Substitute Credential

All College of Education Clinical Interns need to apply for and acquire a substitute credential to be prepared for ALL field work as part of the teacher preparation program.

Having a substitute credential is necessary for the following reasons:

  • Most school districts require a substitute credential and/or a criminal history background check which is part of the substitute credential application process, for all clinical interns participating in any field work that includes interaction with students. If you are not able to provide a criminal history background report and/or substitute credential to the school district upon request, the school district has the right to ask you to leave and deny the placement. This includes but is not limited to in-school courses (CIEE 3120 and CIEE 3290), observations (CIED 2070, SMAT 5100, CMAT 5070), clinical experience (CIEC 2000, CISE 4110, 4120, 4130, 4140, 4170, 4180, 4190, SPC 3550, SPC 6750,  MUSI 3290, PETC 3970, PETC 3980) and clinical practice I and II.
  • A substitute credential affords students the opportunity to substitute teach to gain valuable teaching experience, as well as build your resume.
  • A substitute credential also affords students the opportunity to accept a permanent substitute teaching position in a district following clinical practice before your certification arrives. Many times this leads to a full-time position.

When do I apply for a substitute credential?

You should begin the application process as soon as you have completed 30 credits. The whole process can take up to 6 months. 

How do I apply for a substitute credential and what is involved?

  • You may contact and apply for substitute credential through your local school district. Schools will only do this if you plan to substitute. The Office of Field Experiences also offers substitute workshops every semester through which you may apply for a substitute credential (Passaic County). Please see the OFE calendar for dates and times.
  • Directions for Applying for a NJDOE Substitute Teaching Credential
    Video Tutorial for Applying for a a NJDOE Substitute Credential

  • As part of the substitute credential application you must:

    • Complete a NJDOE criminal history background check. All required information on this finger printing process is included in any substitute credential application.
    • Obtain and send electronic transcripts.
    • Complete an NJEdCert application.
    Note*: Some placements require that you have a current Mantoux test (valid for one year).  A Mantoux test is required by anyone employed by or acting as a volunteer in a school. The Mantoux test checks for tuberculosis and takes only a minute or two at a doctor’s office or on campus at the Health Center for a nominal fee.

    • Criminal History Background Check

      How do I complete a NJ DOE Criminal History Review?

      • New Applicant Request: Follow the directions these directions for being fingerprinted using the school district code. Here is an example of WP codes: County Code: 31, District Code: 7310, School Code 001.
      • If you have been fingerprinted for the NJ DOE for a school position other than a bus driver or substitute teacher
        • Archive your fingerprints using these directions using the school district code. Here is an example of WP codes: County Code: 31, District Code: 7310, School Code 001.
        • If you have been fingerprinted for the NJ DOE for a bus driver or substitute teacher school
          • Transfer your fingerprints using these directions using the school district code. Here is an example of WP codes: County Code: 31, District Code: 7310, School Code 001.

          How do I get my Criminal History Review results?
          Applicant Approval Employment History: Save the Employee Approval Form, the result of the Criminal History Review, as a PDF.

          If you have never been fingerprinted for the NJ DOE (for a school position including substitute, bus driver, aide, coach etc.)

        1. Transcripts
          • Obtain official transcripts from the institution at which you have obtained credits.
          • For William Paterson University, send via transcript ordering center.
          • For other colleges or universities, send the transcript to certapplication@doe.nj.gov via email.

        2.  NJEdCert
          • Apply for your substitute credential on NJEdCert
          • Create an account, please use your full legal name and an email address that you will use for years to come.
          • Apply for a credential. You can follow the OFE flowchart instructions.
          • Upload relevant documents (e.g. proof of age and AAEH form).

          What do I do with my Mantoux test results, criminal history report, transcripts, and substitute credential?

            • Make multiple copies of each document.
            • Create a Teaching Profession folder on your computer and save records as PDFs
            • Send transcripts to NJDOE
            • Upload AAEH form to NJEdCert
            • Provide a copy of your AAEH form, Mantoux test results, and substitute credential to OFE via the Online Clinical Application Portal
            • Provide a copy of your Mantoux test results to the school in which you are placed.

            ** William Paterson University, College of Education or the Office of Field Experiences does not accept, process or issue substitute licenses.