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How to substitute teach in Wyoming without a degree
By the team. Checked 15 Nov 2026.
The short answer
You can substitute teach in Wyoming without a degree. PTSB issues the Classroom Substitute Permit on 60 semester hours from an accredited college, with no degree needed, or on the alternative route: a diploma or GED, 24 hours of district in-service, 30 hours of observation and the US and Wyoming Constitution exams.
The two routes side by side
Neither route asks for a bachelor's degree. Compare what each needs before you choose.
| College route | Alternative route | |
|---|---|---|
| Education | 60 semester hours or an associate degree | High school diploma or GED |
| Training | None beyond the credits | 24 hours of school district in-service |
| Classroom time | None required | 30 hours of observation, 10 at each level |
| Exams | None listed | US and Wyoming Constitution exams |
| Proof | Official college transcripts to PTSB | Records of in-service and observation hours |
| Both | Online application, fingerprints, background check | Online application, fingerprints, background check |
When the in-service route is quicker
If you have little or no college credit and a district near you offers in-service training for new substitutes, the alternative route can be quick. The work is arranging the 30 observation hours across three levels, elementary, junior high or middle, and high school, and passing the two constitution exams. Ask the district's human resources office how it schedules in-service and observation.
When the college route is quicker
If you already have some college credit, count it. Someone with 40 or 50 semester hours may close the gap in a few months. The college route also builds toward a degree, which matters if you later want a full teaching licence. Many substitutes start this way and keep going.
- Have 50 or more hours: the college route is often a short finish.
- Have 20 to 50 hours: compare the time to earn the rest with the time to arrange observation.
- Have under 20 hours: the in-service route may be quicker, unless you want the credits for a degree anyway.
Filling a credit gap online
Courses with an ACE or NCCRS credit recommendation can help fill the gap, but PTSB counts semester hours only from official transcripts of an accredited institution. So the credit must reach a college transcript first. Choose a college that considers ACE-recommended or NCCRS-recommended credit, such as our partner colleges TESU and UoPeople, ask it in writing which courses it will consider, then study and send the record.
General education courses such as English composition, college algebra, psychology and history fit most college plans and are useful in a classroom.
What to send to PTSB
Apply online for the Classroom Substitute Permit. Ask each college to send official transcripts electronically to PTSB. Complete the fingerprint card and the background check. If you use the alternative route, keep the observation hours record sheet PTSB links on its page and proof of your in-service hours.
Thinking about renewal from the start
The permit lasts five years, and renewal asks for two semester hours of transcript credit or 28 hours of PTSB-approved professional development. If you came in on the alternative route, note that PTSB says it cannot be used again to reinstate a lapsed permit. Planning a little college credit during your first five years keeps both renewal and a later teaching degree open. Diarise the expiry date and send the renewal application before it passes, because the rule ties renewal to the permit still being current.
What to ask in writing
Before you enrol
Ask PTSB in writing whether the college transcript you plan to send meets the 60 semester hour route, and ask the college in writing which courses it will consider, 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
Can I substitute teach in Wyoming with only a high school diploma?
Yes, by the alternative route. With a diploma or GED you need 24 hours of school district in-service, 30 hours of classroom observation (10 at each level) and the US and Wyoming Constitution exams, plus fingerprints and a background check.
Is an associate degree enough for a Wyoming substitute permit?
Yes. The college route accepts at least 60 semester hours or an associate degree from an accredited college or university. Have the college send its official transcript electronically to PTSB with your online application.
Do I need the constitution exams on the college route?
The PTSB page lists the US and Wyoming Constitution exams under the alternative route, not the college route. Ask PTSB in writing if you are unsure which items apply to your application.
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 →
US History 1
Self-paced online US History 1 course (HIST 101). NCCRS recommends 3 semester credits; each college decides how it applies them.
See the course →Start when you have it in writing
Every course in one plan; move the credit via a college transcript once the college confirms in writing.
Sources
- PTSB: Substitute Teaching (official)College credit path: at least 60 semester hours or an associate's degree from an accredited college or university, official transcripts sent electronically to PTSB, fingerprints and a clear background check. Alternative path: diploma or GED, 24 hours of district in-service, 30 hours of observation (10 at each level), US and Wyoming Constitution exams. Valid five years; renewal needs two semester hours of transcript credit or 28 hours of PTSB-approved professional development. Checked on 15 Nov 2026.
- PTSB Rules Chapter 6, Section 2: Permits (019-6 Wyo. Code R. 6-2)Rule text of the Classroom Substitute Permit: 60 semester hours at an accredited institution of higher education, or 24 clock hours of in-service plus 30 clock hours of observation; permits issued for five years unless noted; last amended effective 31 Jan 2024. Checked on 15 Nov 2026.