New Jersey Teacher Certification

Step by step guide to becoming certified as a teach in NJ:

New Jersey Initial Educator Certification

1. Make sure you have documented proof of a college degree
2. You must have experience in the classroom - student teaching is the most common route.
3. If you hold a degree dated before September 1, 2004, then your GPA must be 2.5 or higher. If your degree is after that date, then you must have a GPA of 2.75 or higher.
4. You’ll need to pass the examination given by the New Jersey County Offices of Education. You will also need to pass the Praxis II (subject area) exam.
5. Submit the following:
   • Apply Online
   • Test scores
   • Required Fees
   • Official Transcripts of all degrees and credits you have earned
   • Mail to:
     New Jersey Department of Education
     Office of Licensing and Credentials
     P.O. Box 500
     Trenton, NJ. 08625-0500
     For more information, call (609) 292-2070
6. Do you want to renew your teaching credentials in New Jersey?
   • Apply for your renewal

Alternative Teacher Certification in NJ

Alternatively, there is another way you can take to get your New Jersey Teacher Certification..

*A mentorship program is required to qualify for the standard New Jersey Teacher Certification*

1. Degree requirement is still valid
2. Mentoring- 20 days of pre-service training/support; may be modified
3. Mentoring- 30 weeks of support by a school-based experienced teacher
4. Supervision & Evaluation- 3 evaluations by school based administrators, including final summative evaluation recommending the novice teacher for standard certification
5. Formal Instruction- at least 200 hours of instruction aligned with the New Jersey Professional Standards for Teachers
6. See more of the requirements along with fee schedule here
7. Apply Online and call (609) 984-6377

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