Substitute Certification

SUBSTITUTE CERTIFICATION CREDENTIALS

Note: Both credentials allow you to serve as a substitute teacher in New Jersey. A substitute teacher may substitute for up to 20 days in the same classroom per year. A school may request an extension of up to 20 additional days through the Executive County Superintendent.

BEFORE YOU APPLY

You will need:

1. College Credits

• 30+ semester-hour credits for the 30-credit credential
• 60+ semester-hour credits for the 60-credit credential
• You may also qualify while currently enrolled, depending on the credential requirements.

2. Official Electronic Transcript

• Request your official transcript through your college/university or an approved transcript service.
• Have the transcript sent directly to NJDOE at certapplication@doe.nj.gov.
• Transcripts sent by the applicant are not considered official.

3. Criminal History Clearance

• Complete the NJDOE criminal history/fingerprinting process.
• Select "Substitute Teacher" as the position.
• If using Kean University as your sponsoring organization, select Kean University when completing the clearance process.
• Fingerprint approval must meet NJDOE's current timeframe requirements.

Important: If you previously completed fingerprints as a college student or volunteer, you may need to be fingerprinted again as a Substitute Teacher.

HOW TO APPLY FOR A SUBSTITUTE CREDENTIAL

Step 1: Create Your NJEdCert Account

Go to the New Jersey Department of Education's NJEdCert system and create an account using your personal email address.

Step 2: Select Your Substitute Credential

Choose the credential based on your completed credits:

• 30 credits: Select the 30-Credit Instructional Substitute Credential.
• 60 credits: Select the 60-Credit Instructional Substitute Credential.

Step 3: Complete the Application

Enter your personal information and complete the required questions.

Step 4: Pay the Application Fee

Pay the $125 non-refundable application fee online.

Step 5: Submit Required Documents

Make sure NJDOE receives:

• Criminal history clearance
• Official electronic transcript(s)

Step 6: Enter Your County

Enter the county where you will be seeking substitute teaching employment.

Step 7: Monitor Your Application

NJDOE processing and issuance can take approximately 6 – 8 weeks. Applicants can monitor their application through NJEdCert.

Questions about your application or county requirements should be directed to the appropriate County Office of Education. View all NJ County Offices.

CRIMINAL HISTORY AND FINGERPRINTING

Criminal History Clearance

New Applicants
Candidates who have never been fingerprinted for employment with a New Jersey school.

Archive Applicants
Candidates who were previously fingerprinted for a New Jersey school after March 2003 and are changing districts.

General Process

1. Select a sponsoring organization/school.
2. Register as a Substitute Teacher.
3. Pay the NJDOE administrative fee.
4. Complete the New Jersey Universal Fingerprint Form.
5. Schedule an appointment with IdentoGO.
6. Pay the applicable fingerprinting fee.
7. Attend your appointment and bring photo identification and the required form.
8. Check your criminal history status after processing.

Note: Fees are subject to change.

AFTER YOU APPLY

What happens next?

Once you have:

• Submitted your NJEdCert application
• Paid the application fee
• Submitted your official transcript
• Completed the required criminal history clearance

NJDOE will review your application.

Processing time: Approximately 6 – 8 weeks.

Once your substitute credential is issued, you must inform your COE advisor to be eligible for Clinical 1.

SUBSTITUTE CERTIFICATION WORKSHOPS 

Need help getting started? The Office of Teacher Certification & Alternate Route Programs offers Substitute Certification Workshops to guide prospective substitute teachers through the certification and clearance process.

Workshop Schedule
📅 First and Last Friday of each month
🕞 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
📍 Virtual

During the workshop, participants will receive guidance on:

• Substitute certification requirements
• Criminal history clearance and fingerprinting
• Creating an NJEdCert account
• Completing the substitute certification application
• Required transcripts and documentation
• Next steps after applying

Registration Required

Register for an Upcoming Substitute Certification Workshop

Workshop dates are subject to change. Please register in advance. You will receive a notification if a scheduled workshop is canceled or postponed.

For assistance or questions about Substitute Certification, please reach out to: 

Dr. Jea Lizz Noonan

Professional Services Specialist 2

Kean University, College of Education

Office of Teacher Certification and Alternate Route Programs
Email: jea.lizz.noonan@kean.edu  

Office Location: Hennings Hall 207

General Questions

1. What is a New Jersey Substitute Teaching Credential?
A Substitute Teaching Credential allows an individual to serve as a substitute teacher in New Jersey public schools and charter schools, subject to state requirements and applicable limitations.

2. What is the difference between the 30-credit and 60-credit Substitute Credential?
The two credentials have different college-credit requirements. Applicants should select the credential for which they meet the eligibility requirements.

3. How long is a Substitute Teaching Credential valid?
A Substitute Teaching Credential is valid for five years from the date of issuance. It expires after five years, and you can renew it online through the NJDOE Educator Certification system.

4. Can I substitute teach in any New Jersey school district?
Yes. Once issued, the Substitute Teaching Credential is valid for use in New Jersey public and charter schools. Individual districts may have additional hiring or onboarding requirements.

Eligibility & Credits

5. How many college credits do I need?
There are two substitute credential options based on college credits. Review the current NJDOE requirements to determine which credential you qualify for.

6. Do my credits have to be from a specific type of college or university?
Your credits must meet the New Jersey Department of Education's current requirements regarding the institution and enrollment status.

7. I am currently enrolled in college. Can I apply for a Substitute Credential?
Depending on your enrollment status and number of completed credits, you may be eligible. Applicants should review the current NJDOE requirements before applying. If you are an intended Educator major, you should apply for this credential in your Sophomore Field Course or if you are enrolling in Clinical 1. This is a requirement.

8. Do graduate credits count toward the credit requirement?
Graduate-level credits may count toward the required semester-hour credits if they meet NJDOE requirements. Applicants should verify their eligibility based on their official transcript.

Fingerprinting & Background Checks

9. Do I need to be fingerprinted to obtain a Substitute Credential?
Yes. Applicants must complete the required criminal history background clearance process.

10. I was fingerprinted for another job. Do I need to be fingerprinted again?
It depends on the type and date of your previous fingerprinting. If you were previously fingerprinted under a different employment category, such as college student or volunteer, you may need to complete the process again as a Substitute Teacher.

11. What is the difference between a New Applicant and an Archive Applicant?
A New Applicant has not previously been fingerprinted for employment with a New Jersey school. An Archive Applicant has previously been fingerprinted for a New Jersey school and may be eligible to use an existing fingerprint record, depending on NJDOE requirements.

12. How long are my fingerprints valid?
Fingerprint and criminal history requirements have specific timelines. Fingerprints do not have a universal expiration date. Their validity depends completely on the requesting agency, state laws, and the specific industry. Background checks typically remain valid for 1 to 5 years, though specific programs enforce fixed timelines. Applicants should follow the current NJDOE instructions and ensure their clearance meets the requirements at the time of application. However, if you are a Clinical 1 intern, your fingerprint results must be at least 5 months before you start your clinicals.

Application Questions

13. Where do I apply for my Substitute Credential?
All applicants must apply through the New Jersey Department of Education's NJEdCert system.

14. How much does it cost to apply?
The NJDOE Substitute Credential application currently has a $125 non-refundable application fee. Additional fees may apply for criminal history and fingerprinting.

15. What email address should I use when creating my NJEdCert account?
Use a personal email address that you regularly access. This email will be associated with your NJEdCert account and application.

16. Do I send my transcript to Kean University?
No. Your official electronic transcript must be sent directly to the New Jersey Department of Education according to its current transcript submission instructions.

17. Can I send my transcript myself?
No. NJDOE requires official electronic transcripts to be sent directly from the college/university or an approved transcript service. Transcripts sent by the applicant are not considered official. You will need to go to this link: www.getmytranscript.org. For transcript request information, please see the following website: Transcript Request. If you need assistance, click HERE for step-by-step instructions. 

Processing & After Applying

18. How long does it take to receive my Substitute Credential?
Processing and issuance can take approximately 6–8 weeks. Processing times may vary.

19. How can I check the status of my application?
Applicants can monitor their application through the NJEdCert system and the NJDOE certification website.

20. What happens after I receive my Substitute Credential?
Once your credential is issued, you can contact school districts or your sponsoring organization regarding available substitute teaching opportunities. Individual districts may have additional employment requirements.

Workshop Questions

21. Does Kean University offer Substitute Certification Workshops?
Yes. The Office of Teacher Certification & Alternate Route Programs offers virtual Substitute Certification Workshops on the first and last Friday of each month from 3:30–4:30 p.m.

22. What will I learn during the workshop?
The workshop provides guidance on eligibility requirements, choosing the appropriate credential, fingerprinting and criminal history clearance, NJEdCert registration, transcripts, application steps, and next steps.

23. Do I have to attend a workshop to apply for a Substitute Credential?
No. The workshop is offered as a resource to help prospective substitute teachers understand the certification and application process.

24. Do I need to register for the workshop?
Yes. Registration is required. Participants will receive a notification if a scheduled workshop is canceled or postponed.