Certification in NJ
AR Handbook – 61
All teachers must hold an instructional
certificate to teach in New
Jersey public schools. Similarly, educational
services personnel working
in one of 21 different positions such
as school counselors, school nurses,
reading specialists, school library
media specialists, etc. must hold an
educational services certificate. The
certificate holder is responsible for
ensuring that they hold the required
certification for the position sought
or held.
Before obtaining employment in
New Jersey, novice teachers must
obtain a Certificate of Eligibility
with Advanced Standing (CEAS)
or a Certificate of Eligibility (CE).
Once employment is secured, novice
teachers must be enrolled in the
Provisional Teacher Process (PTP).
Enrollment in the PTP is the responsibility
of the hiring district. However,
novice teachers are strongly
encouraged to view their certificate
listing online to ascertain that the
district has completed the PTP enrollment
process.
CE holders must concurrently complete
formal instruction in a DOE
approved program. Both CEAS and
CE holders must meet mentoring
and evaluation requirements in order
to receive a standard certificate.
NJEA is always ready to assist members
with certification questions and
concerns.
The NJEA Certification, Evaluation
and Tenure Committee studies,
reports on, and makes recommendations
concerning pre-professional
education, certification, evaluation
and tenure.
Full details about NJ certification
requirements may be found online
on the NJ Department of Education
Certification and Induction homepage:
http://www.nj.gov/education/
educators/license/
Certification applications and payments
are processed online through
the N.J. Teacher Certification
Information System (TCIS): https://
www20.state.nj.us/DOETCISONLINEED/
login.jsp. N.J. does not issue
paper certificates. A listing of certificates
held is available online.