NJEdCert Substitute Credential Application Process:

A Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining a Substitute License

(updated as of July 2022)

Note: Only begin this process AFTER you have been fingerprinted and AFTER your CHBC
results are in the possession of the “sponsor district.” If you need more information on
fingerprinting, please visit the CHBC Instruction Guide.

Please note that the state now requires you to submit a CHBC/fingerprints that are no more
than 5 months old. Your substitute credential application will not be processed if your
fingerprints are older than 5 months. If your CHBC is older than 5 months, you will need to get
new fingerprints.

1. New Jersey Educator Certification (NJEdCert) Process

a. Visit the NJEdCert website.
b. Click on “Create an Account” and enter the required information.
c. If you are asked to enter an “ETS Praxis Candidate ID” you can leave it blank and click “Continue”
d. You will receive an email at the email address provided to log in and create a password
i. It is absolutely imperative that you save your username and password as you will need this
login information when you apply for your certification when you graduate
e. Login to the NJEdCert.
f. Click on “Apply Now.”
g. Enter your College and University details.
h. Answer if you have completed an Educator Preparation Program.
i. For “Do you have any relevant employment information?”
i. Please read the instructions in the application carefully. NJEdCert in detail explains who
should be providing relevant employment information.
ii. If you are required to answer “Yes” you can enter any type of past work experience you may
have (this can be work, volunteer, internship, etc.). The state will not use this to make a
determination about your application.
j. Answer NO to “Were you instructed by a New Jersey School District or County Office to apply for an
Emergency Certificate?”
k. For “What kind of Teaching Certificate do you need?” select “Credential”
l. Under “Endorsement Titles” choose “Instructional Substitute”
i. If you have 60+ college credits select “Instructional Substitute 60-Credit”
ii. If you have under 60 college credits but have at least 30+ credits and are 20 years of age
then select “Instructional Substitute 30-Credit”
m. Select “Essex” under the county.
n. Select “Substitute” for “License Type”
o. Check that all the information is correct and select “Yes”
p. Confrim that you understand that the state does not provide refunds if you incorrectly apply for your
license.
q. Continue to click “Continue” to populate all requirements into the Qualification Table.
r. Review the qualifications listed and make sure you meet these requirements.
s. Respond to the “Background Questions.”
i. If you answer “yes” to any of the questions, you will be asked to provide additional
information.
t. Complete and sign the Oath of Allegiance.
u. Once you have completed the first portion of the application, select “Continue.” You will be
 redirected to Pay Now.
v. Select the “Payment” tab at the top left of the page.
w. Make payment of $125 (there is an additional $3 processing fee and the total will be $128). Credit
card required.
x. Review your payment and submit.

2. Submit your documents in your NJEdCert portal.

a. To upload documents:
i. Login to NJEdCert portal
ii. Click “My Application” under Apply Now
iii. Click on the “Application Review Case” number associated with your Substitute
License Application
iv. Click “Documentation Collection” at the top of the page
b. You must gather and submit the following documents (as listed in the Checklist in your portal):
i. a copy of your CHBC Approval Form
ii. an official copy of your transcripts
1. Request an Official Transcript from MSU or a previously attended institution to
show that you have completed 60 credits (or that you have completed 30 credits
as long as you are 20+ years old).
a. If you are sending a transcript from MSU Clearing House:
i. For “Who are you sending your transcripts to?” please select
“Employer or Other”
ii. For “Business or Individual’s Name” please enter “NJ Department
of Education”
2. Please have them sent electronically and directly to
certapplication@doe.nj.gov. (Do not email them to yourself to forward, they
must come directly from the Clearinghouse).
iii. If you are sending a transcript under 60+ credits you will need to complete the “Age
Verification” checklist item on your NJEdCert application with a copy of your Driver’s
License.
iv. If you are sending a transcript under 60+ credits you will need to request an enrollment
verification letter from your NEST account to prove your enrollment status and upload it into
your portal.

3. Check application status in your NJEdCert portal.

a. Once your certification is issued, please keep your document(s) handy in your own records
until someone requests a copy.
b. Congratulations! The credential is valid for 5 years.

Note: When it becomes decided which school you will be working at, you may have to archive your
fingerprints to that specific host district.

Center of Pedagogy, Montclair State University