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Teacher Certification

Teacher Certification Process at Kean University

Thank you for choosing Kean University for your Educator Preparation Program (EPP)

Here’s how the certification process works:

  • Kean University will nominate you for certification.
  • Once nominated, you’ll:
    1. Complete your certification application online.
    2. Pay the required fee directly to the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE).

Key Terms

  • Nomination replaces the old term "Recommendation."
  • Educator refers to candidates, graduates, or employees applying for certification.

Certification Process (Effective May 31, 2022)

  • The NJDOE has implemented a new database system for an expedited certification process. APPLY FOR NOMINATION HERE
  • The term "Educator" now replaces "Candidate," "Graduate," or "Employee."
  • Previously, colleges and universities created the application and collected fees on behalf of the Educator.
  • Now, Kean University will nominate the Educator, and the Educator must:
    • Complete the certification application online.
    • Pay fees directly to the NJDOE.
  • The term "Nomination" now replaces "Recommendation" in the certification process.

Kean University Certification Requirements

Even with the NJDOE’s updated system, Kean University still requires students to submit a certification application along with the following documents:

  • Praxis test results (if applicable).
  • ACTFL OPI/WPT proficiency test results (for language educators).
  • Employment verification letters (for graduate educators), which must:
    • Be on official letterhead.
    • Be from a Principal, District Superintendent, or the District’s Office of Human Resources.
    • Include years of employment and job title.

For more information, please visit the NJDOE website or contact Kean University’s certification office.

PRAXIS TESTS

Praxis tests are required for the following majors below. Scores should have a test taker ID, Social Security number and sent to Kean University code 2517 and NJDOE Code 7666. Click HERE for a sample score sheet.

  • Early Childhood Education
  • Elementary Education
  • Middle School endorsement
  • Principal
  • Speech Pathologist
  • All Secondary Education subject areas

How to Access your Praxis Scores:

Your official score report awaits - here’s how you’ll receive it:

  • Praxis Account: Your official score report will be posted in your Praxis account on the score reporting date. An email will notify you when it’s available. If you don’t have an account yet, create one to access your scores.
  • Institutions and Agencies: Your scores will also be sent to the institutions or agencies you selected during registration (up to four choices at no extra cost). They’ll receive the score information. For Kean University students, you must send your Praxis scores to Kean University (code 2517) and NJDOE (code 7666).
  • State Reporting: If you tested in an automatic score reporting state, your scores will be sent automatically to the state.

Online Scores: For scores reported on or after July 21, 2017, you can download them from your account. These scores remain accessible for ten years from the reporting date. We recommend that you save a copy for future reference.

Official Score Report (Pre-2017): To obtain an official score report for scores reported within the last ten years but before July 21, 2017, order an additional score report. Review the details in the Sending Your Scores section.

 Score Reporting:

  • If you test in New Jersey at a test center or home, and your Praxis profile address is in New Jersey, your score report will be sent automatically to the New Jersey Department of Education.
  • If you test outside New Jersey or your Praxis profile address is not in New Jersey, your scores are NOT automatically sent to the New Jersey Department of Education. For Kean University students, you must send your Praxis scores to Kean University (state code 2517). To have your scores sent to the New Jersey Department of Education, you must select the New Jersey Department of Education (state code 7666) as a score recipient when you register. You are required to send your scores to both Kean University and the New Jersey Department of Education.
  • For all methods of Praxis testing, to request additional score reports you must select the New Jersey Department of Education (state code 7666) with each additional score report request.

PROFICIENCY EXAMS

Students applying for the Bilingual/Bicultural certification must submit qualifying scores for English and the Target Language. You must attach your OPI and WPT scores along with your Praxis Scores.

Language Proficiency Requirements

English Language Proficiency Tests (OPI & WPT)

  • Must pass both oral (OPI) and written (WPT) English proficiency tests.
  • Minimum passing scores:
    • OPI: Intermediate High
    • WPT:
      • Advanced Low (if target language WPT is Intermediate High).
      • Intermediate High (if target language WPT is Advanced Low).
  • Exemption: Candidates who pass the Department-approved basic skills test are exempt from the WPT requirement.
  • More information: Language Testing International or call 1-800-486-8444.

Target Language Proficiency Tests (OPI & WPT)

  • Must pass both oral (OPI) and written (WPT) proficiency tests in the target language.
  • Minimum passing scores:
    • OPI: Advanced Low
    • WPT:
      • Advanced Low (if English WPT is Intermediate High).
      • Intermediate High (if English WPT is Advanced Low).
  • Exemption: Candidates educated primarily in the target language at the undergraduate or graduate level (as verified by a foreign transcript evaluation) are exempt from the OPI & WPT requirements.
  • More information: Language Testing International or call 1-800-486-8444.

FLEX and LIMITED CEAS

Flex: Students who are utilizing the Flex-Rule or Limited CEAS must attach the letter permitting them to use the Flex. Students who are using the Limited CEAS are encouraged to pass the Praxis 2 exam to obtain a Regular CEAS as only 10% of school districts can hire candidates with that certificate. 

Limited CEAS: If you decide to use the Limited CEAS option, you will need to attach the Limited CEAS contract with your application for state certification. Our office can hold your application for state certification until you email us updated passing Praxis 2 scores. Students have up to one year from program completion to apply for certification through Kean. After the one-year time frame, you will have to apply on your own with the NJDOE.

LETTER OF EMPLOYMENT AND WORK EXPERIENCE

Graduate programs listed below are required to attach a letter of employment indicating the number of years teaching to be eligible for the certificate. Click HERE for a sample letterhead.

  • Director of Counseling: 3 years
  • Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant (LDTC): 3 years
  • Reading Specialist: 2 years
  • Principal: 5 years
  • Supervisor: 3 years
  • (Standard) Bilingual/Bicultural: 2 years

Please send in your certification application via email to our office email or staff at tchrctpb@kean.edu. When sending your documents, please scan them. Do not send us a photo. A photo shot is hard to read and on many occasions, we will not be able to open the forms.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER
The Office of Teacher Certification will apply to the NJDOE for your certification once your degree/program has been conferred AND confirmed on your official transcript.

Your NJ teaching credential is only retrievable online after you have accepted your nomination. You can check this link. 

Capstone Nomination Preparation!

Here are the steps required during your final semester to get NJ certifications underway:

1. Apply for graduation - As a program completer for the current semester, log into your KeanWISE account and select “apply for graduation.”  This step is required, whether applying for completion of a degree program or a certification program, or both. Each degree/certification program is handled individually so be sure to apply accordingly.  Students will be charged a $100 graduation fee upon applying for their degree program.  Note: Certification fees are separate from graduation fees.

Degree Candidates: If you are getting a degree, you are required to fill out a graduation form. The link below will open to Kean Wise. There you will click on “Apply for Graduation”. The application is open at specific times during the year.  The First week of June through the first week of September for January Graduation and the second week of October through the First week in February, for May and August Graduation.

GCT Candidates: If you are only getting certified with no degree involved, your record must be closed and you are required to fill out a graduation form. There is no fee. The link below will open to Kean Wise. There you will click on “Apply for Graduation”. The application is open at specific times during the year. The First week of June through the first week of September for January Graduation and the second week of October through the First week in February, for May and August Graduation.

The Registrar’s Office emails all GCT and Degree candidates with this information. If you are experiencing issues with the graduation application, please contact Ms. Rosa Cameli at rcameli@kean.edu. This is the link: https://www.kean.edu/offices/registrars-office/graduation-information/graduate-certificate-gct-application-instructions

2. Apply for state certification – Kean students must apply for NJ state certification through our office for May, August, or January graduates or within one year of completing their corresponding Kean Education program(s). Students will need to submit an application for state certification along with supporting documents (Praxis Core and Praxis 2 scores, Proficiency Exams, Flex letter, Limited CEAS contract, letter of employment, etc). Please do not submit an incomplete application. 

If in the meantime you have further certification questions, please email the main office at tchrctpb@kean.edu.

Deadlines for Applications

May and August Graduates– March 31st

January Graduates – December 1st

3. The nomination process – Nominations begin after your record is closed or degrees are posted by the Registrar’s Office. The nomination process will take place in the Office of Teacher Certification using the information you provided on your application. This process will generate a nomination email to the email account associated with your NJEdCert account, (which should be the same email address you have on file with the NJDOE.) The nomination email will contain a link to take you back into your NJEdCert account so you can accept the nomination(s). This new nomination process is the fastest, most expedited way to achieve certification. 

4. What to Expect – DO NOT CREATE AN ACCOUNT before BEING NOMINATED BY KEAN UNIVERSITY. After the university nominates an Educator for a certificate, you will receive two emails from the NJEDCERT system indicating: 1. You were nominated and 2. Asking you to log in and create an account. This process will be emphasized in the emails you will receive. (CHECK YOUR SPAM FOR EMAILS FROM THE NJEDCERT). Make sure you use the email on file, if you already have certificates from the past or if you applied for a substitute certificate. Creating a new email will delay the process. Make sure you also use your legal name as well. Go to your email and it will show you that Kean nominated you for certification. This email invites you to click on www.nj.gov/education/certification.

5. How To Claim Nomination – Proceed with the following directions to claim EPP Nomination:

  1. Log into your NJedCert account.
  2. Click the APPLY NOW blue button at the top center of the page.
  3. When you click on the button you should be brought to a page notifying you that your college has nominated you for a certificate.
  4. Asked - Would you like to claim it?
  5. Answer YES and then follow the remaining prompts.
  6. After you pay, go back to the home page where you will see your certification listed.
  7. Click on “License ID” to view your certification. Make a screen shot of the certification approvals.

NOTE: Click on Instructions for Application For State Certification Nomination for a detailed step-by-step process.

Additional certifications: Applicants must apply directly with the state for additional certifications for which they may qualify but did not complete a formal Kean program.

Out-of-state licensure: If you plan to relocate to another state, these states require verification of program completion (VOPC) forms, you may email these forms in a PDF format to tchrctpb@kean.edu as needed. You must provide your student teaching/clinical/practicum information along with Praxis scores. In addition, you must provide a permanent address for the office to mail you a hard copy with a University seal.

Contact Information

For assistance with the College of Education nomination process, nomination application, or to schedule an office appointment:
📧 Email: tchrctpb@kean.edu
📞 Phone: (908) 737-3800

For general certification inquiries, GPA requirements, or additional guidance:
✅ NJEdCert 10-Point Checklist – View Here
🎥 Video Tutorials – Coming Soon 

For direct assistance from the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE):
🕘 Customer Service Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
📞 Phone: (609) 292-2070