Substitute teacher certification in New Jersey

Are you looking to become a substitute teacher, but not sure how to get certified? Getting your substitute teacher certification in New Jersey is straightforward and opens doors to meaningful work in schools across the Garden State.

Download our PDF guide with all the steps to become a certified substitute teacher in New Jersey!

Download the Scoot guide

Why get certified as a substitute teacher in New Jersey?

Getting your NJ substitute teacher certification expands your placement options significantly. Most charter and public schools require certification before you can start subbing, and having your credentials allows you to apply for positions anywhere from Newark to Salem.

Also, New Jersey has no basic skills test requirement for substitute teachers. All you need to do is apply online and pass a background check to get started.

Get certified with Scoot’s help!

We help you get certified and placed at schools that fit your skills and preferences.

Our New Jersey substitutes appreciate our support, from getting hired to being placed in schools they love.

What NJ substitute teacher credential do I apply for?

Apply for the Instructional Substitute Credential. This is the most common certification for substitute teachers in New Jersey.

Requirements:

• Complete 30+ semester-hour credits at a nationally accredited college or university
• Pass a criminal history record check (must be within 5 months of application)
• Get a negative TB test

Teaching privileges:

• Substitute teach in any classroom from preschool to high school, including adult education
• Teach up to 20 days for any one teacher in the same class per school year
• Valid for 5 years and renewable online

How to apply for a NJ substitute teacher credential

Apply for a credential on the New Jersey Educator Certification (NJEdCert) portal. Here’s what the process involves:

1. Complete the online application on NJEdCert
2. Answer background questions and complete the oath of allegiance
3. Pay the $125 processing fee
4. Wait 6-8 weeks for processing and issuance

Be sure to check your account periodically to monitor your application status.

How to become a substitute teacher in New Jersey

Besides applying for your credential, you’ll also need to pass a background check and start finding substitute teaching opportunities.

Step 1: Pass a criminal history background check

New Jersey’s Office of Student Protection Unit (OSP) conducts background checks on applicants for positions in New Jersey’s public, private, and charter schools.

Start by submitting an application to the OSP’s online portal.

There are two different processes available. Depending on whether you have been fingerprinted with the OSP previously for an employer within education.

1. New applicants (never been fingerprinted with the OSP)
   • Pay $11 to process the application.
   • Schedule a fingerprinting appointment through IdentoGO ($66.05 fee).
   • Attend the appointment. Bring your photo ID and fingerprint form.
2. Archive applicants (have been fingerprinted with the OSP)
   • This option allows you to transfer or archive your fingerprinting results to a new employer.
   • You’ll pay a $29.37 administration fee.

In two weeks, you’ll be able to view the results of the background check on the OSP online portal.

You’ll also need a sponsor organization or school district for your criminal history record clearance. This can be:

• A specific school district
• A teacher staffing company like Scoot Education
• An educational organization

If you’re applying to become a Scoot sub, we will reimburse you up to $80 for the fingerprinting fees on your first paycheck – just remember to upload your receipt to us!

Step 2: Find substitute teaching opportunities

Once you have your credential and passed your background check, you can start applying for substitute positions at different school sites.

However, applying to a staffing company like Scoot Education gives you access to multiple school districts with just one application.

If you become a Scoot sub, you will complete these additional steps:

• Provide three references–including at least one supervisor and one person who can speak to your experience working with children
• Submit payroll information and I-9 form
• Upload a professional Scoot profile photo
• Complete three Scoot trainings
• Complete state-required Mandated Reporter Training

Interested in subbing with Scoot? Here’s how we make it easier for you.

Perks of subbing with Scoot Education

Variety of school assignments

In New Jersey, we partner with over 30 schools in charter networks and private and public school districts. Scoot educators can explore teaching for a variety of grade-levels, subjects, and school sites.

1-on-1 support from an education expert

Every Scoot educator is paired with a dedicated Education Consultant who answers all your questions from hiring to onboarding to teaching in the classroom.

Here’s what our long-term substitute teacher had to say about working with Scoot:

“Scoot has been very supportive with the hiring process. They’re very patient and clear with instructions. They’ve been consistent with presenting opportunities for daily or long-term employment.”

– Lakiesha Smith, Long-term substitute teacher in New Jersey

Professional development resources

Get access to teacher preparation materials that cover strategies and mindsets for behavior management, supporting students in special education, and trauma-informed teaching.

Flexibility and control over your schedule

Set your availability easily with our Scoot2Work app. Work as much or as little as you want.

Ready to sub with Scoot Education?

Let us support your journey to become a substitute teacher today. You could be making a difference in schools near you within a few weeks!

Apply now