This endorsement authorizes the holder to be employed in any position that involves services as a district-level administrator in public schools in grades preschool through grade 12. Positions include superintendent, assistant superintendent and director.

Complete one of the following:

• A master’s or higher degree from an accredited college or university in educational leadership, or in curriculum and instruction, or in one of the recognized fields of leadership or management;
• A master’s degree from an accredited college or university and complete a post-master’s program resulting in a certificate of advanced study in educational administration and supervision;
• A master’s degree from an accredited college or university and complete a post-master’s program in a coherent sequence of 30 semester hour credits. The study must be completed at one institution in the fields outlined above;
• A master’s degree from an accredited college or university and complete a Commissioner-approved certification program in educational leadership offered by a Commissioner-approved provider; or
• Hold a master’s degree in educational leadership from an accredited program at an out-of-state college or university.

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

A minimum of 30 graduate credits, either within the master’s program or in addition to it, in the following quality components of preparation to promote student learning as set forth in the Professional Standards for School Leaders in N.J.A.C. 6A:9-3.4. 

If you have completed a program in an area other than educational leadership, you must submit both official college catalog course descriptions for review and an original letter from the department chairperson at the college or university outlining the course or courses in which the areas above are included. All graduate credits must appear on a nationally accredited four-year college/university transcript.

Complete a 150-hour internship in educational leadership aligned to the Professional Standards for School Leaders in N.J.A.C. 6A:9-3.4 in accordance with the roles and responsibilities of a school administrator, independent of other course requirements. This internship either must appear on a transcript from a four-year accredited college or university or must be certified by a Commissioner-approved program for preparing school administrators.

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

Complete five years of successful educational experience in a school district, nonpublic school, or a nationally accredited college or university.

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.