COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS CONCERNING TEACHER CERTIFICATION IN NEW JERSEY

1. What is the required GPA to become a certified teacher in NJ?

• The State of New Jersey requires that all students graduating after September 2004 have a GPA of 2.75 when a GPA of 4.00 equals an A grade in a baccalaureate degree program. Caldwell College requires a GPA of 3.0 for Education students.

2. What types of certifications are available in New Jersey?

• There are three types of credentials, Instructional, Educational Services, and Administrative. There are specific endorsements in each one of these certificates. Example – Certificate Instructional – possible Endorsements–elementary teacher, teacher of English, or Special Education. 
  (Please refer to the website: NJ Department of Education for more information.

3. When is the best time for me to take the Praxis test?

• You should take the test while you are enrolled in either the ED340 or ED 348 course. By taking this test early in your education you have the opportunity to take it again if failed. Be advised you must pass the test prior to student teaching.

4. What are the required Praxis scores?

As of September 2012 the scores required are as follows:

PRAXIS II: SUBJECT ASSESSMENTS/SPECIALTY AREA TESTS SCHOOL LEADERSHIP SERIES TESTS

PASSING SCORES REQUIRED FOR LICENSURE

PASSING SCORES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

• New Jersey requires a Social Security number (SSN) in order to process educator certification paperwork. ETS does not require your SSN for its own purposes, but will submit it to New Jersey with your test results. Failure to provide your SSN could delay processing of your certification application.

5. When are the Praxis paper tests given?

Praxis tests are offered in computer-delivered and paper-based formats. Not all tests are offered in both formats, so check the website to find out which formats are available for each test. Computer delivered tests are offered by appointment during testing windows throughout the year. To view computer-delivered test dates, visitwww.ets.org/praxis/register/centers_dates/computer.

Paper-delivered tests are offered on Saturday test administrations during the year. Please see the table below for paper- delivered test dates.

2012 – 13 Dates for Paper-Delivered Administrations

• Detailed information concerning the Praxis is available by reviewing the Registration Bulletin (copies available in the Education Office) or by checking the website: The Praxis Series®.

NOTES: 
1)Your completed registration form and payment must be received by the appropriate date, or you will be charged an extended registration fee of $45.
2)Not all test centers are open on all test dates. Please refer to the test center list on the Praxis website at www.ets.org/praxis. 
* Accommodations for test takers whose Primary Language is Not English (PLNE) are available on these test dates. 
** U.S. Virgin Islands should adhere to regular registration deadlines. 
*** Allow 7-10 days for delivery of mail within the continental United States and more time for delivery to other areas.

6. What are the requirements to teach High School?

• A student needs to complete a K-12 program that includes at least 30 hours in a specific discipline, math, science, language arts, social studies, art, music, or foreign language. The student can then teach that subject upon passing the required Praxis examination.

7. What is required to teach in a Middle School?

• A student needs to complete a K-12 program in a specific discipline (Math, Science, English, Social Studies, Art, Music, or Foreign Language). The student can then teach that subject upon passing the required Praxis examination.

OR

• The student can complete the K-5 program by taking the K-5 praxis (Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects # 5031) and the appropriate Middle School Praxis test, (Middle School English Language Arts (#0049 or 5049), Middle School Mathematics (0069), Middle School Social Studies (0089 or 5089), or Middle School Science #0439). Note: Students taking this route must also take PS 216 Adolescent Psychology and ED348 Secondary Content Learning and Literacy in order to be eligible for the Middle School Certificate.

8. I only want to teach Elementary school. What endorsement do I need?

• The Elementary School Teacher endorsement allows the bearer to teach Kindergarten through Grade 5.

9. I want to teach pre-school. What are the requirements for certification?

• Elementary Education majors must complete three additional courses—Prenatal and Infant Psychology, Curriculum in Early Childhood Education (ED333) and Methods of Early Childhood Education (ED332) to receive the preschool endorsement. You must also take and pass the Early Childhood: Content Knowledge Praxis (#0022 or 5022).

10. What is the Physiology and Hygiene Requirement?

• Caldwell students are provided with the required information in the Biological Principles and Biological Principles Lab classes. Therefore, the majority of our students do not have to take the examination. Anyone without the proper course work applying for instructional certification must pass an examination in physiology and hygiene, including the affects of narcotics and alcohol. (This is available in the office of certification office).

11. What is the difference between a Certificate of Eligibility (CE) and a Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing? (CEAS)?

• The CE is issued to persons who have completed a degree program of academic study and passed the applicable test requirements for certification. The CE permits the applicant to seek and accept employment in positions requiring certification. A Provisional Teacher Program (classes/induction/mentoring for alternate route candidates) is required. Under the direction of the principal the bearer is mentored and at the completion of the mentoring period, and Provisional Teacher Program can be recommended for a permanent certificate. Districts enroll students in mentoring. 
• A CEAS is issued to persons who have completed an approved college teacher preparation program. Upon employment the bearer needs to be mentored in the school district for one year. Upon completion of the mentoring period the principal may recommended the candidate for a permanent certificate.

DEPARTMENT CONTACTS

Dr. Robert J. Rosado, Office of Certification and Field Placement Director • 973-618-3629
Jeanne Polledri, Office of Certification and Field Placement Coordinator • 973-618-3551
Gloria Friedman, Faculty Secretary/Office of Certification and Field Placement Assistant • 973-618-3407.