Certification 101

In order to begin the Alternate Route process, a candidate must obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (CE) in a particular instructional area. The CE authorizes an individual to seek and accept employment in New Jersey public schools. 

Certification of Eligibility (CE) Requirements

• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree is required from an accredited college or university

• Minimum GPA By Graduate Date: 3.0 GPA (2.75 if prior to 2016)
• Qualifying Score: Praxis II Subject Test

Limited Certificate of Eligibility (CE)

The Limited CE pilot was implemented prior to the 2022-2023 school year.  This allows candidates to waive exactly one of the following requirements:

• Minimum number of subject-matter course content credits;
• Minimum required grade point average (GPA);
  • Please note that a candidate looking to apply for a Limited CE must also achieve a passing score on a Commissioner-approved assessment of basic skills. (Praxis Core Exam)
• Passing score on New Jersey state-approved Praxis subject-matter assessments.

Step One: Establish Eligibility: Obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (CE)

Please note that individuals seeking a P-3, English as a Second Language (ESL), Bilingual/Bicultural, and Teacher of Students with Disabilities (TSD) will have additional requirements:

• P-3: As of September 2025, applicants who hold a CE in Preschool through Grade 3 are required to attend a State-approved Preschool through Grade 3 program consisting of a minimum of 30 semester hour credits to secure full licensure. If you plan to seek work in New Jersey under a P-3 CE and complete the 30 semester credits while working under provisional licensure, you must enroll in a Department-approved New Jersey college or university program.
• ESL: Applicants who hold a CE in English as a Second Language and accept employment into a teaching position must complete an English as a Second Language (ESL) educator preparation program offered by an approved Certificate of Eligibility Program Provider.
• Bilingual: A candidate who holds a CE in Bilingual/Bicultural Education and accepted employment into a teaching position requiring the certificate must complete a Teacher of Bilingual/Bicultural educator preparation program offered by an approved Certificate of Eligibility Program Provider.
• TSD: Applicants who hold a CE in Special Education must complete a Teacher of Students with Disabilities program offered by an approved Certificate of Eligibility Program Provider.

Step Two: Gain Employment and Begin the Provisional Teacher Process

Prior to Employment

In addition to obtaining a CE, candidates must complete a 50-Hour Preservice Teacher Training Course prior to seeking employment. Candidates are required to provide their district with a Verification of Program Completion (VOPC) form, which is provided by the training provider once the course is completed.

Upon Employment

Once employment has been secured, it is the responsibility of the hiring school district to enroll the teacher into the Provisional Teacher Process. Once hired, it is the responsibility of a school district to request a provisional certificate on your behalf.

• This certificate legalizes employment for a newly hired teacher after the teacher obtains a Certificate of Eligibility (CE).
• This certificate is valid for up to two years and expires on July 31 of the second year.
• The provisional certificate can be renewed one time if standard requirements have not yet been met by the expiration date.

Once hired, an Alternate Route candidate must enroll to an approved Certificate Eligibility Program Provider to accrue an additional 350 or 450 hours of formal training and instruction. 

350 Hour Alternate Route Teacher Training Program (Most K-12 Content Areas)

450 Hour Alternate Route Teacher Training Program (Elementary K-6) 

Step Three: Becoming Permanently Certified

The standard certificate is a permanent certificate issued to a teacher who has met all requirements for state certification. The district/school will request the issuance of a standard teaching certificate upon successful completion of the Provisional Teacher Process (PTP). 

Note: A candidate cannot apply for the standard certificate; this certificate is requested by a school district.

To receive a standard certificate, the following must occur:

• District/school verified mentoring completion in NJEdCert.
• District/school submitted the final summative ratings for each school year in NJEdCert.
• Certificate of Eligibility Educator Preparation Program (CE EPP) submitted the appropriate Verification of Program Completion form.
• Educator completed an Oath of Allegiance and submitted payment in NJEdCert once recommended by district/school.

Thinking about the Alternate Route Process, but Not Sure Where to start? 

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