2026 Certification Guide
How to Become a Teacher in New Jersey
Everything you need to know to earn a New Jersey teaching certificate — from degree requirements and required exams to alternative routes and reciprocity.
Step-by-Step: Getting Certified in New Jersey
- 1
Complete Your Education
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. This typically includes completing an approved teacher preparation program that includes coursework in pedagogy, child development, and your subject area.
- 2
Complete Student Teaching
Complete a supervised student teaching experience (clinical practice) in an approved school setting. Most programs require a full semester of student teaching under a cooperating teacher.
- 3
Pass Required Assessments
New Jersey requires passing state-approved assessments before certification is issued:
- Praxis Core Academic Skills (or qualifying SAT/GRE scores)Basic reading, writing, and mathematics
- Praxis Subject AssessmentsContent knowledge for your certification area
- edTPAPerformance assessment required for Standard Certificate
- 4
Apply for Your Certificate
Submit your application to New Jersey Department of Education, including transcripts, test scores, proof of student teaching completion, and any applicable fees. Most applications are processed through an online portal.
- 5
Start Teaching & Advance Your License
Your Certificate of Eligibility (CE) or Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS) (valid Indefinite (requires employment within 5 years)) allows you to begin teaching. Advance to a Standard Teaching Certificate (Permanent once issued) by meeting additional requirements such as completing a mentorship program or additional coursework.
Pass the Praxis exam
Mometrix study guide & practice tests for the Praxis — prep with confidence.
Alternative Paths to Certification in New Jersey
If you have a bachelor's degree in another field or relevant professional experience, these routes may let you enter the classroom sooner while completing certification requirements.
- Certificate of Eligibility (CE): For those with subject area bachelor's degrees not from a teaching program
- Provisional Teacher of the Arts for visual and performing arts professionals
- Teach For America (active in Newark and Camden)
- Career and Technical Education endorsements
Out-of-State Certification & Reciprocity
New Jersey participates in NASDTEC. Out-of-state educators with valid certificates may receive a CE or CEAS based on their credentials; New Jersey is generally reciprocity-friendly.
Tip: If you hold a valid teaching license from another state, contact New Jersey Department of Education directly about your reciprocity options before re-taking any exams. Many states streamline the process for experienced educators.
What Will You Earn in New Jersey?
Now that you know how to get certified, find out what to expect to earn. New Jersey teachers start around $47,500 and average $76,000 per year statewide.
New Jersey Teacher Salary Guide →Ready to apply?
Browse current teaching positions in New Jersey — apply directly on district sites.
Data sources: New Jersey Department of Education. Certification requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with New Jersey Department of Education before beginning a preparation program. EduJobsBoard is not affiliated with any state education department.
Frequently asked questions about teaching in New Jersey
- How do I become a teacher in New Jersey?
- New Jersey certification is administered by New Jersey Department of Education. The standard path is a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution from an approved teacher-prep program, completion of state-required exams (Praxis Core Academic Skills (or qualifying SAT/GRE scores), Praxis Subject Assessments, edTPA), and a background check. Total timeline is approximately CE can be obtained in weeks; Standard Certificate typically requires 2 years of teaching under CE status.
- What exams are required to teach in New Jersey?
- New Jersey requires the following exams: Praxis Core Academic Skills (or qualifying SAT/GRE scores) (Basic reading, writing, and mathematics); Praxis Subject Assessments (Content knowledge for your certification area); edTPA (Performance assessment required for Standard Certificate). Most are computer-based and offered year-round at testing centers.
- How long is a New Jersey teaching license valid?
- The initial Certificate of Eligibility (CE) or Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS) is valid for Indefinite (requires employment within 5 years). After meeting professional development and experience requirements, you can advance to the Standard Teaching Certificate which is valid for Permanent once issued.
- Can I teach in New Jersey with a license from another state?
- New Jersey participates in NASDTEC. Out-of-state educators with valid certificates may receive a CE or CEAS based on their credentials; New Jersey is generally reciprocity-friendly.
- Are there alternative routes to teaching in New Jersey?
- Certificate of Eligibility (CE): For those with subject area bachelor's degrees not from a teaching program; Provisional Teacher of the Arts for visual and performing arts professionals; Teach For America (active in Newark and Camden); Career and Technical Education endorsements