Teacher Certification FAQs/Praxis Information
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.
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 December 2007 the scores required are as follows:
PRAXIS II: SUBJECT ASSESSMENTS/SPECIALTY AREA TESTS SCHOOL LEADERSHIP SERIES TESTS
PASSING SCORES REQUIRED FOR LICENSURE
Content Knowledge |
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| CODE TEST |
PASSING SCORE |
- A candidate who graduates on or after September 1, 2004 with a GPA
that is below 2.75, but at least 2.50 when a GPA of 4.00 equals an A
grade, and whose score in the appropriate State required test of subject
matter knowledge exceeds the passing score by 10 percent (10%).
- A candidate who graduates on or after September 1, 2004 with a GPA
that is 3.50 or higher, when a GPA of 4.00 equals an A grade, but whose
score in the appropriate State required test of subject matter knowledge
falls below the passing score by no more than 5 percent (5%).
PASSING SCORES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
5. When are the Praxis paper tests given?
- 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®.
- Note: We must receive your completed registration form and payment
by the appropriate date, or you will be charged a $45 late fee.
Not all test centers are open on all test dates. Please refer to the appropriate Test Center List (United States and U.S. Territories | Outside the United States).
*PLNE test dates for tests offered in Session 1 and 2.
**Allow 7-10 days for delivery of mail within the continental United States and more time for delivery to other areas.
***U.S. Virgin Islands should adhere to regular registration deadlines.
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, physical education, or health. 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: Content Knowledge #10014) and the appropriate Middle School Praxis test, (Middle School English Language Arts (#10049), Middle School Mathematics (20069), Middle School Social Studies (20089), or Middle School Science #10439). Note: Students taking this route must also take PS 216 Adolescent Psychology 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, or a grade 6 to 8 in a self contained setting.
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 and Methods of Early Childhood Education to receive the pre school endorsement.
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.
- 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
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Dr. Robert J. Rosado
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Gloria Friedman |