your transcripts to the Arizona Department of Education
In order to be eligible for an Arizona substitute certificate, all substitute teachers must have a Bachelor’s degree.
You must request that your accredited college or university submit your official transcripts. These transcripts should document your Bachelor’s degree or more advanced degree and be sent directly to [email protected] or by mail to:
Arizona Department of Education – Certification Unit
P.O. Box 6490
Phoenix, AZ 85005
Got foreign transcripts?
You can request a course-by-course evaluation completed by an approved Foreign Credential Evaluation Agency to identify the equivalent degree in the United States and submit them directly to [email protected].
Bachelor’s degree transcripts and foreign transcripts submitted by the applicant via the online portal or by email are not considered official so make sure that your institution submits your transcripts directly to [email protected].
Step 4) Create an account on the Arizona Department of Education (AZED)’s website
Once your IVP fingerprint is on file, you can create an account on the AZED’s website.
Your fingerprint must be verified and on file before you can complete this step!
You can use your application number to check on the status of your fingerprints or wait until you get the physical card in the main to know when your fingerprints have been verified.
Step 5) Submit your application
Get excited! Once your IVP fingerprint is on file and you have created your AZED account, you can submit your documents:
A photocopy of your IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card
Your transcripts
Once all your documents are submitted, your Arizona substitute certification application is complete and all you need to do is wait 3-8 weeks for your application to get approved.
After your application is approved, you’ll receive your Substitute, PreK-12 Certificate in the mail.
Now, you are ready to teach!