What should I do if I am offered a job before I receive my license?
Upon successful completion of your TCNJ program, conferral of your degree and the submission of your TCNJ application for certification, you can request a letter for any school district interested in interviewing or hiring you for a teaching position. If you have your Substitute Teacher Certificate you can work under that certification temporarily.
How do I find the NJ DOE requirements for the license/endorsement I am pursuing?
Go to: https://www.nj.gov/education/certification/certsandtitles/
What clearances are required to participate in field experiences?
Criminal History and Background Checks are required.
Go to: https://certification.tcnj.edu/clearances-substitute-teacher-certificate/
How do I obtain a copy of my fingerprints/criminal history background results?
The NJ DOE and Identogo will not notify you when the background check is complete. Please use this link to obtain a copy of your clearance.
How do I get a Substitute Teaching Certificate?
Please go to: https://certification.tcnj.edu/clearances-substitute-teacher-certificate/
The process takes six to eight weeks. Plan accordingly please.
What is the state required Health and Physiology Test?
All teacher candidates must successfully complete a course in the Biological Sciences, BIO104, or register for the Health/Physiology test administered by TCNJ
Register for the test at: Health & Physiology Test Registration
DOWNLOAD THE HEALTH TEST STUDY GUIDE
What is the Grade Point Average (GPA) and Praxis Flexibility Requirements for Instructional Certificates?
Go to: https://nj.gov/education/license/praxis/GPA%20Flexibility%20Table%20Final.pdf
ETS – Core Basic Skills and Praxis Content for Teaching FAQ
What is ETS Testing?
The Educational Testing Service administers tests for Core/Basic Skills and Praxis Content Area. The NJDOE requires minimum scores for Core/Basic Skills or verification of ACT/SAT/GRE scores. The NJDOE requires minimum score for Praxis II Content Area as well. For specific information go to: https://certification.tcnj.edu/certification-requirementshttps-nj-gov-education-license-req-teacher-candidate-basic-skills-requirement-final-10-13-21-pdf/
For more information on these exams, consult www.ets.org and follow the links for Praxis and state requirements to find the latest details on exams required for certification in New Jersey.
How do I register for the Praxis II exam?
One must register online with ETS https://www.ets.org/praxis/register/
*2023/2024 Praxis Test Codes for New Jersey:
2023-2024 Updated Praxis Test Requirements
IMPORTANT: Once you are registered, be sure to DOUBLE CHECK that you have signed up to take a test that NEW JERSEY accepts. Different states have very similar test names, but if you wish to be certified in New Jersey, you must register for ONLY those test codes accepted by New Jersey. Exams for New Jersey can be found here: https://www.ets.org/praxis/nj/requirements/
What happens if I fail the Praxis II exam?
The Praxis II may be re-taken.
Do Praxis II scores expire?
Unused Praxis II passing scores have an expiration date of 10 years.
Is there a middle school Praxis test?
Yes, teacher candidates applying for middle school subject area endorsement(s) must pass the Elementary Praxis II test and the subject specific middle school Praxis II test.
If I take the Praxis II in a content area for secondary education certification, do I have to take the Praxis II in the same content area for middle school?
No. A passing score in secondary content area qualifies the teacher for middle school instruction in that subject area.
How do I request accommodations for the Praxis II Test?
Accommodations for the Praxis exams and instructions for how to request them are on the ETS website:
https://www.ets.org/praxis/register/disabilities/accommodations/
Can I get support with the Praxis II fees?
Fee Waivers may be available for college students who meet certain eligibility criteria. Please refer to the Praxis/ETS site for more information.
Contact: Rachel Dawson in the STEP Office – dawsonr@tcnj.edu
Can I take the Praxis II exam at home?
There are more than 70 Praxis exams that may be taken remotely
Please note the following tips and best practices you should be aware of when taking Praxis tests at home:
- Candidates should add their state licensure agency or relevant association as a score recipient, as there is no “Automatic Score Reporting” for at home tests
- Candidates can add score recipients for free until three days after testing by contacting Praxis Customer Service
- Confirm equipment and environment requirements before registering
- Registration is a two-step process, starting with the test taker’s ETS account, then through their ProctorU® account
- Changing a date and/or time of an at home test can be done through the candidate’s ProctorU account
- Cancelling an at home test is done through Praxis Customer Service
ETS has a new video to support the test taker when getting started with at home testing. The video provides a preview of the entire testing from home process.
How do I request accommodations for a Praxis test?
Go to: https://www.ets.org/praxis/site/test-takers/register/disability-accommodations.html#:~:text=The%20easiest%2C%20most%20convenient%20way,by%20mail%20or%20courier%20service.
How do I apply for certification?
Apply for Instructional Certificates
Apply for Advanced Certificates
How do I apply for certification through the NJ DOE?
Refer to the NJDOE FAQ: https://www.nj.gov/education/license/faq.htm
What type of certification do I need?
The NJDOE offers three types of instructional certificates: Certificate of Eligibility, Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing, and Standard Certificate
Details on each are available here.
If you are still unclear, you should meet with your Program Coordinator or Department Chair for advisement.
How long will it take before I receive my certificate?
Once your conferred degree has been posted on your transcript, the Certification Office will confirm you have completed your requirements for certification and begin processing to the NJDOE. The Certification Office process usually takes one week from the conferral date posting. Candidates will be issued their certificates instantly after accepting the NJDOE Nomination email.
Can I check the status of my certification?
Information can be found here: https://njedcert.force.com/manage/s/
What if I need to request a name change?
To request a name change, log in to your NJ EdCert account. If you do not have an account in the system you will need to create one.
Go to: https://njedcert.force.com/manage/s/
How do I communicate with the Certification Office?
If you have a question regarding certification, please visit https://certification.tcnj.edu/ to see if the information is provided. If the information is not provided, email us at certification@tcnj.edu