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How to become a substitute teacher in New Jersey

The New Jersey Department of Education issues a Substitute Credential. For the instructional credential you need 30 semester-hour credits from an accredited college or university. You also need a sponsor, such as a school district, and an approved criminal history record check dated within five months of your application. You apply online in NJEdCert. A sub may work 20 days in the same classroom in a school year, and a district can extend that to 40.

Checked October 30, 2026 on the New Jersey Department of Education's own pages. Rules change; the state's page and your district have the last word.

At a glance

Least schooling30 semester-hour credits of college
CredentialSubstitute Credential
Background checkA criminal history record check is required. It must be approved within five months of the application date, with the job position listed as Substitute Teacher.
Fee$125 application fee, as of 2026-10-30.
Who issues itNew Jersey Department of Education

How to get it

  1. Get a sponsor: a school district, a teacher preparation program, or a vendor you will work for.
  2. Complete a criminal history record check with the job position listed as Substitute Teacher.
  3. Apply for the Substitute Credential in NJEdCert, the online certification system.
  4. Pay the application fee.
  5. Send questions to your County Office of Education.

Limits and conditions

  • A Substitute Credential holder may serve 20 days in the same classroom in a school year, extendable to 40.
  • The district must notify the Executive County Superintendent and use the extension form to go past 20 days.
  • Separate credentials exist for career and technical education subs, school nurse subs and educational interpreters.

Ready for the first day

Sources

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