Teacher Education and Childcare

Alternative Route to Teaching Program

The Alternate Route to Teaching Program is a certificate program for people with a bachelor’s degree to attain K-12 teacher licensing in New Jersey. 

Program Eligibility:

Bachelor’s or higher degree with a 3.0 GPA (2.75 GPA If graduated before September 1, 2016) 

Steps to Certification

  • Complete the 50-hour Introduction to Teaching Course at Bergen Community College 
  • Pass the Praxis Core Test or have SAT, ACT, or GRE score* 
  • Pass the Praxis Subject Test in the subject area
  • Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (CE) to the NJ Department of Education (DOE)
  • Apply for the 350-hour Alternate Route to Teaching Program at Brookdale Community College 
  • Participate in the Provisional Teacher Process
  • Complete the 350-hour Alternate Route to Teaching Program at Brookdale Community College
  • Apply for a Standard Teaching Certification to the NJ DOE

* Refer to the FAQs for the specific test scores.

Information and Useful Links

  • The 50-hour Introduction to Teaching is the first segment of the Alternate Route to Teaching Program approved by the NJ Department of Education (DOE). Students take the Introduction to Teaching course at Bergen Community College and proceed with the next 350-hour training at Brookdale Community College. 
  • Brookdale Community College Website 

For inquiries about the 350-hr training at Brookdale Community College, contact Kristin DeRose at kderose@brookdalecc.edu or 732-224-2883.

Please contact NJDOE for the certification requirements and eligibility. 

NJ DOE Contact Information

Hours: MON – FRI 8 AM – 7 PM

Phone: (609) 292-2070

County Offices of Education

Bergen County Office 

Phone: (201) 336-6875

Please read the Alternate Route to Teaching Program FAQs for additional information.

Click here for a full course list with registration details

Additional Self-Paced Courses: