Emergency Substitute Training FAQ’s
1. How do I qualify to become a day-to-day emergency substitute?
You must possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, and complete a 2 day Emergency Substitute Training Program with the BVIU.
If you have earned a higher degree (i.e. Masters), DO NOT send the Master's transcripts. PDE will NOT accept transcripts other than your Bachelor's degree.
2. Do I have to complete a General Application for PA Certificate (Form PDE 338-G)?
Yes. Follow the directions on page 3 of the form carefully and complete the following sections:
Sections 1 –6
In section 2, leave #2 blank. I will fill that in for you.
Section 3 requires that the Health Certificate must be signed by a licensed physician, physician’s assistant or nurse practitioner. Please make sure this is filled out legibly!!
Answer all the questions in Section IV - Background.
Sign and date the application. DO NOT SEND THE APPLICATION TO THE PA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.
Bring the completed form with you on the first scheduled day of the Emergency Substitute Training
3. Will I have to obtain background clearance checks?
You will be required to obtain an Act 34 and an Act 151 background check as well as an FBI Federal Criminal History Record background clearance.
Please find instructions for these clearances here:
The Beaver Valley Intermediate Unit is an authorized Cogent Systems Fingerprinting Site. Please access the website to obtain fingerprinting hours. You will need to register on-line with the Department of Education before coming to the BVIU to get fingerprinted.
For Information and Registration Procedures, click here:
The FBI Fingerprint Check costs $27.50 and may be paid upon registration on the Cogent Systems website by credit card or debit card-or-you may bring a money order or cashiers check with you to the BVIU as payment.ABSOLUTELY NO CASH TRANSACTIONS OR PERSONAL CHECKS WILL BE ACCEPTED AT THE BVIU FINGERPRINTING SITE.
4.Are there any fees involved?
Yes. The cost of the Emergency Substitute Training Program is $120.00 if you possess a bachelor’s degree in a field other than education and have no prior teaching experience including student teaching. You are mandated to attend the 2 day training.Fees include all materials, breakfast and lunch on the first day and a snack on Day 2.
5. How long is the Emergency Permit effective?
The Emergency Permit is effective for one school year. If you choose to continue to serve as a day-to-day emergency substitute in the next school year, you must renew your permit. Information will be sent to you in June so that you can complete the renewal process. The renewal process requires that only minimal paperwork be completed. There is no fee for renewal for U.S. citizens. Your clearances will be valid in those districts where you worked and in new districts only if they are no more than one year old.
13. Will the Emergency Permit allow me to work as a day-to-day substitute in a nonpublic school or in other school districts in Pennsylvania?
No. We have been advised by the PA Department of Education that permits issued under the auspices of BVIU qualify individuals to substitute ONLY in those public school districts located within the boundaries of BVIU.
Please understand that while you may participate in this program, it is designed for persons who are not education majors.