Transferring your teaching license from Pennsylvania to New Jersey
Transfer pathway available — expect New Jersey exams + likely an interim license
Pennsylvania and New Jersey both participate in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, so a transfer pathway exists — but it isn't automatic. Expect New Jersey's certification exams (such as the Praxis Core Academic Skills) and often a time-limited interim license while you complete any remaining requirements.
See 1,868 open teaching jobs in New Jersey →License transfer finder
Your current credential (Pennsylvania)
- Issuing authority
- Pennsylvania Department of Education
- License type
- Instructional I Certificate (6 years)
- Reciprocity policy
- Pennsylvania participates in NASDTEC. The state evaluates out-of-state certificates and typically requires the Praxis subject assessment for the certification area.
New Jersey certification
- Issuing authority
- New Jersey Department of Education
- License you'll earn
- Certificate of Eligibility (CE) or Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS) (Indefinite (requires employment within 5 years))
- Typical timeline
- CE can be obtained in weeks; Standard Certificate typically requires 2 years of teaching under CE status
- New Jersey reciprocity policy
- 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.
Exams typically required in New Jersey
Out-of-state applicants are usually asked to demonstrate content-area knowledge on New Jersey's preferred exams, even when basic-skills testing is waived through reciprocity. Plan for one or more of the following:
- 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
Pass the Praxis exam
Mometrix study guide & practice tests for the Praxis — prep with confidence.
Steps to transfer your license
- Verify your Pennsylvania credential is current. New Jersey will request a verification of your active Instructional I Certificate from Pennsylvania Department of Education.
- Apply through New Jersey Department of Education. The application packet typically includes official transcripts, prior teaching service verification, and a fingerprint-based background check.
- Sit for any New Jersey-specific exams. Most states honor out-of-state content-area exams when scores meet their cutoff, but New Jersey may require an additional jurisprudence or state-specific assessment.
- Apply to New Jersey districts that match your endorsement. We're currently tracking 1,868 active openings — browse New Jersey teaching jobs to start identifying districts.
Common questions
Can I teach in New Jersey with a Pennsylvania teaching license?
Pennsylvania and New Jersey both participate in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, so a transfer pathway exists — but it isn't automatic. Expect New Jersey's certification exams (such as the Praxis Core Academic Skills) and often a time-limited interim license while you complete any remaining requirements.
What exams are required to teach in New Jersey?
New Jersey typically requires the Praxis Core Academic Skills exam(s) for your subject area.
How long does transferring a teaching license to New Jersey take?
Typically CE can be obtained in weeks; Standard Certificate typically requires 2 years of teaching under CE status.
Who issues teaching licenses in New Jersey?
Teaching licenses in New Jersey are issued by New Jersey Department of Education.