Administrative Certification

All candidates for administrative and supervisory certification, except as indicated in N.J.A.C. 6A:9-12.7, must hold a master's or higher degree from a regionally accredited college or university. The following administrative endorsements are available:

Specific details on the coursework and requirements for obtaining New Jersey administrative certification are available in the New Jersey Licensing Code starting on page 172.

It is strongly advised that all applicants become thoroughly familiar with the information provided in the New Jersey Licensing Code, which outlines the specific requirements for each certification and endorsement.

(a) The school administrator endorsement is required for any position that involves services as a district-level administrative officer. Such positions shall include superintendent, assistant superintendent, and director. Holders of this endorsement are authorized to provide educational leadership by directing the formulation of district-wide goals, plans, policies and budgets, by recommending their approval by the district board of education and by directing their district-wide implementation. Holders of this endorsement are authorized to recommend all staff appointments and other personnel actions, such as terminations, suspensions and compensation, including the appointment of school business administrators, for approval by the district board of education. Holders of this endorsement are authorized to direct district operations and programs, and to supervise and evaluate building administrators and central office staff, including school business administrators. They are also authorized to oversee the administration and supervision of school-level operations, staff and programs.

(b) The principal endorsement is required for any position that involves service as an administrative officer of a school or other comparable unit within a school or district. Such positions shall include assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, principal, assistant principal, vice-principal and director. Holders of this endorsement are authorized to provide educational leadership by directing the formulation of goals, plans, policies, budgets and personnel actions of the school or other comparable unit, and recommending them to the chief district administrator, and by directing their implementation in the school or other comparable unit. Holders of this endorsement also are authorized to direct and supervise all school operations and programs, to evaluate school staff, including teaching staff members and to direct the activities of school-level supervisors.

(c) The supervisor endorsement is required for both supervisors of instruction and athletic directors who do not hold a standard principal's endorsement. The supervisor shall be defined as any school officer who is charged with authority and responsibility for the continuing direction and guidance of the work of instructional personnel. This endorsement also authorizes appointment as an assistant superintendent in charge of curriculum and/or instruction.