Your complete, AI-powered roadmap to becoming a certified teacher — from first step to Standard Certificate, in every state.
This guide helps prospective and new teachers navigate the entire certification process — from choosing a pathway, to passing required exams, to applying for your license, to earning your Standard Certificate.
Traditional, Alternate Route, and Out-of-State Reciprocity — step by step for your state.
Browse endorsement codes, required exams, and passing scores for your subject area.
AI-generated practice questions and study guides for your required state exam.
AI-powered guidance for your certification application — checklists and tips.
Interactive checklist to track your progress through the certification process.
Free-form AI Q&A about any certification question for your state.
Choose your pathway to see the step-by-step process. Use the AI guidance button for detailed help.
Complete a bachelor's degree at an accredited college/university. Must include a state-approved teacher preparation program. Minimum 3.0 GPA (2.75 with high Praxis scores).
Accredited educator preparation program including methods courses, content area coursework, and clinical practice (student teaching). Must be in your desired endorsement area.
Pass the Praxis II Content Knowledge exam for your subject area. As of January 2025, the basic skills test is no longer required for most instructional certificates. Check nj.gov/education/certification/testing for current codes and passing scores.
Submit your application through the NJEdCert online portal (nj.gov/education/certification/apply). Include official transcripts, Praxis scores, and all required documentation. The CEAS allows you to seek employment.
Apply and interview with New Jersey public school districts. Districts verify your CEAS before offering a position.
Your district initiates your Provisional Certificate. During the PTP (typically 1 year), you receive mentoring and ongoing evaluation. You must achieve at least two effective or highly effective summative ratings.
After successfully completing the PTP and meeting all requirements, apply for your Standard Certificate through NJEdCert. This is your permanent NJ teaching license.
Complete a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA (2.75 with high Praxis). Must have 30 credits in the subject area you wish to teach (or a major in that field).
Pass the Praxis II Content Knowledge exam for your endorsement area.
Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (CE) through NJEdCert. This is for candidates who did NOT complete a traditional teacher preparation program.
Find and accept a teaching position in an NJ public school.
Enroll in and complete an approved alternate route program. This includes 50 hours of pre-service training before you begin teaching and ongoing coursework during your provisional year.
Teach under a Provisional Certificate with mentoring and evaluation. Complete the edTPA performance assessment.
After successful completion, apply for your Standard Certificate through NJEdCert.
You need documented work experience in your CTE field (typically 4+ years of full-time work or equivalent). A bachelor's degree is preferred but not always required.
Hold relevant industry certifications or licenses in your trade area.
Apply through NJEdCert for a CTE Certificate of Eligibility.
Accept a position at a county vocational-technical school or approved CTE program.
Enroll in an approved CTE educator preparation program during your provisional period.
Complete all provisional requirements and apply for your Standard CTE Certificate.
Complete ongoing professional development to maintain your CTE Standard Certificate. Stay current with industry trends and credentials.
You must have a current, valid teaching certificate or license from another US state.
Your subject area must align with an NJ endorsement. You may need to pass the NJ-required Praxis exam if your state's tests differ.
Submit your application with your out-of-state certificate, transcripts, and Praxis scores. NJ participates in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement.
May include Physiology & Hygiene requirement, additional coursework, or testing depending on your background.
Follow the standard PTP process to earn your NJ Standard Certificate.
Complete NJ fingerprinting and criminal history background check if not already done.
Meet NJ professional development requirements for certificate renewal as a Standard Certificate holder.
Search or filter endorsement codes, required exams, and passing scores. Select any endorsement for AI-powered details.
| Code | Endorsement | Exam # | Exam Name | Passing Score | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1001 |
Elementary School Teacher (K-6) | Praxis 5001 | 157 avg (subtests: Reading 5002=157, Math 5003=157, Social Studies 5004=155, Science 5005=159) | Elementary | |
1105 |
Middle School - Mathematics (5-8) | Praxis 5164 | 165 | Middle School | |
1106 |
Middle School - English Language Arts (5-8) | Praxis 5047 | 164 | Middle School | |
1107 |
Middle School - Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (5-8) | Praxis 5440 | 150 | Middle School | |
1108 |
Middle School - Humanities (5-8) | Praxis 5081 | 157 | Middle School | |
1100 |
Teacher of English | Praxis 5038 | 167 | Secondary | |
1200 |
Teacher of Mathematics | Praxis 5165 | 159 | Secondary | |
1300 |
Teacher of Science (General) | Praxis 5435 | 155 | Secondary | |
1306 |
Teacher of Biological Science | Praxis 5236 | 152 | Secondary | |
1310 |
Teacher of Chemistry | Praxis 5246 | 152 | Secondary | |
1313 |
Teacher of Physics | Praxis 5266 | 141 | Secondary | |
1320 |
Teacher of Physical Science | Praxis 5485 | 150 | Secondary | |
1325 |
Teacher of Earth Science | Praxis 5571 | 154 | Secondary | |
1400 |
Teacher of Social Studies | Praxis 5081 | 157 | Secondary | |
1505 |
Teacher of Spanish | Praxis 5195 | 168 | World Languages | |
1510 |
Teacher of French | Praxis 5174 | 162 | World Languages | |
1515 |
Teacher of German | Praxis 5183 | 163 | World Languages | |
1520 |
Teacher of Italian | Praxis 5174 | Varies | World Languages | |
1525 |
Teacher of Chinese/Mandarin | Praxis 5665 | 164 | World Languages | |
1530 |
Teacher of Japanese | Praxis 5661 | Varies | World Languages | |
1601 |
Teacher of Art | Praxis 5134 | 158 | Arts | |
1610 |
Teacher of Music | Praxis 5114 | 162 | Arts | |
1630 |
Teacher of Health and Physical Education | Praxis 5857 | 160 | Health & PE | |
2475 |
Teacher of Students with Disabilities | Praxis 5543 | 151 | Special Education | |
2400 |
Teacher of the Deaf or Hard of Hearing | Praxis 5272 | 160 | Special Education | |
2455 |
Teacher of Blind and Visually Impaired | Praxis 5282 | 163 | Special Education | |
1475 |
English as a Second Language (ESL) | Praxis 5362 | 155 | ESL & Bilingual | |
1480 |
Bilingual/Bicultural Education | Praxis 5362 | 155 + language exam | ESL & Bilingual | |
1700 |
Teacher of Business Education | Praxis 5101 | 154 | Business & Technology | |
1750 |
Teacher of Technology Education | Praxis 5051 | 159 | Business & Technology | |
1760 |
Teacher of Computer Science | Praxis 5652 | Varies | Business & Technology | |
1800 |
Teacher of Family and Consumer Sciences | Praxis 5122 | 153 | Family & Consumer Sciences | |
3310 |
Reading Specialist | Praxis 5301 | 164 | Literacy | |
1090 |
Teacher of Supplemental Instruction in Reading (K-8) | Praxis 5205 | 159 | Literacy | |
3010 |
School Counselor | Praxis 5421 | 156 | Educational Services | |
3020 |
School Psychologist | Praxis 5402 | 147 | Educational Services | |
3030 |
School Social Worker | Praxis 5422 | Varies | Educational Services | |
3060 |
Speech-Language Specialist | Praxis 5331 | 162 | Educational Services | |
3210 |
Educational Media Specialist / School Librarian | Praxis 5311 | Varies | Educational Services | |
3055 |
Learning Disabilities Teacher-Consultant (LDTC) | Praxis 5543 | 151 | Educational Services | |
3200 |
School Nurse | RN License + coursework | N/A | Educational Services |
Get AI-powered guidance for your certification application — checklists, tips, and step-by-step help.
Check off items as you complete them. Always verify current requirements at https://www.nj.gov/education/certification/.
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