New Jersey Department of Education

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Certification & Induction

What is the Process for Newly Hired, First-Time Teachers?

Provisional Teacher Process

 In order to obtain a standard certificate, all novice teachers must complete the Provisional Teacher Process (PTP) in which they are evaluated, mentored  and supervised by their district/school while working under a  provisional certificate. After completion of the PTP, a teacher may be recommended for a standard certificate.

In order to begin participation in the PTP, a candidate must obtain a Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS) or Certificate of Eligibility (CE). These certificates allow the candidate to seek and accept offers of employment as teachers. When a candidate is hired, the district/school must register the candidate into the PTP and a provisional certificate is issued.

Provisional Teacher Process for CE Holders

The Provisional Teacher Process for CE holders is a non-traditional teacher preparation program (alternate route) designed for those individuals who have not completed a formal teacher preparation program at an accredited college or university, but wish to obtain the necessary training to become a New Jersey certified teacher. 


The CE holder must present the 50-Hour Verification of Completion form to the hiring school district in order to obtain a provisional certificate.

Completing the Provisional Teacher Process through a CE Educator Preparation Program (CE EPP) requires that the following series of steps be taken by a prospective applicant in the order listed:

  1. Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (CE)

All Instructional Certificates available for which a CE may be issued are listed on the Teachers Overview webpage. Remember, it is your responsibility to make sure all necessary documents are received by the NJDOE so that your file can be reviewed by an examiner. The waiting time for your application review does not begin until all documentation is received. Only official transcripts and official copies of test scores, where applicable, are acceptable. Applicants must Apply Online. You may also find it helpful to review Frequently Asked Questions.

  1. Obtain a Certificate of Eligibility.

A Certificate of Eligibility is issued once a candidate meets all the requirements for the particular title. The Certificate of Eligibility authorizes an individual to seek and accept employment in a New Jersey public school requiring certification.

  1. Accept employment and begin the Provisional Teacher Process (PTP).

CE candidates must complete a minimum amount of 50 hours of pre-professional experience at a Certificate of Eligibility Program Provider (CE EPP) prior to employment. For the district/school to register you for a Provisional certificate, you must provide them with documentation of enrollment in an approved CE EPP along with the completed 50-Hour Verification of Completion  form showing completion of the 50 hours. Once you have secured employment, it is the responsibility of the hiring school district to enroll you in the Provisional Teacher Process. A provisional certificate is then issued which is valid for a period of up to two years. The PTP is a school-based training and evaluation program provided during the initial years of teaching in New Jersey.

  1. Meet mentoring and evaluation requirements.

While working as a provisional teacher you must be mentored for a minimum of 30 weeks by a certified teacher in the district. Mentoring requirements can be located at the Educator Mentoring and Induction Support webpage. To qualify for a standard certificate, you must be evaluated based on the AchieveNJ instrument utilized in your district/school and receive two effective or highly effective final ratings, one per year within a three-year span. Visit the AchieveNJ webpage for additional information.

  1. Meet formal instruction requirements.

Candidates with a CE must be enrolled in a CE EPP and verify enrollment in a CE EPP to the hiring school. 

  1. DOE Approved CE Educator Preparation Program.
  1. Successfully complete the Provisional Teacher Process and receive a Standard teaching certificate.

Once the PTP has been successfully completed, a standard teaching certificate can be issued by the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE). The standard certificate is a permanent certificate issued to candidates who have met all requirements for state certification.

If you have any questions about the Provisional Teacher Process for CE Holders please email altroute@doe.nj.gov or call 609-292-2070.

Provisional Teacher Process for CEAS Holders

The Provisional Teacher Process for CEAS holders, the traditional route is designed for those individuals who have completed a formal teacher preparation program at an accredited college or university and wish to obtain the necessary training to become a New Jersey certified teacher.

The Provisional Teacher Process for CEAS holders requires that the prospective applicant follow the listed steps.

  1. Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (CEAS) through the Certification and Induction Office (OCI).

All Instructional Certificates available for which a CEAS may be issued are listed on the Teachers Overview webpage. Remember, it is your responsibility to make sure all necessary documents are received by New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) so that your file can be reviewed by an examiner. The waiting time for your application review does not begin until all documentation is received. Only official transcripts and official copies of test scores, where applicable, are acceptable. Applicants must Apply Online. You may also find it helpful to review Frequently Asked Questions.

  1. Obtain a Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing

A Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS) is issued once a candidate meets all the requirements for the particular title. The CEAS authorizes an individual to seek and accept employment in a New Jersey public school requiring certification.

  1. Accept employment and begin the Provisional Teacher Process (PTP).

Once you have secured employment, it is the responsibility of the hiring school district to enroll you in the Provisional Teacher Process (PTP). A provisional certificate is then issued which is valid for a period of up to two years. The PTP is a school-based training and evaluation program provided during the initial years of teaching in New Jersey.

  1. Meet mentoring and evaluation requirements.

While working as a provisional teacher you must be mentored for a minimum of 30 weeks by a certified teacher in the district. Mentoring requirements can be located at the Educator Mentoring and Induction Support webpage. To qualify for a standard certificate you must be evaluated based on the AchieveNJ instrument utilized in your district/school and receive two effective or highly effective final ratings, one per year within a three-year span. Visit the AchieveNJ webpage for additional information.

  1. Successfully complete the Provisional Teacher Process and Receive a Standard Teaching Certificate.

Once the PTP has been successfully completed, a standard teaching certificate can be issued by the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE). The standard certificate is a permanent certificate issued to candidates who have met all requirements for state certification.

If you have any questions about the Provisional Teacher Process please email Provisional.Teacher@doe.nj.gov or call 609-292-2070.