Substitute Teacher Certification Process

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• 1 Apply:
  Complete the application for Instructional Substitute Credential only. Applicants must be 18 years old to apply.
• 2 Background Questions:
  Complete all the questions and Oath of Allegiance.
• 3 Payment:
  The application fee is $125.
• 4 Record:
  Make note of your “case number” from the payment confirmation page.
• 6 Provide Official Transcripts. See details below. Transcripts are sent from your educational institution(s).

Transcript(s) must show completion of the required minimum number of credits. Minimum 30 credits required.

Official transcript(s) must be sent directly from your college/university with your case number. They must be emailed to NJ DOE  .

Please note. If your school does not participate in the electronic delivery or you have used a third-party credential evaluation service that only provides official documents via regular mail, they must be sent in the original sealed envelope.

DO NOT OPEN THE ENVELOPE

Mail to:
Essex County Certification Department
Leroy Smith Public Safety Building
60 Nelson Place, 1st Floor South
Newark, NJ 07102

A substitute certificate is transferable from county to county; therefore, an applicant applying for substitute employment in more than one county should receive only one certificate. This certificate may then be validated (recorded) by any county, providing a local school district advises the respective county superintendent of the need for services of the applicant due to an inadequate supply of regularly certified teachers.

However, the fingerprint approval must be transferred/ archived to the district that you are currently working for.

An employee who holds a CE, CEAS, or Standard Teacher’s certificate issued by the New Jersey Department of Education does not have to apply for a substitute credential. The Standard certificate must, however, be recorded with the Newark Board of Education.

PLEASE NOTE:
Your application is not complete until all required documents have been submitted to the Department of Education.

• Official Transcript sent directly from your college/university.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
After your fingerprint appointment, wait approximately two weeks and check the status online.  to check the status . A copy of the fingerprint approval must be uploaded to your portal.

to learn more about the fingerprinting process and criminal history review process.

Substitute credentials are valid for 5 years. You are able to renew your substitute teacher credential anytime within six (6) months prior to the expiration date indicated on your certification and no more than six (6) months after the expiration date.

Follow Steps 1-4 and Step 6 (in the blue box) above: Complete the application for substitute credentials.

If the credential has expired more than six months, archived fingerprints and official transcripts will be required. Follow steps for a new credential.

If you have worked the required minimum days in the current school year, request a letter confirming your active status.