Substitute Teacher Certification Process

Create an account online at the NJ DOE Educator Certification website.

Steps:

Enter your information and check your email for login instructions.

  • 1 Apply: Complete the application for Instructional Substitute Credential only. Applicants must be 18 years old to apply.
  • 2 Background Questions: Complete all the questions and Oath of Allegiance.
  • 3 Payment: The application fee is $125.
  • 4 Record: Make note of your “case number” from the payment confirmation page.
  • 5 Schedule your fingerprint appointment: https://homeroom4.doe.state.nj.us/chr/
  • 6 Provide Official Transcripts. See details below. Transcripts are sent from your educational institution(s).

Provide Official Transcripts (Step 6)

Transcript(s) must show completion of the required minimum number of credits. Minimum 30 credits required.

Official transcript(s) must be sent directly from your college/university with your case number. They must be emailed to NJ DOE at certapplication@nulldoe.nj.gov.

Please note. If your school does not participate in the electronic delivery or you have used a third-party credential evaluation service that only provides official documents via regular mail, they must be sent in the original sealed envelope.

DO NOT OPEN THE ENVELOPE

Mail to:
Essex County Certification Department
Leroy Smith Public Safety Building
60 Nelson Place, 1st Floor South
Newark, NJ 07102

Frequently Asked Questions

A substitute certificate is transferable from county to county; therefore, an applicant applying for substitute employment in more than one county should receive only one certificate. This certificate may then be validated (recorded) by any county, providing a local school district advises the respective county superintendent of the need for services of the applicant due to an inadequate supply of regularly certified teachers. However, the fingerprint approval must be transferred/ archived to the district that you are currently working for.

Please visit https://homeroom4.doe.state.nj.us/chr/ for instructions.

An employee who holds a CE, CEAS, or Standard Teacher’s certificate issued by the New Jersey Department of Education does not have to apply for a substitute credential. The Standard certificate must, however, be recorded with the Newark Board of Education.

Transcripts  should be emailed with your case number listed on to certapplication@nulldoe.nj.gov and you must upload your most recent fingerprint approval through the Ed Cert Portal.

An employee who holds the following licenses issued by the New Jersey Department of Education does not have to apply for a substitute credential:

  • Certificate of Eligibility (CE)
  • Limited (CE)
  • Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS)
  • Limited (CEAS)
  • Standard License

Note: the licenses must be recorded with the Newark Board of Education.

Please visit https://homeroom4.doe.state.nj.us/chr/ for instructions.

PLEASE NOTE: Your application is not complete until all required documents have been submitted to the Department of Education.

  • Fingerprint approval.
  • Official Transcript sent directly from your college/university.

IMPORTANT NOTE: After your fingerprint appointment, wait approximately two weeks and check the status online. Click here to check the status. A copy of the fingerprint approval must be uploaded to your portal.

Renewal of Substitute Credential.

Substitute credentials are valid for 5 years. You are able to renew your substitute teacher credential anytime within six (6) months prior to the expiration date indicated on your certification and no more than six (6) months after the expiration date.

Follow Steps 1-4 and Step 6 (in the blue box) above:  Complete the application for substitute credentials.

If the credential  has expired more than six months, archived  fingerprints and official transcripts will be required.  Follow steps for a new credential.

If you  have worked the required minimum days in the current school year, request a letter confirming your active status.

Use this link  https://www.nps.k12.nj.us/employment-verification/ to download an employment verification  letter.

If you need assistance, contact perdiemstaffing@nullnps.k12.nj.us