New Jersey

How Do I Become a Substitute Teacher in New Jersey — The Complete Guide

4 Easy Steps:

1. Upload a New Jersey teaching credential or substitute teaching certificate

2. Complete a background check

3. Complete a TB test

4. Fill out a work history form

Substitute Permit or Teaching Credential

There are four teaching certificates that permit day-to-day substitute teaching in New Jersey:

  • Substitute Teacher’s Credential
  • Standard Teaching Certificate
  • Certificate of Eligibility (CE)
  • Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS)

Note: Within both standard and CTE substitute positions, there are different time limits for how long you can work in a district. A standard substitute can serve for no more than 20 instructional days in the same class unless approved by the Executive County Superintendent. In that case, a 20-day extension may be approved. A CTE Substitute can serve for up to 40 instructional days.

For a full guide on service day limits by credential, read this comprehensive guide.

Criminal Background Check

To complete the check, the State of New Jersey’s Criminal History Review Unit (CHRU) works with the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The process includes investigating criminal history and any previous complaints from school districts.

Depending on your history of employment in New Jersey, you may qualify for one of three types of applications: a transfer, a new applicant, or an archive applicant.

1. If you’ve never worked for a school in New Jersey, you’re a new applicant. Your application will require a few steps:

  • First, you’ll check your eligibility by going through an online system. This process requires entering:
    • Your social security number
    • Your personal contact information
    • A few physical details
    • Information about the district and school where you’ll be teaching
  • Next, you’ll pay a $10 Criminal History Review Processing Fee. There’s also a $1 convenience fee.*
  • Then, you’ll complete and/or print the IdentoGo NJ Universal Fingerprint Form. Fingerprinting costs $67.45 for those who have never been fingerprinted in the state of New Jersey.*
  • Finally, you’ll schedule a fingerprinting appointment with MorphoTrust. Be sure to bring a photo ID to your appointment.

In approximately 2-4 weeks, you’ll be able to view your Applicant Approval Employment History through the Criminal History Review Unit’s website.

 

2. If you hold a Standard Teaching Certificate or Certificate of Eligibility and have been fingerprinted and approved by Criminal History Review since 2003, you’re an archive applicant.

  • First, access the Criminal History Review Archive and select the second option: “Archive Application Request.”
    • Enter your social security number
    • Select and complete the “Applicant Authorization and Certification” form with information about the district and school where you’ll be teaching
  • Next, you’ll pay a $27.50 Archive Processing Fee. There’s also a $1 convenience fee.*

In approximately two weeks, you’ll be able to view your Applicant Approval Employment History through the Criminal History Review Unit’s website.

3. If you have been fingerprinted and approved by Criminal History Review since 2003, you’re a transfer applicant.

  • First, access the Criminal History Review Archive and select the second option: “Transfer Request (Only Substitutes & Bus Drivers are eligible”
    • Enter your social security number
    • Select and complete the “Applicant Authorization and Certification” form with information about the district and school where you’ll be teaching
  • Next, you’ll pay a $6 Archive Processing Fee. There’s also a $1 convenience fee.*

 

TB Test

All SwingSubs in New Jersey must provide a TB test that shows a negative result, clearing them of active Tuberculosis infection. This TB test has to have been completed within the past 6 months to be valid. 

For more information on how to complete this step, please visit our help article: How Do I Complete the New Jersey TB test Requirement?

Work History Form

In April, 2018, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed S-414/A-3381 — a bill commonly known as “Pass the Trash” — into law. The legislation is designed to prevent school employees who are accused of sexual misconduct or child abuse in one education job from getting another. 

All Swing Subs in New Jersey will have to complete this form. Upon completion, the form will be sent to Gray Law, Swing Education's partner who will conduct the work history review. 

The work history review includes: 

  • Affirming that the applicant has not been accused of sexual misconduct or similar claims
  • Completing a form listing employers for the past 20 years where the scope of employment involved direct integration with children
    • Swing will also follow-up with those employers to confirm the applicants responses.

This form is only accessible through your Swing Education account.

Once you have completed each requirement you will be able to begin signing up for open substituting opportunities through Swing Education. Click the following link to login and get started.  Click here to login!