I already have a college degree

Steps for becoming a teacher in New Jersey:

• Route 1: Traditional New Jersey Initial Teaching Certification


The following are the steps that must be taken in order to earn your initial teaching certification in New Jersey the traditional way (i.e., completing a teacher preparation program prior to entering the classroom).

For traditional teacher certification, you apply for a Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing. You will then be issued a Provisional Certification.


• Step 1:
  You must have completed a teacher preparation program from an accredited institution. Below are some great teacher training programs. Request information to determine which one works best for you.


• University of Phoenix
• Walden University
• Capella University
• Ashford University


• Step 2:
  If your degree was completed before September 1^st 2004, your GPA must be 2.5 or higher. If your degree was completed after this date, your GPA must be 2.75 or higher.


• Step 3:
  You must pass the Praxis II subject exam for the subject or subjects you wish to teach.
  
  Each subject requires a test score service fee of $20 by check or money order made payable to the "Commission of Education."


• Step 4:
  You must pass an examination in physiology and hygiene. This examination is given at New Jersey County Offices of Education.


• Step 5:
  The following are the requirements and documents you will need before sending your application to the New Jersey Department of Education:
  
  
  • Official Transcripts of all college courses you have completed.
  • Praxis scores must be sent directly from the ETS to the NJDOE.
  • For more information about procedures and requirements, including fee schedules for all New Jersey Teaching Certificates, Download the Certification Manual.
  • Your teacher preparation institution should provide the application packet and also have this packet sent to the NJDOE. However, you may wish to either apply for certification online or mail a paper application yourself. You may send your application to the following location.
  
  
  Send materials to this address:
  New Jersey Department of Education
  Office of Licensing and Credentials
  P.O. Box 500
  Trenton, NJ. 08625-0500
  
  
  Request more information by contacting a representative at the New Jersey Department of Education at (609) 292-2070


• Step 6:


Sit back and relax!

• Route 2: New Jersey Alternative Teacher Certification


Alternative teacher certification allows candidates to enter the classroom prior to the completion of a teacher preparation program.

You will need to enter a New Jersey induction/mentoring program in order to qualify for a standard certification.


• Step 1
Read and understand the information given regarding the Provisional Teacher Preparation Program.


• Step 2:
For the alternate teacher certification program, you will need to apply online.


• Step 3:
Call the Provisional Teacher Program Training Unit at (609) 984-6377


• Step 4:
  Sit Back and Relax!




Back to New Jersey Teacher Certification/Credentialing
Or, Steps to become a teacher in New Jersey

Learn about the requirements of another state by clicking on one of the state certification links in the drop-down to your left.