How to Get Your New Jersey Teacher Certification
Becoming a teacher in New Jersey is a step toward a career that impacts students’ lives. New Jersey offers strong support systems, multiple certification pathways, and a steady demand for educators, providing a clear path into the classroom for both new graduates and career changers.
This guide breaks down what you need to know about earning your teaching certification in the Garden State, covering certification pathways, requirements, and application steps.
New Jersey Department of Education
The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) is your main resource for understanding certification pathways, testing requirements, application steps, and renewal guidelines. Educators can also find information on endorsements, reciprocity, and certificate maintenance.
How to Become a Certified Teacher in New Jersey
New Jersey offers multiple pathways to the classroom designed to support different backgrounds.
Traditional Route
If you’re a high school graduate who does not yet hold a bachelor’s degree, you can complete a traditional four-year undergraduate teaching program and earn a Certificate of Eligibility with Advance Standing (CEAS) in New Jersey. The state has a list of approved CEAS providers.
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Alternative Route
If you already have a bachelor’s degree in a subject area other than education, you don’t have to start over on a new bachelor’s degree. You can earn a Certificate of Eligibility (CE), which enables you to accept a New Jersey public school role that requires certification while completing your certification requirements through a state-approved alternative Educator Preparation Program.
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Reciprocity Route
New Jersey offers a reciprocity pathway for educators who hold a valid out-of-state license/certification, allowing them to transfer their credentials if they align in type, subject area, and grade level. Educators using this route may need to meet additional requirements, such as additional exams or providing proof of prior teaching experience.
Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program can be a great fit for educators seeking to use the reciprocity route as the program is 100% online, fully accredited, and can be completed in as little as 9 months.
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For comprehensive information about certification pathways and requirements, visit the NJDOE certification website.
Benefits of Earning Your New Jersey Teaching Certification
Strong Demand for Teachers
New Jersey continues to show steady demand for educators, with projected growth of approximately 3.4% across elementary, middle, and secondary teaching positions.
Competitive Teacher Pay
New Jersey ranks 4th in the nation for starting pay. The average teacher salary in New Jersey is $82,877, with an average starting pay of $57,603, according to the National Education Association.
Large Education System
New Jersey has approximately 590 school districts and more than 2,500 schools, offering a wide range of teaching opportunities across the state.
Diverse Student Population
New Jersey educates roughly 1.5 million K-12 students, representing diverse backgrounds: 35% Hispanic/Latino, 36.7% white, and 10.3% Asian students.
Certificate Types in New Jersey
New Jersey offers certificate options depending on your educational background or career stage.
Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS)
Educators who follow the traditional route to certification, which includes completing a teacher preparation program and passing required tests, can qualify for a Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS). This enables them to accept employment in NJ public schools requiring certification.
Certificate of Eligibility (CE)
The Certificate of Eligibility (CE) is for individuals who have not yet completed a teacher preparation program but meet basic certification requirements, such as academic coursework and any required exams. With a CE, educators can accept positions in New Jersey public schools that require teacher certification while completing a state-approved alternative Educator Preparation Program.
Provisional Certificate
New Jersey school districts can request a provisional certificate for newly hired teachers who have a Certificate of Eligibility (CE) or a Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS). Provisional certificates are valid for up to two years and may be renewed once.
Standard Certificate
A standard certificate, also referred to as a standard teaching certificate, is a permanent teaching credential New Jersey issues after successful completion of provisional requirements or for those who meet reciprocity requirements for standard certification.
For more information about certification and requirements, visit the NJDOE certification website.
New Jersey Teacher Education Requirements
General Requirements
New Jersey teachers are required to hold a bachelor’s degree, complete an Educator Preparation Program, pass required certification exams, and complete fingerprint and background checks.
Testing Requirements
You must pass the required subject-area exams for the grade level and subject you plan to teach. New Jersey requires PRAXIS Subject Assessments to demonstrate content knowledge and classroom readiness.
Education Requirements
New Jersey requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree for teachers. If your degree is in something other than education, you can earn your certification through an alternative Educator Preparation Program.
New Jersey Certification Application Process
Candidates can submit applications for certification through the New Jersey Department of Education online certification system. The portal allows you to track the application progress and submit any required documentation.
New Jersey Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs)
New Jersey has a list of approved Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS) providers for those following the traditional route to certification.
For those following the alternative route, NJ has a list of state-approved alternative Educator Preparation Programs.
If you prefer an out-of-state certification program, like Moreland University’s 100% online TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program, you could earn your teaching certificate in another state and use New Jersey’s reciprocity pathway to transfer the credential to New Jersey.
TEACH-NOW:
- Fully accredited
- 100% online
- Global cohort
- Rolling admissions
- Monthly start dates
- 9 months total
- Clinical learning (student teaching) included
Moreland University’s Guide to Teacher Certification in New Jersey provides a streamlined overview of what it takes to become a certified teacher in the Garden State.
FAQs
You have questions about becoming a certified teacher in New Jersey. We have answers.
How do I become a New Jersey teacher?
New Jersey offers multiple pathways to certification, including traditional, alternative, and reciprocity routes.
In general, the New Jersey teachers must:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree
- Complete an educator preparation program
- Pass required exams
- Complete a background check
For more information about requirements, visit the NJDOE certification website.
How can out-of-state teachers earn a teaching certificate in New Jersey?
New Jersey offers reciprocity for educators who hold a valid out-of-state certificate. Applicants may need to meet additional requirements such as demonstrating two years of teaching experience (within three years) or hold a National Board of Professional Teaching Standards certificate in the equivalent subject area/grade level. The New Jersey Department of Education reviews each application individually to determine eligibility and any remaining steps needed for certification.
Do I need a teaching certificate to teach in New Jersey?
Yes. Most public school teaching positions in New Jersey require a valid teaching certificate issued by the New Jersey Department of Education. Educators must hold the appropriate certificate for their subject area and grade level to be eligible for employment in public schools. For more information, visit the NJDOE Certification webpage.
What are the requirements for New Jersey teacher certification?
Requirements for a New Jersey teaching certification usually include completing education, testing, and application steps set by the New Jersey Department of Education. While specific requirements vary by certification area and grade level, they typically include:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
- Completion of an Educator Preparation Program
- Passing required exams
- Background check and fingerprinting
Because requirements can vary depending on the certificate type and subject area, candidates should review the specific criteria for their intended certification.
How do I maintain my New Jersey teaching certificate?
In New Jersey, a Standard Certificate is a permanent credential, so it does not expire and does not require renewal through the state once it is issued. But teachers are expected to complete professional development (20 hours per school year), as well as meet district evaluation and growth expectations as part of employment.
How long does it take to become a certified teacher in New Jersey?
The timeline to become a certified teacher in New Jersey can vary depending on your educational background, the specific pathway you choose, and the time it takes to complete the required exams and training programs.
If you’re an undergrad earning your bachelor’s degree in education, for example, that typically takes about 4 years.
If you already have a bachelor’s degree, your path to a teaching certification could be much faster. Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program can be completed in as little as 9 months. TEACH-NOW is 100% online, with rolling admissions, monthly start dates, and clinical learning (student teaching) included.
Since Moreland is not a state-approved EPP in New Jersey, it’s important to note that you would earn your teaching credential in another state and then transfer that certificate/license to New Jersey through a process called reciprocity. For more detailed information, visit the NJDOE Reciprocity page.
How much do New Jersey teachers make?
New Jersey teacher pay is well above the national average with an average teacher salary of $82,877. The starting salary for teachers is $57,603, placing New Jersey 4th in the U.S. in starting pay for teachers.
Salaries vary by district, subject area, and level of education, with higher pay often available in high-need subject areas or districts.
How can I learn more about becoming a certified teacher in New Jersey?
The New Jersey Department of Education is the best resource for certification requirements and application guidance.
You can also reach out to Moreland University at admissions@moreland.edu or 844-283-2246. We’d be happy to answer your questions about teacher certification or our 9-month, 100% online Educator Preparation Program.