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Getting Certified In New Jersey

Below is a general list of requirements you must meet in order to obtain a teaching credential in New Jersey:

  • Must have a Bachelor’s degree (or higher) from a regionally accredited college or university.
  • Must have knowledge of the subject area in which you want to teach (by an approved program of coursework).
  • Must meet a minimum GPA requirement.
  • Must meet the Physiology and Hygiene requirement.
  • Must pass the appropriate Praxis II test, in the subject area you want to teach.
  • Must complete a 24 hour teaching seminar (for alternate route candidates only).

*As regulations periodically change, specific information regarding New Jersey’s certification requirements and details about New Jersey’s Alternate Route (Provisional Teacher) program, please visit: http://www.nj.gov/njded/educators/license/.

  • Didn’t complete a college degree in education? It’s okay, there are options for you! Click here to read about New Jersey’s Alternate Route (Provisional Teacher) program.

  • Interested in learning more about what some New Jersey colleges and universities have to offer for veterans?  Click here to visit the website of “Operation College Promise”.

  • Interested in obtaining a vocational teaching credential? Click here to email the Troops to Teachers program coordinator for more information.

  • Interested in Substitute Teaching? You must contact your local County Office of Education for information regarding substitute credentials. Listed below are the telephone numbers to the County Offices of Education in New Jersey.
    • County Phone Number
    Atlantic (609) 625-0004
    Bergen (201) 336-6875
    Burlington (609) 265-5060
    Camden (856) 401-2400
    Cape May (609) 465-1283
    Cumberland (856) 451-0211
    Essex (973) 395-4677
    Gloucester (856) 468-6500
    Hudson (201) 319-3850
    Hunterdon (908) 788-1414
    Mercer (609) 588-5876
    Middlesex (732) 249-2900 Ext. 112
    Monmouth (732) 431-7810
    Morris (973) 285-8320
    Ocean (732) 929-2078
    Passaic (973) 569-2110
    Salem (856) 935-7510 Ext. 8441
    Somerset (908)541-5700
    Sussex (973) 579-6996
    Union (908) 654-9860
    Warren (908) 475-6207