Become a Substitute Teacher in New Jersey Without a Degree
New Jersey substitute teacher without a degree. Degree Required?: Yes (or equivalent credits). Minimum Education: 60 college credits or substitute credential.
Yes (or equivalent credits)
Degree Required?
60 college credits or substitute credential
Minimum Education
New Jersey Department of Education
Licensing Body
Community college credits may qualify
Alternative Path
New Jersey: Without a Degree
New Jersey Requirements Snapshot
Legal minimums. Real success comes from exceeding them with classroom skills.
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.
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.
Practical skills training only. Actual substitute teaching authorization, certification, permits, and credentials are issued exclusively by New Jersey state and district government authorities — never by any training provider.
Succeed as a Substitute in New Jersey
Practical skills training that helps you stand out once you have met the government's authorization requirements. We do not issue credentials or guarantees.
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 does not issue substitute teaching authorization, credentials, or employment. All decisions rest solely with state education authorities, provincial ministries, and local school districts.