Teacher Certification FAQs
1. How do I apply for my certification?
Changes have been made regarding the process for submission of the Educators certification application. As of May 31, 2022, the New Jersey Department of Education has implemented a new database system resulting in a new expedited process for Educators to pay and receive their certification. Educator is the new term for candidate, graduate/employee. The old system required the Colleges and Universities to create an application for the Educator and pay the NJDOE with the fees collected from the Educator. Moving forward with the new system, rather than the College creating the application and forwarding the fees, they will now nominate the Educator and the Educator will complete an application online and pay the fees directly to the NJDOE. Note the word Nomination replaces the word Recommendation.
Although the Department of Education has made changes to the database, Kean University will require students to submit a certification application WITH required documents. Documents would include Praxis test results, ACTFL OPI/WPT proficiency test results. Additionally Graduate Educators may be required to submit letters of employment on official letterhead from a Principal, District Superintendent or from the District’s Office of Human Resources. The letter must include years of employment and the title of your position. Here is the link for the application: https://www.kean.edu/media/application-state-certification
2. I am applying for my teacher certification. Where do I send my application to?
You have the following options to submit your application for state certification:
1) Send your certification application via email in a PDF format to our office email or staff at tchrctpb@kean.edu, When sending your documents, scan them. Please 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.
2) Drop off your application at Hennings Hall 214, second floor. Your application must be complete.
3) Mail your application to: Kean University, Teacher Certification Office
College of Education
Hennings Hall 214
1000 Morris Avenue
Union, New Jersey 07083
Note: We are in the process of transitioning to an online application for teacher certification.
3. When will I receive my certification?
Nominations begin after your record is closed or degrees are posted by the Registrar’s Office. However, you must submit an application with the supporting documents (Praxis scores, letter of employment, Flex rule. etc.). The Office of Teacher Certification works together with the Registrar's Office to expedite this process.
4. I am getting a degree. When will I be nominated?
You will need to submit an application for state certification along with the supporting documents (Praxis scores, letter of employment, Flex rule, etc.). If you are graduating with a degree you must apply for graduation. There is a $100 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.
Undergraduate Degrees: https://www.kean.edu/offices/registrars-office/graduation-information/undergraduate-degree-candidates
Graduate Degrees: https://www.kean.edu/offices/registrars-office/graduation-information/graduate-degree-candidates
5. I am not getting a degree (BA or MA), but certification only. I am in the GCT track. When will I be nominated?
You will need to submit an application for state certification along with the supporting documents (Praxis scores, letter of employment, etc.). 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
6. Should I apply with Kean University or on my own with the NJ Department of Education?
Students should be applying with Kean University and not on their own. As per the NJDOE, if students have completed the college’s approved program then they should be EPP nominated and should NOT be applying on their own. Universities are responsible for nominating their candidates who completed an educator preparation program. What you absolutely do NOT do is go into the portal and apply on your own for your certification. Doing so tells the system you want to apply on your own, which takes 8-12 weeks processing time.
7. I am moving out of state. Do I still need to apply for my certification in New Jersey? Where do I send the verification form to?
Yes, you should apply for certification in New Jersey even if you move to another state. The Department of Education will recognize the candidate's credentials once they are already certified in a state. It will be an easier transition. Educators from other states seeking New Jersey certification via reciprocity must hold the equivalent type and subject area/grade level out-of-state license. You will need to submit an out of state's verification form for the office to fill out. In addition, you must provide your student teaching information as well as supporting documents (Praxis scores, letter of employment, etc.) to tchrctpb@kean.edu. Your verification form will be scanned and emailed to you for your records. The applicant must provide us with a permanent address to mail the hard copy with the university seal.
8. Does Kean University participate with Limited CEAS?
Yes, Kean University is currently participating with Limited CEAS. Certificate holders with a limited CE or a limited CEAS in an instructional area will be eligible to seek employment in a school district, charter school, or renaissance school that is approved by the NJDOE to hire such candidates. School districts approved to participate in the pilot program will be able to hire limited CE or limited CEAS holders for instructional positions, not to exceed 10 percent of the school district’s total teacher population and in accordance with all other requirements of approval and participation. Here is more information:
https://www.nj.gov/education/certification/CE-CEAS-pilotprogram.shtml
9. My degree and/or record has not been closed. I have a job offer waiting for me and I need proof. Is there a way that Kean University can verify that I will be finishing my program and/or last class?
Yes, you may request a letter by emailing Ms. Kenya Harris at kharris@kean.edu. Please provide your name and Kean ID Number. The letter upon completion will be scanned and emailed to your Kean email address.
10. My school district is requesting a verification form. What is a verification form? Where can I find it?
A verification form is submitted on behalf of a candidate who has completed an educator preparation program. This can be found on the NJDOE website where you will apply for a certification. Here is the link: https://www.nj.gov/education/certification/
An electronic verification form should be sent to the following email: coevopc@kean.edu. In addition, you must provide your student teaching, internship, clinicals and/or practicum information as well as supporting documents (Praxis scores, letter of employment, etc.) to tchrctpb@kean.edu. The NJDOE will only accept electronic forms.
11. I need to obtain my official transcripts. How do I do that?
In order to obtain your official transcripts from the university, you will need to go to this link: www.getmytranscript.org. If you need assistance, go to this step by step instructions.
12. Where can I find a copy of my certifications? Will they mail or email me?
As of May 2015, the NJDOE no longer distributes hard copies for certifications. You will need to log into your NJEdCert account to review your licenses and credentials. Once you log in, you will click on “License ID” to view your certification(s). You can make a screenshot of the certification approvals. You may also print them out. Here is the link: https://njdoe.my.site.com/manage/s/
13. Are my licenses and credentials from TCIS transferred to NJEdCert?
Yes, if you had an account with TCIS before May 31, 2022, all accounts have been merged together with NJEdCert. You can review your licenses and credentials there. NJEdCert replaced TCIS.
14. I accidentally applied on my own with the NJ Department of Education instead of being nominated by Kean University. They received my electronic verification form (VOPC) and I submitted the required documents. Why are there delays?
There is no delay when an electronic VOPC has been submitted. The forms are sent to a lead examiner queue and have to be assigned to an examiner for review. Due to the large volume, it can take time to process and could take 8 weeks. This is why we urge students to have us nominate them once they complete an educator preparation program. It is a different process when candidates apply on their own versus getting nominated by the university.
15. Governor Murphy signed a law dropping N.J. requirements to pass the Praxis Core effective immediately. Does that apply for CEAS students?
No, undergrads who are obtaining a CEAS are required to pass the Praxis Core AND Praxis 2.
16. I was originally an Education major as an undergraduate, but I changed majors and graduated with my academic major (ex. Math, English, etc.). I completed all my Education courses except student teaching. Can I come back to the university and finish?
Unfortunately, once your record is closed, it cannot be reopened again. You will have to go through Alternate Route Programs if you wish to become a teacher. Kean University only offers two Alternate Route Programs: Early Childhood Education (P-3) and ESL (English as a Second Language). However, we have a list of other colleges participating in Alternate Route Programs who have other programs available. The website is
https://www.nj.gov/education/certification/CEprogramproviders.shtml. It is advised that you go to a school that offers your specific major.
17. I cannot find my Praxis scores. Where can I obtain a copy of this?
After a certain time frame (7 years), we do not keep copies of Praxis scores. We highly recommend that you save a copy for future references. Here are the other options you may have.
A. 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.
B. 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.
C. NJEdCert: If you have sent your Praxis scores to the NJDOE (code 7666), you may be able to find your scores there under your list of certifications. Log into your NJEdCert account.
18. I did not receive an email regarding my nomination. I was told I was already nominated. What should I do? Where can I find this email?
After the university nominates an Educator for a certificate, you will receive two emails from NJEDCERT system indicating: 1. You were nominated and 2. Asking you to log into your account. For undergraduates, you should already have an NJEdCert account when you have applied for your substitute teaching license. For graduates, you should already have access to your NJEdCert 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. 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.
19. I was originally using Limited CEAS, but now I decided that I want to have a Regular CEAS. How do I proceed?
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. If you decide that you want to wait until you pass Praxis 2 to obtain a Regular CEAS and receive a nomination from the university, please email Ms. Basubas at basubasj@kean.edu requesting to put your application for state certification on hold. 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.
20. I was originally using Limited CEAS, but my GPA is now 3.5 (or higher). I believe I am eligible for the Flex Rule based on my Praxis 2 scores. How do I proceed?
Students who are utilizing the Flex-Rule must attach the letter granting you permission to use the Flex. You must email the Dean's Office at coe@kean.edu your updated Praxis scores and will be evaluated. They will email you a letter for your eligibility to use the Flex. For more information on Grade Point Average (GPA) and Praxis Flexibility, click on this link.
If you submitted an application for state certification, Praxis scores, and the Limited CEAS contract, this exemption may replace a signed limited CEAS contract, allowing you to be nominated for certification through the traditional route upon program completion.