This endorsement authorizes the holder to be employed in a position that involves services as an administrative officer of a school or other comparable unit within a school or district in public schools in grades preschool through grade 12. Positions include principal, assistant principal, vice principal, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction and director.

Complete one of the following:

• Hold a master’s degree in educational leadership, curriculum and instruction, or one of the recognized fields of leadership or management from an accredited college or university; 
• Hold a master’s degree from an accredited college or university and complete a graduate-level program in educational leadership, curriculum and instruction, or one of the recognized fields of leadership or management; or 
• Hold a master’s degree from an accredited program in educational leadership from an out-of-State college or university.

All credits/degree(s) must appear on an accredited four-year college/university transcript.

Complete a 300-hour internship in educational leadership aligned to the Professional Standards for School Leaders and in accordance with the roles and responsibilities as a principal, independent of other course requirements.

As part of your application for this endorsement, the educational leadership department chairperson from the university where your program was completed must submit the hours and assignment of your internship experience. An electronic Verification of Program Completion (VOPC) form will be automatically sent to them once you provide their contact information in the application.

Test Requirements for Certification in New Jersey

A valid provisional or standard New Jersey or equivalent out-of-state instructional, educational services or administrative certificate.

Complete five years of successful educational experience under a valid provisional or standard New Jersey or equivalent out-of-state certificate.

As part of your application for this endorsement, your employer(s) must submit an electronic Record of Professional Experience (ROPE) form documenting your employment. This form will automatically be sent to them once you provide their contact information in the application. The New Jersey Department of Education will make the final determination as to whether or not the experience meets New Jersey regulations.