1) As of October 31, 2009, applicants for a Certificate of Eligibility for elementary, middle school specialization, N-12 subject area and career and technical education CEs must complete 24 seat time hours of formal instruction through an authorized provider prior to issuance of the CE. This requirement also serves as an introduction to the teaching profession for those individuals who are exploring career options. Topics include classroom management, lesson planning, introduction to New Jersey core curriculum content standards, and assessment of pupil progress. This requirement became effective on September 1, 2009, for candidates seeking a pre-school through grade three CE.
2) Novice K-5 alternate route teachers hired as of October 31, 2009 must complete an additional 90 hours of seat time instruction, for a total of 290 seat hours, in a department-approved program. Of these 90 hours, 45 are in the teaching of mathematics and 45 are in the teaching of language arts literacy.
ATTENTION: ONLINE APPLICATION SUBMISSION REQUIRED AS OF MAY 1, 2009
In order to reduce the amount of time required to process requests for certification, the Office of Licensure & Credentials can only accept online submissions for certification beginning May 1, 2009. Elimination of the majority of paper applications will vastly reduce the numerous delays in processing due to handwriting errors and missing information.
With regard to internet accessibility, 90 percent of college-educated individuals have personal access. Those applicants who do not have internet access at home may do so through a public library.
Exceptions to this policy, where paper applications will be accepted from the general public after May 1, include:
****Attention alternate route provisional teachers hired January 8, 2008 and after
A new $100 administrative fee for processing of the initial standard certificate for alternate route candidates went into effect on January 8, 2008. Candidates should provide a check or money order in that amount payable to “Commissioner of Education” to their district for submission with the final, summative evaluation upon completion of the Provisional Teacher Program.
Attention On-line Credit Card Users:
If paying for your certification by credit card, please note that these fees are non-refundable pursuant to NJAC 6A:9-5.4. However, if you experience a problem using TCIS while paying by credit card, please email us at: certapplication@doe.state.nj.us Please describe the nature of the problem you experienced and include your name and contact information. A customer service representative will contact you to address the issue.
It is strongly advised that all applicants become thoroughly familiar with the information provided in the New Jersey Licensing Code, which outlines the specific requirements for each certification and endorsement.
ATTENTION APPLICANTS FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL CERTIFICATION (ELEMENTARY SCHOOL WITH SUBJECT MATTER SPECIALIZATION): Applicants for the Elementary School with Subject Matter Specialization endorsements must first apply and be eligible for at least a CE in K-5 Elementary. Applicants may apply simultaneously for both the K-5 CE and the Elementary School with Subject Matter Specialization CE. In addition, candidates for the Elementary school with subject matter specialization endorsements must complete study in adolescent development in order to obtain the standard certificate. Beginning with the 2004-05 school year, alternate route candidates who have completed regional training will have met the adolescent study requirement.
ATTENTION APPLICANTS FOR TEACHER OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: Applicants must first hold a CE, CEAS or Standard instructional certificate (Elementary K-5, K-12 English, K-12 Math, etc.), or must apply and be eligible for an instructional certificate (Elementary K-5, K-12 English, K-12 Math, etc.) in order to be eligible for the Teacher of Students with Disabilities certificate. Click here for further details.
USE OF CUSTOMER SERVICE PHONE LINES. Applicants are encouraged to use this web site to locate general and more detailed information regarding New Jersey licensure and certification. We ask your cooperation in reserving the customer service phone lines for inquiries by individuals who have previously submitted an online or paper application for certification.
APPLICATION PROCESSING TIME: It takes approximately 10 to 12 weeks from the time the Office of Licensure and Credentials receives all of your documentation to process your application. Please keep these time frames in mind when making inquiries about your application status.
SUBMISSION ALERT FOR ONLINE APPLICANTS. Please do not submit both an online application and a paper application for the same credential! Doing so will delay your application review.
CREDENTIAL EVALUATIONS REQUESTED BEFORE SEPTEMBER 1. Due to the high volume of applications received, please note that credential evaluations requested before Sept. 1, 2005 (as distinct from applications for certification) will be processed at a lesser priority rate. However, you may convert your evaluation request to an application by payment of the fee balance and by submitting the necessary supporting documents. If you choose to convert your evaluation request to an application, your application will be given an expedited review.
CREDENTIAL EVALUATIONS REQUESTED AFTER SEPTEMBER 1. Please note that due to the increasing number of certification applications, the Office of Licensure and Credentials will not accept further requests for credential evaluations (as distinct from applications for certification) after September 1, 2005.
