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Certification

FAQs

In order to help speed the processing of an application, a candidate should review the following answers to questions that often arise.

1) How long will it take for my application to be reviewed?

For traditional route applications nominated from a New Jersey educator preparation program, the certification is issued as soon as the candidate accepts the nomination, completes the background information, and pays the appropriate fees.

For individual applications that have been properly completed, the average processing time varies during the year. The summer months are our busiest times due to the high volume of applications we receive during that period.

2) Does the New Jersey Department of Education offer refunds?

Regulations do not allow us to offer refunds. All applications receive the attention of an examiner during the application review. The fee covers the costs for time expended in providing a thorough review of documentation for your case, whether or not a certificate is issued.

3) Where can I take the courses that are required for licensure?

Candidates can take courses at any accredited college or university in New Jersey or out of state.

You may also earn semester-hour credits through examinations offered by various organizations. Scores must be transferred as credits to an accredited college or university transcript to be accepted. Research the internet to learn about your options.

4) What should I do if I am offered a job before I receive my license?

If you are offered a job before you receive your certification, the employing district may request an expedited review of the application. You must have obtained your certification to start employment. A complete, accurate application packet is required. Responsibility for assuring the accuracy and completeness of the application packet rests fully with each applicant.

5) Does New Jersey have licensing reciprocity with other states?

New Jersey has specific forms of reciprocity with other states for instructional, educational services and administrative certificates under our regulations. You can view additional information on the reciprocity webpage.

6) My education was completed in another country. How do I obtain my New Jersey teaching certificate?

All credentials will be reviewed to see if New Jersey certification requirements have been met. However, the applicant must first obtain a foreign transcript evaluation. The New Jersey Department of Education is not authorized to determine the equivalent of studies completed in other countries for education in the United States. Applicants should therefore consult a credential evaluation service by searching the yellow pages or internet. These agencies charge various fees for the credentials evaluation.

Applicants choosing to consult a credentials evaluation service should request the following:

• The equivalent of studies to a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited four-year college program;
• The semester-hour equivalent of each area of college-level study. Request the two-part evaluation that includes a course-by-course listing;
• The cumulative baccalaureate grade point average for teacher certification applicants.

Note: Employment experience from outside of the United States is not accepted.

7) Where can I obtain additional information about…?

• Job Placement
  • There is no formal statewide system of job placement for public schools. Each school district has the authority to operate its own employment and recruitment program.
  • The Education Employment Opportunities in New Jersey webpage is designed to provide New Jersey employment seekers access to open positions for educational employment by location.
  • County offices of education or colleges may also provide information about job vacancies or placement information in their respective counties.

  8) My application for certification had been denied. What can I do now?

  You may appeal the decision for being denied certification. Visit the Board of Examiners webpage for further information.