In September 2021 Governor Murphy signed P.L. 2021, ch. 224 which created a five-year pilot program for Limited Certificates of Eligibility (CE) and Limited Certificates of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS). The pilot begins with the 2022/23 school year and is expected to end in September 2027.
Districts must apply to participate in the pilot program, and the number of limited certificate holders employed in any participating district cannot exceed 10% of the district’s total teaching staff. For more information about the program and to see the list of participating districts go to NJDOE Limited Instructional Certificates.
Aspiring educators may qualify for a limited CE if they meet three of the four certification requirements: GPA; content coursework; Basic skills assessment; or content knowledge assessment. Similarly, educators may qualify for a limited CEAS if they attended an educator preparation program (EPP) but did not meet either the minimum GPA requirement or the minimum passing score on an appropriate State test of subject matter knowledge and must obtain a recommendation from their EPP. Full regulatory language for limited instructional certificates may be found in subchapter 8A. of the certification regulations NJAC 6A:9B.
Educators may not begin employment until their certificate is issued by the NJ Department of Education. The cost of this certificate is $170.00 and includes the issuance of the provisional certificate and standard certificate. Limited instructional certificates can lead to standard certifications if all the requirements are met, including mentoring and evaluation requirements as set forth in regulation.
As of May 31, 2022, all New Jersey certification applications are completed in the New Jersey Educator Certification portal (NJEdCert).
For general information about the New Jersey certification process visit the NJDOE Certification homepage.
For questions contact:
Camy Kobylinski ckobylinski@njea.org
Associate Director, Professional Development & Instructional Issues Division