Eligibility

Candidates must meet one of the following requirements:

• Have previously held a Kentucky teaching certificate for classroom instruction, which required the completion of a four-year teacher preparation program and a bachelor’s degree.
• Hold or have previously held a valid out-of-state teaching certificate, which required the completion of a four-year teacher preparation program and a bachelor’s degree.

NOTE: If an educator currently holds a valid Kentucky professional teaching certificate that certificate allows the holder to serve as a substitute teacher.

Applying for a Ten Year Certificate for Substitute Teaching

Kentucky Certificate Holders

STEP 1: Log into the KECS Web Portal.
STEP 2: Follow the prompts in the application wizard to apply for Initial 10 Year Substitute.
STEP 3: Submit required documentation.
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.

Out-of-State Certificate Holders

STEP 1: Log into the KECS Web Portal.
STEP 2: Follow the prompts in the application wizard to apply for Initial 10 Year Substitute.
STEP 3: Provide official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework.
STEP 4: Upload a copy of your out-of-state teaching certificate (current or expired).
STEP 5: Complete the Character and Fitness review.
STEP 6: 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 7: Submit the application.

Renewing a Ten 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 10 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.