NEWLY UPDATED SUBSTITUTE CERTIFICATE INFORMATION AS OF SEPTEMBER 11, 2024
The State of New Jersey Department of Education has implemented a new substitute credential pathway. A candidate for a substitute credential must present documentation of a minimum of 30 semester-hour credits completed at an accredited college or university. Candidates must be 18 years of age to apply for a substitute teaching certificate. For more information about the Substitute credential process go to the NJDOE Substitutes page.
Submit your fingerprints
Once you’ve been fingerprinted in the NJ School system, you do not need to get fingerprinted again. For your substitute certification application, you will EITHER submit your current fingerprint document OR request the state to reprocess your fingerprints so that they’re updated.
Follow the steps below.
- Use this direct link to access the state’s fingerprint system and enter your information.
- Your current fingerprints will appear. Check the most recent approval date (first column, top date).
If the date is within the last 5 months: You can use these current fingerprints. Save the page as a PDF and submit it to the NJEdCert portal (Details below to create a NJEd Cert portal account).
If the date is NOT within the last 5 months: You’ll need to archive your fingerprints (re-process them).
- Look at your fingerprint document and write down the PCN number for your most recent fingerprint entry.
- Use this direct link to the archive application and enter your information.
- Click Option 1.
- Fill out the form, including your PCN.
- Select Substitute Teacher for Job Position/Category.
- For New School Info, select SPONSORS and then select The College of New Jersey.
- Complete the rest of the steps and pay the required fee.
It may take up to two weeks for the state to archive your fingerprints. You can check for your updated document using the first link above.
Request your official transcript through PAWS
- You MUST request to have your official transcript electronically sent to: New Jersey Dept. of Education: certapplication@doe.nj.gov. The Certification Office cannot request your transcript due to the FERPA Law.
- Once the form is sent, please allow 15 business days for the transcript to be uploaded to your NJEdCert portal account.
Create your NJEdCert portal account and submit an application
- Visit the NJEdCert portal site and create an account and apply for your substitute certification.
- We have created this step-by-step guide to walk you through the process of creating an NJEdCert account and applying for your substitute certification.
- Some important notes: Please use a permanent email address to create your account. You’ll then receive a specific case number for your application. If you have 30 credits or more and are applying for a substitute certification (especially if you plan to sub in a district), make sure to select the 30-credit instructional substitute certification in the application when asked. If you have 60 or more credits, please make sure that you select the 60-credits instructional substitute certificate.
- Once you have submitted your application, you will be prompted to pay the $125 application fee through the State of New Jersey Department of Education Website.
- Then Upload the approved Criminal History Background Form onto your NJEDCERT Portal account. Criminal History Background forms are available to print out two weeks after completing your fingerprints.
**Check out this Step-by-step guide to create a NJEdCert portal account and apply for Substitute certification.**
The Substitute Certificate timeline for processing and issuance is 6-8 weeks by the New Jersey Department of Education. You may check the status of your application by signing into your NJEdCert account. When you apply for a substitute certificate, it is valid at any public or charter school in New Jersey and is valid for five years from the date of issuance.