Your complete, AI-powered roadmap to becoming a certified New Jersey teacher — from first step to Standard Certificate.
This guide helps prospective and new NJ teachers navigate the entire certification process — from choosing a certification pathway, to passing Praxis exams, to applying on NJEdCert, to earning your Standard Certificate.
Traditional, Alternate Route, CTE, and Out-of-State Reciprocity — step by step.
Browse all NJ endorsement codes, Praxis tests, and passing scores for your subject.
AI-generated practice questions for your specific Praxis exam.
AI-powered guidance for your NJEdCert application — checklists and tips.
Interactive checklist of everything you need for your certification application.
Free-form AI Q&A about any NJ certification question.
Choose your pathway to learn the step-by-step process. You can also get AI-powered detailed guidance for any pathway.
For candidates who completed a state-approved teacher preparation program at an accredited college/university.
Complete a bachelor's degree at an accredited college/university. Must include a state-approved teacher preparation program. Minimum 3.0 GPA (2.75 with high Praxis scores).
Accredited educator preparation program including methods courses, content area coursework, and clinical practice (student teaching). Must be in your desired endorsement area.
Pass the Praxis II Content Knowledge exam for your subject area. Testing requirements can change; confirm current NJDOE testing and exemption requirements before applying.
Submit your application through NJEdCert. Include official transcripts, Praxis scores, and all required documentation.
Apply and interview with New Jersey public school districts. Districts verify your CEAS before offering a position.
Your district initiates your Provisional Certificate. During the PTP (typically 1 year), you receive mentoring and evaluation. You must achieve at least two effective or highly effective summative ratings.
After successfully completing the PTP and meeting all requirements, apply for your Standard Certificate through NJEdCert. This is your permanent NJ teaching license.
For candidates with a bachelor's degree who did NOT complete a traditional teacher preparation program.
Complete a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA (2.75 with high Praxis). Must have 30 credits in the subject area you wish to teach (or a major in that field).
Pass the Praxis II Content Knowledge exam for your endorsement area.
Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (CE) through NJEdCert.
Find and accept a teaching position in an NJ public school.
Enroll in an approved alternate route program. Includes 50 hours of pre-service training before you begin teaching and ongoing coursework during your provisional year.
Teach under a Provisional Certificate with mentoring and evaluation. Complete any performance-based assessment currently required by NJDOE policy.
After successful completion, apply for your Standard Certificate through NJEdCert.
For candidates with industry experience in a trade or technical field.
Documented work experience in your CTE field (typically 4+ years full-time or equivalent). A bachelor's degree is preferred but not always required.
Hold relevant industry certifications or licenses in your trade area.
Apply through NJEdCert for a CTE Certificate of Eligibility.
Accept a position at a county vocational-technical school or approved CTE program.
Enroll in an approved CTE educator preparation program during your provisional period.
Complete all provisional requirements and apply for your Standard CTE Certificate.
For teachers already certified in another US state. NJ participates in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement.
You must have a current, valid teaching certificate or license from another US state.
Your subject area must align with an NJ endorsement. You may need to pass the NJ-required Praxis exam if your state's tests differ.
Submit your application with your out-of-state certificate, transcripts, and Praxis scores.
May include Physiology & Hygiene requirement, additional coursework, or testing depending on your background.
Follow the standard PTP process to earn your NJ Standard Certificate.
Search or filter all NJ endorsement codes, Praxis test numbers, and NJ passing scores. Select any endorsement to get AI-powered details.
| Code | Endorsement Title | Praxis # | Praxis Test Name | NJ Passing Score | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1001 | Elementary School Teacher (K-6) | 5001 | Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects | 157 avg (subtests: Reading 5002=157, Math 5003=157, Social Studies 5004=155, Science 5005=159) | Elementary |
| 1105 | Middle School - Mathematics (5-8) | 5164 | Middle School Mathematics | 165 | Middle School |
| 1106 | Middle School - English Language Arts (5-8) | 5047 | Middle School English Language Arts | 164 | Middle School |
| 1107 | Middle School - Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (5-8) | 5440 | Middle School Science | 150 | Middle School |
| 1108 | Middle School - Humanities (5-8) | 5081 | Social Studies Content Knowledge | 157 | Middle School |
| 1100 | Teacher of English | 5038 | English Language Arts: Content Knowledge | 167 | Secondary |
| 1200 | Teacher of Mathematics | 5165 | Mathematics: Content Knowledge | 159 | Secondary |
| 1300 | Teacher of Science (General) | 5435 | General Science: Content Knowledge | 155 | Secondary |
| 1306 | Teacher of Biological Science | 5236 | Biology: Content Knowledge | 152 | Secondary |
| 1310 | Teacher of Chemistry | 5246 | Chemistry: Content Knowledge | 152 | Secondary |
| 1313 | Teacher of Physics | 5266 | Physics: Content Knowledge | 141 | Secondary |
| 1320 | Teacher of Physical Science | 5485 | Physical Science | 150 | Secondary |
| 1325 | Teacher of Earth Science | 5571 | Earth and Space Sciences | 154 | Secondary |
| 2300 | Teacher of Social Studies | 5081 | Social Studies: Content Knowledge | 157 | Secondary |
| 1505 | Teacher of Spanish | 5195 | Spanish: World Language | 168 | World Languages |
| 1510 | Teacher of French | 5174 | French: World Language | 162 | World Languages |
| 1515 | Teacher of German | 5183 | German: World Language | 163 | World Languages |
| 1520 | Teacher of Italian | 5205 | Italian: World Language | Varies | World Languages |
| 1525 | Teacher of Chinese/Mandarin | 5665 | Mandarin Chinese: World Language | 164 | World Languages |
| 1530 | Teacher of Japanese | 5661 | Japanese: World Language | Varies | World Languages |
| 1535 | Teacher of Arabic | N/A | Contact NJDOE for current requirement | N/A | World Languages |
| 1540 | Teacher of Hindi | N/A | Contact NJDOE for current requirement | N/A | World Languages |
| 1545 | Teacher of Korean | N/A | Contact NJDOE for current requirement | N/A | World Languages |
| 1550 | Teacher of Portuguese | N/A | Contact NJDOE for current requirement | N/A | World Languages |
| 1555 | Teacher of Latin | N/A | Latin (formerly 5601) | N/A | World Languages |
| 1560 | Teacher of Hebrew | N/A | Contact NJDOE for current requirement | N/A | World Languages |
| 1601 | Teacher of Art | 5134 | Art: Content Knowledge | 158 | Arts |
| 1610 | Teacher of Music | 5114 | Music: Content Knowledge | 162 | Arts |
| 1615 | Teacher of Dance | N/A | Contact NJDOE for current requirement | N/A | Arts |
| 1620 | Teacher of Theatre | N/A | Theatre (formerly 5641) | N/A | Arts |
| 1630 | Teacher of Health and Physical Education | 5857 | Health and Physical Education: Content Knowledge | 160 | Health & PE |
| 1635 | Teacher of Health Education | 5551 | Health Education | Varies | Health & PE |
| 1640 | Teacher of Driver Education | N/A | Contact NJDOE | N/A | Health & PE |
| 2475 | Teacher of Students with Disabilities | 5543 | Special Education: Core Knowledge and Applications | 151 | Special Education |
| 2400 | Teacher of the Deaf or Hard of Hearing | 5272 | Education of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing | 160 | Special Education |
| 2455 | Teacher of Blind and Visually Impaired | 5282 | Teaching Students with Visual Impairments | 163 | Special Education |
| 1475 | English as a Second Language (ESL) | 5362 | English to Speakers of Other Languages | 155 | ESL & Bilingual |
| 1480 | Bilingual/Bicultural Education | 5362 | ESOL + native language proficiency | 155 + language exam | ESL & Bilingual |
| 1700 | Teacher of Business Education | 5101 | Business Education: Content Knowledge | 154 | Business & Technology |
| 1750 | Teacher of Technology Education | 5051 | Technology Education | 159 | Business & Technology |
| 1760 | Teacher of Computer Science | 5652 | Computer Science | Varies | Business & Technology |
| 1800 | Teacher of Family and Consumer Sciences | 5122 | Family and Consumer Sciences | 153 | Family & Consumer Sciences |
| 3310 | Reading Specialist | 5301 | Reading Specialist | 164 | Literacy |
| 1090 | Teacher of Supplemental Instruction in Reading (K-8) | 5205 | Teaching Reading: Elementary | 159 | Literacy |
| 1091 | Teacher of Supplemental Instruction in Mathematics (K-8) | 5164 | Middle School Mathematics | 165 | Literacy |
| 3010 | School Counselor | 5421 | Professional School Counselor | 156 | Educational Services |
| 3020 | School Psychologist | 5402 | School Psychologist | 147 | Educational Services |
| 3030 | School Social Worker | 5422 | School Social Worker: Content Knowledge | Varies | Educational Services |
| 3055 | Learning Disabilities Teacher-Consultant (LDTC) | 5543 | Special Education: Core Knowledge and Applications | 151 | Educational Services |
| 3200 | School Nurse | N/A | RN License + coursework | N/A | Educational Services |
| 3060 | Speech-Language Specialist | 5331 | Speech-Language Pathology | 162 | Educational Services |
| 3210 | Educational Media Specialist / School Librarian | 5311 | Library Media Specialist | Varies | Educational Services |
| 3040 | Student Assistance Coordinator | N/A | See NJDOE requirements | N/A | Educational Services |
Get AI-powered guidance for your NJEdCert certification application — checklists, tips, and step-by-step help.
Check off items as you complete them. This list covers the most common requirements — verify current requirements at nj.gov/education/certification/apply/.
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