New Jersey’s 3 types of substitute teaching credentials
Before you begin applying, identify what certificate you need. This chart summarizes requirements and the length of teaching days for each credential.
NJ Substitute Teacher Credential Comparison:
| Education | Proof of prior experience | Service Limit (in same class per school year) |
60-Credit Instructional Substitute Credential | Complete 60+ semester-hour credits at a nationally accredited college or university | ❌ | 20 instructional days |
30-Credit Instructional Substitute Credential | Complete 30+ semester-hour credits at a nationally accredited college or university AND currently enrolled at university | ❌ | 20 instructional days |
Career and Technical Education Substitute Credential | ❌ | Evidence of 2 years of full-time work experience within the past 5 years in the appropriate career cluster; experience statement | 40 instructional days |
Let’s further explore the differences between New Jersey’s substitute credentials.
1) 60-Credit Instructional Substitute Credential
This is the substitute teacher credential that Scoot Education typically asks for when we hire subs. If you’ve graduated from an accredited 4-year college or university, apply for this NJ substitute teacher certification regardless of your level of experience.
If you’re interested in this particular substitute teacher license in New Jersey, read our step-by-step article on how to become a substitute teacher in New Jersey.
Snapshot
Allows you to be a day-to-day substitute teacher in any classroom from preschool to high school, including classes for adults.
Teach up to 20 days for any one teacher in the same class.
Executive County Superintendent approval is needed to get a 20-day extension to continue teaching in that same classroom.
Valid for 5 years and renewable online within 6 months prior to the expiration date.
Requirements to Apply
Completion of 60+ semester-hour credits at a nationally accredited college or university.
Criminal history record check: The approval date must be within 5 months of the application date with “Substitute Teacher” as the job position.
Negative TB Test.
2) 30-Credit Instructional Substitute Credential
This credential is almost exactly the same as the one above. The only difference is in the amount of credits you’ve completed. If you’re a student still studying to receive your Bachelor’s or higher degree, apply for this teaching credential.
It’s a perfect way for you to get teaching experience in tandem with your studies. Keep in mind, you don’t need to be pursuing an education-related degree to qualify for this certification.
Snapshot
Allows you to be a day-to-day substitute teacher in any classroom from preschool to high school, including classes for adults.
Teach up to 20 days for any one teacher in the same class.
Executive County Superintendent approval is needed to get a 20-day extension to continue teaching in that same classroom.
Valid for 5 years and renewable online within 6 months prior to the expiration date.
Requirements to Apply
Completion of 30+ semester-hour credits at a nationally accredited college or university.
Must be enrolled in a nationally accredited college or university at the time of application. Verification of your enrollment will be required.
Criminal history record check: The approval date must be within 5 months of the application date with “Substitute Teacher” as the job position.
Be at least 20 years of age.
Negative TB Test.
3) Career and Technical Education Substitute Credential
This credential is for subs looking to teach Career Technical Education (CTE) classes. CTE prepares students with the academic and technical skills for a wide range of occupations. Apply for this certification if you have valid work experience in your career cluster of interest.
Snapshot
Allows you to be a day-to-day substitute teacher in any CTE classroom.
Teaching will pertain to your career cluster.
Teach for up to 40 days for any one teacher in the same class.
Valid for 5 years and renewable online within 6 months prior to the expiration date.
Requirements to Apply
Evidence of 2 years of full-time work experience within the past 5 years in the appropriate career cluster.
Your employer must verify your work experience via an experience statement OR you can present your valid occupational license.
Criminal history record check: The approval date must be within 5 months of the application date with “Substitute Teacher” as the job position.
Negative TB Test.
Where and how to apply
New Jersey Educator Certification (NJEdCert) Portal
All prospective substitute teachers must apply for a credential on NJEDCert.
On NJEDCert, you’ll need to complete the background questions and the oath of allegiance. The oath of allegiance is a form with questions regarding your criminal history and any prior misconduct as a teacher.
Cost of application and processing time
Next, you’ll submit the application and pay the $125 processing fee. It takes 6-8 weeks for your credential to be processed and issued. Be sure to check your account periodically to view the status of your application.
For more information on how to apply, read our step-by-step guide on how to become a substitute teacher in New Jersey.
Conclusion
Getting a substitute teaching certification in New Jersey is super easy with an agency like Scoot Education. We’ll help you streamline the application process!