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Obtaining initial certification as a School Counselor in New Jersey is a structured process governed by specific educational, experience, and procedural requirements outlined by the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE). Whether pursuing certification with or without a teacher endorsement, candidates must adhere to rigorous standards to ensure competency in providing essential counseling services within educational settings (see NJ Admin Code 6A:9B-14.8).
There are two pathways toward school counselor certification. Pathway-1 requires applicants pursuing Teacher Certification Endorsement to hold a Master’s degree in school counseling from a regionally accredited institution. Additionally, completion of a department-approved graduate program in School Counseling, comprising forty-eight (48) graduate semester-hour credits, is necessary.
Pathway-2 is designed for candidates lacking Teacher Certification Endorsement, mandating a Bachelor’s degree and fifteen (15) graduate semester-hour credits, with specific coursework requirements. Successful completion of the latter pathway allows candidates to obtain an Emergency Certificate, renewable annually for up to three (3) years while progressing toward standard certification. This certificate serves as a temporary authorization in cases of unforeseen shortages or extenuating circumstances. It is valid only for employment within the requesting school district and has limitations on the duration of service.
Follow the process below to learn about the specific steps required for certification:
Tips for Meeting Education Requirements:
Ensuring the safety of students is paramount in the certification process, necessitating mandatory background checks for all applicants. These checks are facilitated through the Office of Student Protection Unit, where applicants are required to undergo a criminal background check tailored to their employment history and circumstances, selecting from three (3) distinct application types: new, archive, or transfer.
During the application process, individuals are obliged to disclose any prior criminal history (See Admin Code 6A:9B-4.2). The Board of Examiners reviews this information, assessing eligibility under the Rehabilitation of Convicted Offenders Act and pertinent statutes.
Prior to beginning the background check, explore the instructions on the New Jersey Department of Education website. Collaboration between the Office of Student Protection Unit, the New Jersey State Police, and the FBI facilitates the execution of criminal background checks.
For inquiries, individuals may reach out to the NJ State Department of Education, Office of Student Protection, via mail at P.O. Box 500, Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0500, or by phone at (609) 376-3999. Additionally, inquiries can be faxed to (609) 777-4016 or emailed to OfficeofStudentProtection@doe.nj.gov. When contacting via email, applicants are requested to furnish their full name, date of birth, daytime phone number, and the last four (4) digits of their social security number to facilitate proper identification.
Complete the profile and application through the Teachers Certification Information System on the New Jersey Department of Education website.
For additional information on the certification application process or any further assistance, please refer to the NJ Dept of Ed Certification Overview.
Should you require assistance from a licensure specialist, feel free to reach out to the New Jersey Office of Certification and Induction at (609)-292-2070. Their dedicated customer service representatives are available to assist you from 7:45 AM to 4 PM EST, Monday through Friday.