New Jersey Substitute Teacher Requirements
Official New Jersey minimums (last reviewed February 8, 2026). Authorization comes only from government authorities. The real competitive edge: practical classroom skills that get you called back repeatedly.
5
Required Items
2
Optional/Recommended
$155
Daily Rate (avg)
New Jersey Requirements
These are the current published minimums. Skills that exceed them are what move you to the top of district call lists.
Required
Education Requirements
New Jersey requires substitute teachers to have completed a minimum of 60 semester hours of college credit from an accredited institution. A bachelor's degree is not strictly required, but candidates with a degree may qualify for additional substitute credential types. Official transcripts must be submitted to the county office of education as part of the application process.
Background Check
All substitute teacher applicants in New Jersey must undergo a criminal history background check, including fingerprinting, through the New Jersey Department of Education and the FBI. The fingerprinting process is conducted via the state-approved vendor (IdentoGO). Applicants cannot begin working until the background check has been completed and approved.
Age Requirements
Substitute teachers in New Jersey must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application. This is a statewide requirement that applies to all substitute teaching credential types issued through the county superintendent's office.
Application Process
Applicants must obtain a substitute teaching credential through the county superintendent's office in the county where they wish to work. The application requires official transcripts, proof of background check clearance, and the applicable fee. Once issued, the credential is valid only in the county where it was issued, though applicants may apply in multiple counties if desired.
Substitute Teaching Permit/License
New Jersey issues county-level substitute teaching credentials through the county superintendent's office. The standard substitute credential requires 60 college credits. The NJDOE also offers emergency certification pathways for districts experiencing critical shortages, which may have modified requirements. The credential is typically valid for one year and must be renewed annually.
Recommended / Optional
Training/Orientation
While New Jersey does not mandate statewide training for substitute teachers, many districts require new substitutes to complete an orientation program before their first assignment. These programs cover district policies, classroom management strategies, student safety procedures, and technology usage. Some districts partner with staffing agencies that provide their own training modules.
References
New Jersey school districts typically require substitute teacher applicants to submit two to three professional references. References should be from individuals who can attest to the applicant's professional qualifications, character, and suitability for working in an educational setting. Some districts may also require a reference from a previous employer.
Additional Information
For more information, visit the New Jersey Department of Education Certification and Induction page.
After Authorization: How to Actually Get Called More in New Jersey
Complete the official government process
Satisfy New Jersey's published education, background check, and application requirements. These are issued only by state and district authorities.
Install fast authority signals
Students decide in the first 90 seconds whether to cooperate. Master the specific voice, posture, and routine moves that establish calm control immediately.
Build a portable engagement toolkit
Have 5-6 repeatable tactics ready for any grade band. Subs who keep learning happening (not just managed) get requested for long-term and repeat assignments.
Earn a reputation that travels
Leave every classroom better + one precise note. In New Jersey, your documented reliability becomes your strongest job security.
The Real Picture in New Jersey
$155
Avg Daily Rate
$38,000
Annual (regular subs)
60 college credit hours
Education Floor
Yes
License Required?
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Resources
This is skills-based professional development training only. It does not constitute state certification, a teaching license, or a guarantee of employment or assignments. All substitute teaching authorization and certification is issued exclusively by government/state/provincial/district authorities.
Skills-based professional development only. Actual substitute teaching authorization, certification, permits, and credentials in New Jersey are issued exclusively by state, provincial, and district government authorities — never by Substitute Teacher Training or any private provider.
Meet the New Jersey Rules — Then Stand Out with Skills
Our courses focus on the exact classroom tactics that turn authorized substitutes into the ones schools request again and again. All authorization and credentials come exclusively from state and district authorities.
Substitute Teacher Training provides practical skills development and resources to help substitute teachers perform more effectively in the classroom. Actual substitute teaching authorization, certification, permits, and credentials are issued exclusively by government/state/provincial/district education authorities. Decisions about hiring, pay rates, assignments, and any required credentials are made solely by schools, districts, and state education authorities. Completion of our courses results in a Certificate of Completion for professional development purposes only. We do not issue, approve, or guarantee any form of certification or employment.
Substitute Teacher Training provides no authorization, certification, or employment guarantees. All hiring, pay, and credential decisions rest solely with schools, districts, and state education authorities.