How to become a substitute teacher in New Jersey.

To become a substitute teacher in New Jersey, you'll need a minimum of 30 hours of college credit, fingerprinting, and a clear TB test to get a substitute teacher certification. 

Minimum New Jersey substitute teacher requirements, at a glance*:

• Certification: NJ substitute teacher certification 
• Education: 30 college credit hours 
• Employment verification to work in the U.S. 
• Fingerprinting 
• TB test 

In addition, Kelly Education requires:

• Background check 
• Pre-hire training 
• New hire orientation 

Kelly Education partners with nearly 25 school districts in New Jersey to recruit and hire substitute teachers.  If you want to work in one of our partner districts, our team will personally guide you through the steps so that the process runs smoothly.  

A deeper dive into New Jersey's substitute teacher license. 

Since there are several steps, it can take some time to be cleared to begin work once you apply for a job. You'll need to stay on top of the process and follow up appropriately.

Let’s take a closer look at the basic requirements, including the estimated costs and timeframes to complete each item.  

How do I get a substitute teacher certificate?

New Jersey requires all substitute teachers to have a New Jersey Teaching License or Substitute Certification. You are eligible for a substitute teacher certification if you’ve completed at least 30 college credits. 

You don’t need a substitute credential to become a substitute teacher if you hold a Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS), an administrative or educational services certificate, an instructional Certificate of Eligibility (CE), or a standard instructional certificate.  

How do I submit education verification?

To become a substitute teacher in New Jersey, candidates must have completed at least 30 college credit hours from a nationally accredited college or university.  

• Candidates will need to provide verification of enrollment or transcripts as part of the pre-employment process.

• Some colleges or universities charge a fee for transcripts, generally $10 to $15.

• Once requested, the transcripts are typically received in 3 to 5 days.  

Note that some school districts may require more qualifications and steps beyond what New Jersey requires to become a substitute teacher.

Background check and fingerprinting. 

To become a substitute teacher in New Jersey, applicants are required to complete a criminal history report (fingerprinting). The approval date of the background check must be within five months of the substitute teacher application for license issuance. 

The total fee for the background screening is $77. Candidates who’ve been fingerprinted previously for New Jersey Public Schools, after March 2003, may be eligible to transfer or archive existing fingerprints. The cost for this would range from $6 - $30.   

Additionally, Kelly Education runs an internal background check, which includes the National Sex Offender Registry and 30-year criminal search.   

Tuberculosis (TB) Test 

New Jersey also requires all substitute teachers to get a TB test. The test must be administered within the last six months of the application date.

• You can get this test at your physician’s office, urgent care clinic, or most pharmacies.

• Both blood and skin tests are acceptable options.

• You should receive your TB results immediately following the test. Applicants must provide the test results with their application.  

Do I need training to be a substitute teacher in NJ?

No statewide training is required to become a substitute teacher in New Jersey.

However, it is Kelly Education policy that all prospective substitute teachers complete training. We value preparation and want our substitute teachers to feel confident one day one in our schools.

• That's why we require candidates to complete a free online ClassSmarts training, a valuable resource that takes about 1.5 hours to complete.

• Additionally, our New Hire Orientation training is crucial to familiarize you with Kelly Education and district-specific procedures and policies.  

What do I need for employment verification?

Like most jobs, substitute teachers must provide proof that they can legally work in the U.S.

• To verify your eligibility, you'll submit a federal I-9 form with acceptable forms of identification.
• If working with a Kelly Education district partner, one of our recruiters will help you with this step.

Getting started with Kelly Education and our school district partners.

Kelly Education works with school districts throughout New Jersey to provide quality substitute teachers. Our team is looking forward to helping you become a substitute teacher in New Jersey.

You can get started by filling out our interest form . From there, a Kelly Education recruiter will reach out to answer any questions you may have and explain the next steps to becoming a substitute teacher in New Jersey.  

Are you ready to make a difference with flexible work that matters? Check out our substitute teacher jobs!  

* Information subject to change. This is a general guideline. School districts may have more requirements, in addition to state requirements.   

About the Author

Kelly Education powers more than 10,000 schools across the country with a workforce that keeps students learning every day. From recruiting and hiring to workforce management and professional development, we provide qualified people for mission-critical roles in our schools.