If you're exploring flexible work in education the Short Call Sub License Arizona offers a simple, fast route into the classroom. Unlike full certification paths, this license removes many traditional barriers to entry, enabling qualified individuals to support schools quickly, without a long lead time.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the application process, outline key eligibility requirements, and provide insight into what happens after you're licensed. Whether you're an aspiring substitute teacher or helping to manage staffing at the district level, you'll find answers here.

First time working as a substitute teacher? Worry not, here's our article on The Rsponsibilities of Substitute Teachers.

What is a Short Call Sub License?

The Short Call Sub License is a credential issued by the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) that authorizes individuals to work as substitute teachers on a short-term basis—up to 120 days in the same classroom per school year. It is designed to address immediate staffing gaps and is particularly useful for districts facing teacher shortages or sudden absences.

Unlike long-term substitute certifications, this license does not require formal teacher preparation coursework or passage of subject-specific exams. It’s a practical solution—for both schools and educators—when time and flexibility matter.

Who is eligible to apply for a Short Call Sub License in Arizona?

The baseline requirements are clear and relatively accessible:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution

• A valid Identity Verified Prints (IVP) Fingerprint Clearance Card

• Completion of the Arizona Short Call Sub License application, submitted online through the AzEDCert portal

That’s it—no teaching credential, no prior classroom experience. This opens the door to individuals transitioning into education, recent graduates, and professionals seeking purpose-driven, part-time work.

The Arizona short call sub application process

Although the process is relatively straightforward, missing a detail can cause delays. Here’s what to expect:

Step 1: Start with your IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card

Before you do anything else, apply for your IVP card through the Arizona Department of Public Safety. Processing times can stretch to 6–8 weeks, especially in summer and early fall. Don’t underestimate this step—it’s a common bottleneck for many applicants.

Step 2: Gather your documentation

To avoid last-minute scrambling, make sure you have prepared these items in advance:

• Your IVP card or tracking number

• Proof of your bachelor’s degree (a diploma or official transcript)

• A valid photo ID

• A debit or credit card for the $60 application fee (current as of June 2025)

Step 3: Complete the online application

Go to the AzEDCert portal, create an account, and start your Short Call Sub License Arizona online application. The interface is clean and relatively easy to navigate, but accuracy matters. Double-check every field—especially names and dates.

Step 4: Monitor your application status

ADE communicates updates directly through the portal. Most applications are processed within 4–6 weeks, assuming everything is submitted correctly.

Tip: Ensure you save copies of all documents and correspondence in case you need to follow up.

Want to know what to expect in pay? This should give you a rough idea: Substitute Salary Rates

Avoiding common mistakes

Short Call Sub License Arizona tips

Applicants often delay their own approval by skipping simple checks. Here are a few practical suggestions:

• Apply for your fingerprint card early—it often takes the longest

• Scan documents clearly and legibly

• Ensure all names match exactly across your ID, diploma, and application

• Log into your portal regularly to check for messages or updates

These Short Call Sub License Arizona tips might sound basic—but they save weeks of waiting.

What happens after you're licensed?

Once approved, your license appears in the AzEDCert portal. From there, you can apply to districts and schools across Arizona that are seeking short-term substitute support.

Here’s where things can get tricky. Traditional school staffing agencies often act as middlemen—obscuring your pay rate, your options, and even your schedule. That’s where Zen Educate comes in.

Zen Educate: a smarter way to find work

If you’re licensed and ready to work, Zen Educate gives you a faster, more flexible way to find the right role.

The platform empowers substitute teachers with:

• More control over when, where, and how you work

• Better pay, by cutting out the agency middle layer

• A personalized job-matching engine, built to pair you with roles that suit your experience, location, and availability

Everything runs through a transparent, user-friendly portal—no guesswork, no agency games.

And if you’re new to substitute teaching? You’re not alone. Zen Educate offers support at every step, from onboarding to feedback after your first assignment.

Learn more and sign up today!