Alternate Route to Teaching
What is Alternate Route to Teaching in New Jersey?
Make a Difference & Change Your Life! Become a Teacher!
Ocean County College offers an alternate route teacher preparation program starting with the 50-hour Pre-Service to Teaching Course (ALTR-100) that is mandatory to getting hired with a Certificate of Eligibility CE in the State of New Jersey. The New Jersey Department of Education offers an Alternative Route to Teaching pathway for career changers, recent college graduates and substitute teachers who wish to pursue a career in education. Through this process, a candidate can work toward their standard teaching degree.
Click the image above to view and download the “Certification 101” guide
Certification 101
For updates to the requirements, please visit www.nj.gov/education
Steps to Obtaining Certification as an Alternate Route Teacher
Step 1
Establishing Eligibility
Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (CE)
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- 3.0 GPA minimum (GPA/Praxis Test Scores Flexibility Rules)
- Pass the CORE basic skills assessment (offered by ETS)
- Mandated hygiene test (offered at NJDOE County Education Office)
- Passing score on the Praxis II exam for the license you seek
- Completion of 50-hour pre-service teaching course (may be completed before or after receiving CE)
The Certifications and Endorsements webpage outlines the requirements for certificates.
*Ocean County College offers the 50-hour pre-service course online and in person. Visit go.ocean.edu/AlternateRoute for additional details
Step 2
Obtain Your Certificate of Eligibility (CE)
Step 3
- Apply to the Ocean County College Alternate Route Educator Preparation Program (OCC-AR-EPP).
- Complete a 50-hour pre-service course (must be completed before teaching).
- Your Certificate of Eligibility (CE) enables you to begin your job search. Securing a full-time position as the teacher of record or a full-time permanent substitute position is required.
- Enroll in the 350 hours of formal instruction (only applicable once hired)
Step 4
Start Teaching
Step 5
Take Phases I-IV over two years
Complete a minimum of one year of mentored teaching
Receive at least two years of effective ratings over three years, based on Achieve NJ evaluations
Pass the 350 hours of formal instruction (Phases I, II, III, and IV). Teacher candidates must be enrolled as a teacher of record to enroll in the programs.
*Once your district/charter school registers you with the NJDOE provisional teacher system, you MUST ENROLL in alternate route teacher training courses with your provisional license. You will also be assigned a mentor teacher!
Step 6
Complete All NJDOE Requirements for Alternate Route
Step 7
Apply for Your Standard Teaching Certificate!
Note: A candidate cannot apply for the standard teaching certificate; this certificate is requested by a school district.
Course Dates
Online
This flexible 50-hour online course runs regularly from the first Thursday to the last day of the month with weekly online assignments. The only mandatory live sessions are the two (2) virtual instructor-led sessions.
| Month | Course Dates | Virtual Instructor-Led Sessions |
| October | 10/03/2024 -10/31/2024 | 10/03 and 10/24 at 5:00 PM |
| December | 12/05/2024 – 12/31/2024 | 12/05 and 12/19 at 5:00 PM |
| February | 02/06/2025 – 02/28/2025 | 02/06 and 02/20 at 5:00 PM |
| April | 04/03/2025 – 04/30/2025 | 04/03 and 04/17 at 5:00 PM |
| May | 05/01/2025 – 05/30/2025 | 05/01 and 05/15 at 5:00 PM |
| July | 07/10/2025 – 07/31/2025 | 07/10 and 07/24 at 5:00 PM |
ALTR-100 – 50-Hour Pre-Service to Teaching Course
Course Description
This course provides a foundational pathway for degree-holders aspiring to become teachers in New Jersey. Graduates obtain their Verification of Program Completion Form (VOPC), enabling them to pursue teaching positions in the state. This course is offered in both in-person and online modalities.
This flexible, fully online course is designed for aspiring teachers who need an accessible way to meet their certification requirements. The course is offered asynchronously with two required synchronous meetings.
Course Highlights:
- Asynchronous Learning: Study at your own pace with weekly online assignments.
- Synchronous Sessions: Participate in two mandatory WebEx sessions on Thursdays 10/03 & 10/24 at 5:00 PM EST.
- Fieldwork Experience: Complete 20 hours of clinical fieldwork, including at least 10 hours of planning and delivering instruction via individual or co-teaching in a public or private school.
- Certification Ready: Upon successful completion, receive a Verification of Program Completion form, required by the NJDOE to apply for a Provisional License.
Minimum CGPA: 3.0 (or 2.75 for those who graduated before September 1, 2016) **We Accept Any Limited CE!!
Join us for this comprehensive course that provides a thorough overview of the teaching profession, tailored for prospective teachers seeking flexibility and convenience. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn to become a New Jersey Certified Teacher!
Featuring weekly online assignments with two mandatory synchronous WebEx sessions on 10/03 and 10/24 at 5:00PM.
Modality: Online
Clock Hours: 50
CEUs: 5.0
Instructor: Dr. Maria Testa
Admission Requirements
To be eligible for the Alternate Route to Teaching program, applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution and meet the following GPA requirements:
- Applicants who graduated before September 1, 2016, must have a GPA of 2.75 or higher.
- Applicants who graduated after September 1, 2016, must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- We Accept any Limited CE! https://www.nj.gov/education/certification/CE-CEAS-pilotprogram.shtml
Program Cost
Invest in your future with a nominal program fee of $350.00, which covers all course materials and resources.
Join Us Today!
Take the first step towards realizing your dream of becoming a certified teacher in New Jersey. Enroll in Ocean County College’s Alternate Route to Teaching program and embark on a fulfilling career dedicated to shaping the minds of tomorrow’s leaders.
GPA Requirement:
- Applicants who graduated prior to September 1, 2016: 2.75 or higher
- Applicants who graduated after September 1, 2016: 3.0 or higher
Outcome: VOPC FORM
Upon successful completion, candidates receive a Verification of Program Completion form, which is used by a school district to apply for a candidate’s Provisional License.
Call 732.255.0415 or email alternateroute@ocean.edu for more information.