English Composition 2
Self-paced online English Composition 2 course (ENG 102). NCCRS recommends 3 semester credits; each college decides how it applies them.
See the course →District of ColumbiaTeachers
Does transfer credit count toward the Washington DC substitute credit rule?
By the team. Checked 15 Nov 2026.
The short answer
DCPS asks for 60 completed college credit hours shown on a transcript. Transfer credit that a college has posted on its own transcript fits that wording. ACE-recommended or NCCRS-recommended courses count only after a college posts them. Ask DCPS in writing whether it would count credits posted that way before you enrol.
What the DCPS page says
The DCPS substitute page asks for 60 completed college credit hours or more in lieu of a conferred degree, and a transcript showing it at onboarding. It does not say where the credit must have started, how it was taught, or what subject it covers.
So the transcript is the test. A credit that a college shows on its transcript as completed matches the wording. A course certificate on its own does not.
How transfer credit shows up
When you move between colleges, the new college reviews your old courses and lists the ones it takes as transfer credit. Those credits then appear on the new college's transcript, often marked as transfer.
If your credits are spread across several colleges, you can send DCPS each transcript, or ask one college to bring them together. Either way, add up the completed hours carefully.
| Kind of credit | On a transcript? | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Course taken at a college | Yes, that college's | Send that transcript |
| Transfer credit at a new college | Yes, the new college's | Check it is listed as completed |
| ACE- or NCCRS-recommended course | Not until a college posts it | Ask a college to review and post it |
| Foreign study | Yes, but needs evaluation | Order an evaluation |
Recommended credit and partner colleges
ACE and NCCRS review courses and recommend a number of credits. They do not run transcripts. A college that considers recommended credit decides whether to post it, often as transfer credit toward one of its degrees.
TESU and UoPeople are partner colleges that consider ACE-recommended or NCCRS-recommended credit. Each sets its own rules, fees and timing, so read their transfer pages first. The credit reaches DCPS only via a college transcript.
Questions to ask before you enrol
Two offices need to say yes: the college that posts the credit and DCPS. Ask both in writing and keep the replies.
- To the college: would you post these courses on your transcript, and how long does it take?
- To the college: will they show as completed credit hours?
- To DCPS: would you count credits posted on that college's transcript toward the 60?
Common mistakes
The first mistake is counting courses in progress. DCPS asks for completed credit hours, so a course you are still taking does not count until it is graded and on the transcript.
The second is counting a recommendation as credit. A finished course with an ACE or NCCRS recommendation is not yet college credit. Leave time for the college to review and post it before you apply.
Planning around the timeline
Work backwards from when you want to start substitute teaching. Allow time to finish the courses, for the college to post them, and for DCPS onboarding after you are selected. Keep a list of each course, its finish date and its credits, and update your total only when the transcript shows it.
While you wait, build the classroom experience DCPS also asks for. That way both requirements are ready at the same time.
What to ask in writing
Before you enrol
Ask the DCPS Substitute Teacher Program in writing whether credits posted on a partner college's transcript would count toward its 60-credit requirement before you enrol.
UPI Study is not a college and is not accredited. ACE and NCCRS review our courses and recommend credit; a college decides whether to give that credit and records it on its own transcript.
ACE and NCCRS have over 2,100 cooperating colleges that will consider accepting credits; the final decision is with the universities.
Questions people ask
Does DCPS accept transfer credits for substitute teaching?
The DCPS page asks for 60 completed college credit hours on a transcript and does not exclude transfer credit. Credits a college has posted as transfer credit appear on its transcript. Ask DCPS in writing about your own transcript before you rely on it.
Are ACE-recommended courses college credit?
Not on their own. ACE reviews a course and recommends a number of credits. The course becomes college credit only when a college reviews it and posts it on its own transcript, and only that transcript is what DCPS reads at onboarding.
Can I send DCPS transcripts from more than one college?
DCPS asks for a transcript showing you meet the 60-credit minimum. If your credits are at several colleges, ask DCPS in writing whether to send each transcript or one transcript that lists the transfer credit together.
Courses that fit
ACE-recommended or NCCRS-recommended courses, studied online at your own pace.
College Algebra
Self-paced online College Algebra course (Math 111). NCCRS recommends 3 semester credits; each college decides how it applies them.
See the course →
Introduction to Psychology
Self-paced online Introduction to Psychology course (Psychology 110). ACE and NCCRS recommend 3 semester credits; each college decides how it applies them.
See the course →Start when you have it in writing
Ask DCPS in writing first, then start with English Composition and Educational Psychology.
Sources
- DCPS: Substitute teachers (official)60 completed college credit hours or more in lieu of a conferred degree; 1-2 years of experience with students in a classroom (early childhood classroom for ECE); foreign transcripts must be evaluated as equal to 60 US credits; US work authorization; $20 an hour, $160 a full day; 2 full-day or 4 half-day assignments a month to stay active; recorded VidCruiter interview with a mock lesson. Checked on 15 Nov 2026.