Initial Issuance 

If you are applying for initial issuance of the Emergency Substitute Certificate one of the following is required:

• High School Diploma: A photocopy, or scanned and saved copy (if applying online), of your high school diploma; -OR-
• GED Certificate: A photocopy, or scanned and saved copy (if applying online), of your GED certificate; -OR-
• Proof of High School Graduation: Official transcript documenting graduation from high school; -OR-
• Associate degree: Official transcript from a college or university documenting an Associate's degree.

 Re-Issuance 

If you are applying for re-issuance of the Emergency Substitute Certificate one of the following is required:

• Two (2) semester hours since the last issuance: Official transcript(s) from an accredited college or university documenting at least 2 semester hours of academic coursework, which may include classroom management, professionalism, and ethics, completed since the last issuance of your Emergency Substitute certificate; -OR-
• District/Charter School Training Verification: A letter, on official letterhead, from the district or charter school superintendent or human resources office verifying the completion of 30 clock hours of district in-service training completed since the last issuance.
  • Academic courses and in-service programs may include classroom management, professionalism, and ethics. If applying online, the letter may be scanned and uploaded with your application.

 How to Submit Official Documents

Documents Requiring Submission by the Verifying Authority

• Official Transcripts: Transcripts that are uploaded through the educator portal or emailed by the applicant are not official and will not be accepted. Official transcripts and foreign credential evaluations must be submitted as follows:
  • Electronic official transcripts must be submitted directly by the college or university to [email protected].
  • Paper official transcripts must be in a sealed envelope and mailed by the college or university to:
    Arizona Department of Education - Certification Unit
    PO Box 6490 
    Phoenix, AZ  85005-6490.
  • Foreign credential evaluations must be sent directly by the approved foreign credential evaluation agency to [email protected] or mailed to the Arizona Department of Education - Certification Unit.

Accepted Photocopies from the Applicant

• Emergency Substitute Certificate: Submit the Request for an Emergency Substitute Certificate that is signed by the District/Charter School Superintendent.
• AZDPS IVP Card. Submit a photocopy of the Arizona DPS IVP Fingerprint Clearance card. 
• High School Diploma: Submit the high school diploma or transcripts with your application. 
• District/Charter School Training Verification: Submit verification of training on official letterhead signed by the superintendent or HR with your application.