Long-Term Substitute Permit

The Long-Term Substitute Permit (Form 2L) allows individuals who do not hold a professional certificate to substitute day-to-day in any position, or for more than 30 days in one position, in one approved endorsement (or subject) area. This permit is valid for three (3) years.

Before You Apply

Verify with your employer which substitute form you should complete. Before completing Form 2L or any other substitute permit applications, you must

1. Receive approval of employment by a county school system.
2. Complete the initial substitute training course through the county or through the WVLearns site.
3. Be aware of the requirements to hold a Substitute Permit, including review of your official college or university transcript by the employing county.
4. Hold the required degree for the type of permit you seek, with the required GPA, if applicable.

Candidate Requirements

General Requirements

To apply, you must

• Be a U.S. citizen or hold eligible documentation (see WVBE Policy 5202).
• Be at least 18-years-old.
• Be physically, mentally, and emotionally qualified.
• Be an employee of the West Virginia public school system.
• Have recommendation from the county superintendent.
• Have twelve (12) semester hours of coursework with a grade of C or higher (minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0) directly related to the endorsement area.

Education Level

• Have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, from a regionally accredited college or university.
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.

Required Training

• One of the following options: 
  • OPTION 1: Eighteen clock hours of initial substitute teacher training approved by the employing county or through our eLearning platform.
  • OPTION 2: Completion of a State Board of Education-approved clinical experience within one year of applying.
  • OPTION 3: One of the following must apply:
    • Hold an expired West Virginia Professional Certificate OR
    • Hold a valid/expired Out-of-State Professional Teaching, Student Support, or Administrative Certificate.
      • You can use your expired West Virginia Professional Certificate or Out-of-State Professional Certificate once to get a Short-Term Substitute Permit. Your certificate must have been expired less than five (5) years before the application date.

Please note:

• Nursing endorsement requires specific training. 

Application Instructions

Form 2L must be completed online. If this is your first time using our Certification Portal, you will need to register. Follow the instructions for first-time applicants. 

1. Log in to the portal and select apply for licensure, the license type, and the form number. 
2. Fill in the applicant information and attach any required documentation. You will need to provide personal information, such as your name and address, respond to legal disclosure questions, and indicate the county where you're employed.
3. Submit the form for county approval. 
4. After it is approved, you will receive an email for payment. Log back in to the portal to pay the application fee.
5. The Office of Certification will review your application. If you have not been licensed through WVDE in the past, you will receive an email with instructions for completing a required background check.
6. When your application is approved, you will receive an email with instructions for downloading your permit.

$50