Eligibility
Candidates must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally or nationally accredited postsecondary institution.
Applying for a Five Year Certificate for Substitute Teaching
STEP 1: Log into the KECS Web Portal.
STEP 2: Follow the prompts in the application wizard to apply for Initial 5 Year Substitute.
STEP 3: Provide official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework.
STEP 4: Complete the Character and Fitness review.
STEP 5: Make the appropriate payment for certification fees through the KECS online payment service. Please note that any other forms of payment are not accepted and will be returned to the applicant.
STEP 6: Submit the application.
Renewing a Five Year Certificate for Substitute Teaching
STEP 1: Log into the KECS Web Portal.
STEP 2: Follow the prompts in the application wizard to apply for Renew 5 Year Substitute.
STEP 3: Complete the Character and Fitness review.
STEP 4: Make the appropriate payment for certification fees through the KECS online payment service. Please note that any other forms of payment are not accepted and will be returned to the applicant.
STEP 5: Submit the application.
Submitting Official Transcripts
Transcripts are only considered official if submitted one of the following ways:
- Electronic transcripts sent DIRECTLY from the institution’s third-party transcript provider to KDELicensure@education.ky.gov. Electronic transcripts are not accepted if printed by or forwarded by the applicant.
- Sent by mail from the institution on official transcript paper to:
KDE Certification
300 Sower Blvd., 5th Floor
Frankfort, KY 40601
Official transcripts that are mailed or dropped off at the office will NOT be returned to the applicant.
