Many school districts require the SubSkills™ Basic Online Training Course for their substitute teachers. This is an 8-10 hour course that reviews classroom management, teaching strategies, being prepared and professional, special education, as well as fill-in activities. At the end of the course section there are assessments that some find quite difficult. For those who are working towards taking the SubAssessment, here are a few tips and suggestions:

1. No matter what your educational level is or what teaching experience you've had, this test will assess your understanding and application of the principles taught in the Substitute Teacher Handbook, 7th Edition or the SubSkills Online Training. The information presented is new material, so you will need to study the information in depth.
2. Your composite score is composed of your maximum score from each of the five (5) portions. The Classroom Management section is weighted more heavily than the other sections and has the most questions (18). A minimum score of 15/18 (83%) in the Classroom Management section is recommended.
3. You may take each of the five (5) portions of the test four (4) times. They may be taken at different times. At the end of each section you will see hints and suggestions as to what skills and strategies you might want to review. Take some time to study the handbook or online training before taking the assessment again.
4. Contact your school district if you are unsure of the required score – most districts require an 85% composite score.
5. To make sure you clearly understand the question that is being asked, it is recommended that you read the question out loud to yourself. This will help you slow down and not be as worried about the timer.

To read what one substitute teacher, who got 100%, wrote about taking the assessment click here.