New Jersey Permit Assist

A comprehensive guide to getting your substitute certification

Introduction

Welcome!

Why are you here: According to information you supplied to the Permit Assist team, it looks like you qualify for an Instructional Substitute Credential through the New Jersey Department of Education. This guide can help you navigate the application process for your credential, including completing your background check.

How to use this guide: Follow the below directions, beginning with Chapter 1 if you do not already have an NJEdCert account. Once you have your account, proceed to Chapter 2, and follow all directions in order.

🔥 HOT TIP 🔥 Read each step thoroughly before taking action to prevent errors in the application process. While you are able to reference this guide on mobile, this page is best accessed on a computer.

Have questions? Contact nj-permits@swingeducation.com and we’d be happy to help.

Chapter 1

Set up your NJEdCert account

Step 1

Visit the New Jersey Educator Certification home page. If you do not already have an account, click “Create Account.”

Step 2

Complete the form. Fill out all parts and ensure they are correct, including name, email address, date of birth, and SSN.

Step 3

If you already have an account, NJEdCert will inform you here. If this is the case, follow the steps to log in with your existing account. If NJEdCert is unable to locate a previous account, it will tell you so here.

Step 4

Once you have created your new account, a “Success!” message will appear. Check your email for further instructions from NJEdCert. It will come from noreplynjedcert@doe.nj.gov.

Step 5

Click on the hyperlink within the email to create your password.

Step 6

You will be taken to your NJEdCert account and be prompted to setup your profile. Fill out your information (name, SSN, email, phone, and address) and continue onto the next screen.

Step 7

Answer the questions on the next screen and click “Continue.”

Step 8

Answer the question noting whether or not you have completed the Language Proficiency Exam for Language Testing International (LTI). Note: This is NOT a requirement for a Substitute Credential.

Step 9

If you have an ETS Praxis Candidate ID, enter your ID number. Note: This ID is NOT required for a Substitute Credential. You may leave this field blank if you do not have this type of ID.

Step 10

You should see a screen reading “Success!” and noting that you have completed registration. Click “Continue,” and then follow the guidelines to create your password.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully completed your registration for NJEdCert.

You can now proceed to Your Instructional Substitute Credential Application.

Resources

Chapter 2

Complete your background check

Step 1 - Review the following information about your background check

🔥 HOT TIP 🔥 If you have already completed a background check with the New Jersey Department of Education Office of Student Protection within the past 5 months, you can use your completed background check to apply for your credential.

Step 2 - Schedule a New Applicant Background Check

Navigate to https://homeroom4.doe.state.nj.us/chr/ssn_lookup.jsp?uacc=1559575676025&pt=1 to enter your social security number and click “Continue.”

Step 3 - Get fingerprinted for your New Applicant background check

Mark your calendar for the date and location of your background check, as selected with IdentoGO. Go to your appointment and get your fingerprint done.

Nicely done! Onto your college transcript steps. Go to “Chapter 3: Submit your College Transcripts.”

Chapter 3

Submit your college transcripts

Step 1 - Review this important information about transcripts

You will request that your university or college submit official transcripts directly to the NJ DOE or County Office of Education (COE) on your behalf to verify your college credits.

Step 2 - Contact your school registrar

Contact your university’s registrar to determine whether they will be able to send transcripts via email or postal mail. If they can do either, determine which is faster.

Step 3 - Request your official transcripts

If sending via email: Ask your university’s registrar to send official transcripts to the following email address: certapplication@doe.nj.gov.

If sending via postal mail: Find the county you are most likely to substitute in on this list and ask your university’s registrar to send an official copy of your transcript directly to the COE address you selected.

Great work submitting those transcripts! Onto your credential application steps. Go to “Chapter 4: Apply for your Instructional Substitute Credential.”

Chapter 4

Apply for your Instructional Substitute Credential

Step 1 - Begin the application process

On your NJEdCert page, click “Apply Now.” This will take you to an instructions page for the application.

Step 2 - Answer qualifying questions

Education Questions

There will be several screens of questions about your education, with a review at the end.

Step 3 - Select credential details

Select Credential Type

It is VERY important that you select the correct credential type and endorsement title.

Step 4 - Review Application

Application Review

Review regulations: Review the information, select “Yes” to confirm above conditions. Click “Continue.”

Congratulations on completing your credential application! Now, it’s time to issue payment for the credential. Go to “Chapter 5: Pay your Credential Application Fee.”

Chapter 5

Pay your credential application fee

Step 1 - Review the following information about paying your credential application fee

It is important to review your application, ensure you are applying for the correct credential AND that you have all of the required documentation or will be able to submit it, before paying.

Step 2: Navigate to the payment page

After completing your application, click on “Payment” in your NJEdCert portal. Click “Continue.”

Step 3: Paying your credential application fee

You will be taken to a separate page and asked to enter your credit card information, address, and other requested information.

Congratulations! You’ve paid for your credential application. Now, on to “Chapter 6: Document Collection.”

Chapter 6

Document Collection

Step 1 - Review this information about document collection

After submitting your transcripts, scheduling and attending your background check appointment, paying for your credential application, and submitting your application, there may still be documents that must be collected within your NJEdCert portal.

Step 2: Submit your background check

After completing your fingerprints, processing time may be around 2 weeks before you are able to see your clearance reflected within the NJ Office of Student Protection database.

Step 3: Submit additional documents

Submit any additional documents your Documents tab requests.

Chapter 7

Application review and check in with Permit Assist team

Step 1 - Review the following checklist

1. Review your application in NJEdCert and ensure you have no further action items.
2. If you are still waiting for your background check to process, continue following “Step 2: Submit your Background Check” instructions under “Chapter 6: Document Collection.”
3. Check in with your university’s registrar to ensure transcripts were sent to the correct address or email address.
4. Review emails from the Permit Assist team.
5. Reach out to nj-permits@swingeducation.com if you have any questions.