Substitute Teacher Certifications in New Jersey

Are you looking to enjoy the flexibility of substitute teaching but not sure which type of certification you’ll need in New Jersey?

Don’t worry! We’ve compiled a list of all the NJ substitute teacher certifications for you.

Why get certified?

Expands your placement options

Generally, charter and public schools in New Jersey require you to have a substitute teaching certification before you start subbing. Some private schools and teaching assistant positions won’t check for it. Even so, getting your NJ substitute teaching certification allows you to apply for substitute positions anywhere from Newark to Salem.

No need for a basic skills test

Getting certified as a substitute teacher is simple. Since the state of New Jersey has no basic skills requirement, all you need to do is apply online and pass a background check.

(Pst! Already prepared to start teaching?)

Become a Scoot Substitute Teacher!

New Jersey’s 3 types of substitute teaching credentials

Before you begin applying, identify what certificate you need. This chart summarizes requirements and the length of teaching days for each credential.

NJ Substitute Teacher Credential Comparison

Let’s further explore the differences between New Jersey’s substitute credentials.

1) 60-Credit Instructional Substitute Credential

This is the substitute teacher credential that Scoot Education typically asks for when we hire subs. If you’ve graduated from an accredited 4-year college or university, apply for this NJ substitute teacher certification regardless of your level of experience.

If you’re interested in this particular substitute teacher license in New Jersey, read our step-by-step article on how to become a substitute teacher in New Jersey.

Snapshot

• Allows you to be a day-to-day substitute teacher in any classroom from preschool to high school, including classes for adults.
• Teach up to 20 days for any one teacher in the same class.
• Executive County Superintendent approval is needed to get a 20-day extension to continue teaching in that same classroom.
• Valid for 5 years and renewable online within 6 months prior to the expiration date.

Requirements to Apply

• Completion of 60+ semester-hour credits at a nationally accredited college or university.
• Criminal history record check: The approval date must be within 5 months of the application date with “Substitute Teacher” as the job position.
• Negative TB Test.

2) 30-Credit Instructional Substitute Credential 

This credential is almost exactly the same as the one above. The only difference is in the amount of credits you’ve completed. If you’re a student still studying to receive your Bachelor’s or higher degree, apply for this teaching credential.

It’s a perfect way for you to get teaching experience in tandem with your studies. Keep in mind, you don’t need to be pursuing an education-related degree to qualify for this certification.

Snapshot

• Allows you to be a day-to-day substitute teacher in any classroom from preschool to high school, including classes for adults.
• Teach up to 20 days for any one teacher in the same class.
• Executive County Superintendent approval is needed to get a 20-day extension to continue teaching in that same classroom.
• Valid for 5 years and renewable online within 6 months prior to the expiration date.

Requirements to Apply

• Completion of 30+ semester-hour credits at a nationally accredited college or university. 
• Must be enrolled in a nationally accredited college or university at the time of application. Verification of your enrollment will be required.
• Criminal history record check: The approval date must be within 5 months of the application date with “Substitute Teacher” as the job position.
• Be at least 20 years of age.
• Negative TB Test.

3) Career and Technical Education Substitute Credential

This credential is for subs looking to teach Career Technical Education (CTE) classes. CTE prepares students with the academic and technical skills for a wide range of occupations. Apply for this certification if you have valid work experience in your career cluster of interest.

Snapshot

• Allows you to be a day-to-day substitute teacher in any CTE classroom.
• Teaching will pertain to your career cluster.
• Teach for up to 40 days for any one teacher in the same class.
• Valid for 5 years and renewable online within 6 months prior to the expiration date.

Requirements to Apply

• Evidence of 2 years of full-time work experience within the past 5 years in the appropriate career cluster.
• Your employer must verify your work experience via an experience statement OR you can present your valid occupational license.
• Criminal history record check: The approval date must be within 5 months of the application date with “Substitute Teacher” as the job position.
• Negative TB Test.

Where and how to apply

New Jersey Educator Certification (NJEdCert) Portal

All prospective substitute teachers must apply for a credential on NJEDCert. 

On NJEDCert, you’ll need to complete the background questions and the oath of allegiance. The oath of allegiance is a form with questions regarding your criminal history and any prior misconduct as a teacher.

Cost of application and processing time

Next, you’ll submit the application and pay the $125 processing fee. It takes 6-8 weeks for your credential to be processed and issued. Be sure to check your account periodically to view the status of your application.

For more information on how to apply, read our step-by-step guide on how to become a substitute teacher in New Jersey.

Conclusion

Getting a substitute teaching certification in New Jersey is super easy with an agency like Scoot Education. We’ll help you streamline the application process!