Certification forms
Because we have so many test sites and deadlines, we process applications in three cycles. The test is 2.5 hours. Online testing can be scheduled any day or time during the testing window but must be completed in one session.
Apply by:
March 15 for spring online or convention on-site testing
Online testing in March.
On-site testing April 24, 2025 in Seattle.
June 15 for summer online or JEA Advisers Institute on-site testing
Online testing June 15 through June 30.
On-site testing July 18 in Providence, Rhode Island.
Oct. 15 for fall online or convention on-site testing.
Online testing in October.
On-site testing Nov. 8 in Philadelphia.
Members may complete renewal forms after Sept. 1. Certification expires Dec. 31 at the end of the five-year term. Members who let their certification lapse beyond six months will have to retake the exam.
Please complete both steps of the application process before the deadline to be eligible for certification testing or renewal.
The certification test is an individual effort. The application must be filled out by the JEA member. All information about the test, scheduling, and scoring will be communicated solely with the test taker.
Step 1 — complete an application form
Step 2 — complete payment
Payment is due by application deadline. Payment must be made before test will be scheduled.
Click on the link below to pay online.
Certified Journalism Educator — on-site testing — $60
Certified Journalism Educator — virtual testing — $85
Certified Journalism Educator renewal — $10
Master Journalism Educator — on-site testing — $85
Master Journalism Educator — virtual testing — $110
Master Journalism Educator renewal — $10
Retired advisers are not charged for renewals and may skip Step 2.
Contact certification chair Amy Sorrell, MJE, at certification@jea.org with any questions.
Retesting and extending project deadlines
Members who do not pass the certification test the first time, may retest one time within a year of application for no additional testing fee. Members wanting to retest should complete the retest form to indicate which test session they would like to participate in and, if needed, pay the $25 virtual test proctoring fee.
Members who do not pass the certification test after the second attempt may apply to test again in the next cycle. Members must submit a new application (see links above) and pay the full application fee.
MJE candidates who do not complete their project within one year of application may extend for an additional year. You do not need to reapply, but do need to pay $25 to extend the project deadline.