Read this important announcement if you are in an initial teacher certification program.
The STEP and Certification Offices recently received permission from the NJDOE to serve as a “school” or “sponsoring agent” for students seeking criminal clearances and/or substitute certificates. This means that students will no longer have to go through a particular school district to obtain their clearances OR substitute certifications. Explicit directions can be found on this link. https://certification.
What does this mean?
The directions for requesting criminal history checks and fingerprinting have CHANGED. Attached is the link/document on how to register with the NJDOE for fingerprinting. https://
Regardless of the course or your role in the school, ALL students must register as a SUBSTITUTE TEACHER to get their clearances. Selecting college student or volunteer are no longer acceptable to meet our students’ needs.
NOTE: Not making this adjustment will cost students more money if and when a district requires them to have a sub cert or if they want to work as a substitute.
If you have questions, visit the STEP Office website https://step.tcnj.edu/
