A substitute credential is required for someone to temporarily fill a vacancy or replace a certified and regularly employed classroom teacher who is absent. This credential can be used in multiple counties.

There are three types of substitute credentials:

• Instructional
• Career and Technical Education
• School Nurse (Non-instructional)

Individuals Not Required to Obtain a Substitute Credential

If you have any of the following certificates, you are not required to obtain a substitute credential:

• Instructional Certificate of Eligibility (CE)
• Instructional Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS)
• Standard instructional certificate
• Administrative certificate
• Educational services certificate

Substitute Credentials Issued before January 2021

Credentials issued before January 2021 were on paper and consequently do not appear in the online certification system (NJEdCert). These credentials are valid until the expiration date noted on the certificate. If you lost your paper copy, contact the school district that sponsored your certification.

Applying for a Substitute Credential

To apply for a substitute credential:

1. Obtain a sponsor school district or organization.
2. Complete the criminal history record check process.
3. Apply for the substitute credential in NJEdCert.

Note: there is a $125 application fee.

Sponsor

The sponsor must be one of the following:

• Teacher preparation program
• School district
• Vendor organization that the candidate will serve

If you plan to substitute in multiple school districts, you must select at least one sponsoring organization when applying for the substitute credential. 

Requirements for Substitute Credentials

Instructional Substitute Credential

• Completion of 30 semester-hour credits at an accredited college or university
• Criminal History Record Check: approval date must be within five months of the application date with “Substitute Teacher” as the job position

Career and Technical Education Substitute Credential

• Evidence of two years of full-time work experience in the appropriate Career Cluster
• Work experience shall be documented by verification of employment by employer or presentation of a valid occupational license
• Criminal History Record Check: approval date must be within five months of the application date with “Substitute Teacher” as the job position

Substitute School Nurse Non-Instructional Credential

• Valid New Jersey Registered Professional Nurse license
• Criminal History Record Check: approval date must be within five months of the application date with “Substitute Nurse” as the job position