II. Steps to Obtain the School Administrator Standard Certificate

Establish Eligibility. N.J.A.C. 6A:9B-12.4 delineates the requirements to obtain the School Administrator Certificate of Eligibility (CE). Those requirements include graduate studies, an internship, a passing score on a State-approved examination, and five years of successful school experience.

The School Administrator CE authorizes its holder to apply for and accept certain positions in an NJ school district. Those positions include superintendent, assistant superintendent, and director with district-wide responsibilities.

Special Note: Anyone who receives an offer for a school administrator position is urged to contact an attorney immediately for advice and assistance in crafting a contract. NJASA will provide, as a courtesy, contract assistance by attorneys to any new Chief School Administrator who may not yet be a member, but who commits to join NJASA. To reach an NJASA attorney, please contact Nathalie Avalos navalos@njasa.net or 609-599-2900.

Legalize Employment and Induction. Once the holder of the School Administrator CE obtains and accepts an offer of employment, (s)he requests a Provisional School Administrator Certificate through the NJEdCert Portal. Because of the mentor selection process approved by NJDOE, the mentor’s name, and Social Security number should not be reported on this form. The Provisional School Administrator Certificate is required to participate in the residency program.

Residents or district personnel administrators should register directly for the NJSARP on the NJASA Website. Registration with NJASA prompts enrollment into the New Superintendents’ Academy and an email to the resident for the selection of topics in the New Superintendents Academy. 

To register directly for the NJSARP, click here.

Become Permanently Certified. Upon successful completion of the 12-month* NJSARP, including active participation in six sessions of the New Superintendents’ Academy (NSA) and fulfilling the requirements of the Individualized Residency Plan, the mentor recommends that DOE issue the Standard School Administrator Certificate. The 12 month period begins with the first face-to-face meeting between the resident and the mentor.

Registration also sets off the mentor selection process. A shortlist of no fewer than three mentors will be sent to the resident for consideration and selection. Please note that recruiting mentors by residents and vice versa is not permitted. Mentors who do not follow protocols may be disqualified.