Certification

JEA certification is a formal, academic certification to help scholastic media teachers and advisers demonstrate professional excellence in the field. Candidates can earn Certified Journalism Educator designation, known as CJE, to prove their status as highly qualified. Because many states have no formal journalism license or certificate, and because requirements differ widely by location, JEA certification provides a global standard for the industry with an exam created by and for scholastic journalism educators. The test is designed to measure "Do you know it?" across all essential areas of journalism, and those who pass earn professional recognition (along with a certificate and recognition at a national awards luncheon) to share with administrators, students, parents and stakeholders. The certification is valid for up to five years, as long as JEA membership is active, with the option to renew as needed.

In addition, those seeking the highest professional designation can earn Master Journalism Educator status after obtaining their CJE. The Master Journalism Educator certification, known as MJE, demonstrates the candidate's lifelong commitment to learning and places the teacher-adviser in the elite among the profession. To earn MJE status, candidates must pass an exam and complete an independent project while working under the guidance of the Certification Committee chair. The project is designed to be a meaningful experience for candidates by which they plan and execute something of interest to their professional growth; the deliverable is a product shared with the greater scholastic journalism education community as a benefit to other JEA members.

Certification Requirements and Professional Growth activities ›

Certification forms ›

Certified Journalism Educators (CJE)

The Journalism Education Association wants its CJE to be an effective way for you to demonstrate your knowledge of the basics in journalism and media advising. We want you to be able to speak to multiple aspects of this career, including journalistic writing and editing, graphics and design, legal and ethical considerations as an educator in a school journalism setting. Your knowledge of the teaching/advising aspects of scholastic journalism is the emphasis of this designation.

New Applicants

Cost: $60

Eligibility: Current JEA member

Application requirements: complete application questions

Test: Score a 75% or higher on the CJE exam including at least 75% on the law and ethics section within one year of application. Test scores are kept for one year.

Test retakes: If an applicant does not pass the first attempt of the test, the applicant may retake the test once for free if it is done within one year of the original application date. Applicants who score at least 75% or higher on the exam, but who do not score at least 75% on the law and ethics section, may retake that one section within one year of the original application. Any retake after one year of the original application will require the applicant to reapply and submit a $25 reapplication fee.

*Applicants who do not take the test within one year of the application will need to restart the application process.

Renewal - Every Five Years

Cost: $10 (free to retired members)

Application requirements: three professional growth activities (see list below)

*Members who let their certification lapse beyond six months will have to retake the exam.

JEA's full Standards for Journalism Educators

JEA's full Standards for Journalism Educators.

#1A – Knowledge of Curriculum and Content/Classroom

1A.4. A solid foundation in law and ethics as it applies to scholastic media, including First Amendment-related rights and responsibilities

important court cases related to scholastic journalism and media law
censorship and prior review
forums
editorial policies
libel
invasion of privacy
copyright
FERPA
obscenity, profanity
codes of ethics (JEA, SPJ and others)

1A.5. The history and evolution of media; functions, limitations and influences of media in society

role of journalism in a democratic society
five freedoms of the First Amendment
role of student media in secondary schools
Yellow Journalism and other historical trends
credible research methods
online media and its impact on traditional print media

1A.8. A variety of forms of journalistic writing (i.e. news, features, opinion, etc.) and their appropriate style (i.e. Associated Press, multiple sources with attribution, punctuation, etc.); additional forms unique to journalism (i.e. headlines, cutlines, plus visual presentations, etc.)

1A.9. Importance of matching language use, angle and style with intended audience

inverted pyramid
headlines and cutlines/captions
lead/lede
AP style
direct and indirect quotes
characteristics of news, feature
types of opinion writing

1A.10. Value of and skills needed to package media products effectively, using various forms of journalistic design utilizing a range of visual, auditory and interactive methods for a variety of media

1B.7. The importance of effective information design for all media

principles of design
visual entry points
grid/column structure
Typography
use of legally obtained images/sound
alternative story forms
readability/navigation
basic Web design (non-technical)

1A.11. Value of photojournalism to tell stories in compelling ways

telling the whole story (before, during, after)
variety of angles, distances (close, medium, wide, high, low)
aperture, ISO, shutter speed, light
basic photo manipulation
photo vs. photo illustration
rule of thirds (continued on next page)

1A.6. News values for today’s media consumers

hard and soft news
timeliness, proximity, human interest, conflict, impact, prominence
breaking news

1A.7. The writing process as it relates to journalism (brainstorming, questioning, reporting, gathering and synthesizing information, writing, editing and evaluating the final media product)

CJE Test FAQs

What are some resources I can use to help me prepare for the test?

What should I expect when I take the exam?

In the week prior to your scheduled test date, you will be instructed about joining the course in the exam program.

You must bring your own laptop that has internet accessibility. You will not be permitted to use notes or other resource materials.

The exam is taken online at the testing site under the supervision of a Certification Committee proctor. A study session at which testing strategies are discussed is offered at many test sites prior to the exam.

The exam has three types of questions, which correspond to the 11 modules of the JEA Curriculum: multiple choice, fill in the blank and short-answer. You will be able to answer most of the short answer questions in 3-4 sentences, and you may use bullet points as appropriate. You will have 2.5 hours to complete the 100-point exam, so please plan accordingly.

In writing your answers, do not use your name, the name of your school or any other form of identification of yourself or your program. Evaluators should not be able to determine who you are based on your answers; such answers will be invalidated.

More than one evaluator will be involved in scoring your answers. Consequently, each answer must be able to stand alone. Do not refer to your statements in a previous question when answering another question. The rubric and sample answers provided should help you better understand an appropriate length for your responses.

Who will score my exam?

Members of the JEA Certification Committee will serve as the board of evaluators for the exam. The multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank questions are worth one point each. The short answer questions are worth two points, and partial points are awarded for partially correct responses. Of all the questions, the law and ethics questions are more heavily weighted. At least two evaluators will independently read your answers, and answers will be scored holistically. The rubric and sample answers included below represent the scoring criteria.

.5 - A significant part of the answer is incorrect; several misconceptions exist; answers concepts with limited detail, examples, support; critical components of the answer are missing; response is unclear and wordy
1 - Some of the answer is correct; at most one misconception or error exists; answers some key concepts with limited detail, examples, support; more than one critical component of the answer is missing; response is generally unclear and wordy
1.5 - Entire answer is correct; no misconceptions exist; answers most key concepts with adequate detail, examples, support; a critical component of the answer is missing; response is generally logical, clear and concise
2 - Entire answer is correct; no misconceptions exist; thoroughly answers all key concepts with strong detail, examples, support; response is logical, clear and concise

Sample answers scored with the rubric

Question 1:
1. List two ways students can use (1) photos that will not violate copyright laws (if they are producing a newspaper, yearbook or online news site) OR (2) music that does not violate copyright laws (if they are producing a broadcast or online news site). Choose to answer either option 1 or option 2.

Answers:

2 points:
For either ... get specific written permission from the copyright owner.
1. Use photos from government sites (FEMA, for instance), use photos from Creative Commons sites, take their own photos.
2. Create their own music (using something like GarageBand), use only a small portion of a song under fair use (e.g. if you are indicating the top five songs selected for the prom theme, you could use a short clip of each).

1.5 points:
For either ... get specific written permission from the copyright owner.
1. Use photos from government sites, use photos from free websites, take their own photos.
2. Create their own music, use only a small portion of a song.

1 point:
1. Use non-copyrighted photos, use your own photos.
2. Use a small portion of a song.

.5 point:
1. Use your own photos.
2. Use your own music.

Question 2:
How have reporting and the role of reporters changed in the last 20 years?Answers:
Full credit — The economy and the demand today’s audience has for more visual and interactive presentations have led to changes in coverage and presentation. Backpack journalism means reporting is more efficient and reporters often need to be able to use video, audio and still photography to augment their reporting. To be successful, reporters need to be multimedia literate and deliver stories across platforms, including such emerging venues as Twitter and blogs, sometimes a challenging expectation. In addition, the 24-hour news cycle means constant deadlines and a need to be both fast and accurate and willing to update continually.

1.5 points — Reporters are faced with learning new technologies and delivering information in new ways like websites. They may be required to deliver stories not only in their newspapers but also on television and websites. This means they have to learn how to use new equipment and software (and quickly) because of a 24-hour news cycle.

1 point — Reporters are using new technologies to combine different kinds of journalism. A reporter may not just write a story but he may also have visuals and audio to go with it. News cycles have changed so reporters have to file stories more frequently.

.5 point — Reporting and the role of reporters have changed a lot in the last 20 years. With changes in technology, reporters’ roles are easier and they actually do less of the work themselves. [Second sentence of answer is incorrect/has a misconception.]

How are the points totaled, and how do I earn a passing score?

The exam program automatically scores your multiple choice and fill-in-the-blank responses, but this is no indicator of your passing/failing the exam as the remainder of the scoring is done by evaluators.

NOTE: The Journalism Education Association’s primary mission is to support journalism teachers and advisers. The Certification Committee believes that support is rooted in a comprehensive exam measuring basic knowledge and application of the JEA teaching standards. Of those, the law and ethics standards are the foundation upon which all scholastic journalism programs are built. Therefore, those questions on this exam are more heavily weighted.

In addition, the Committee has determined that passing the law and ethics questions is essential for earning Certification. Candidates must score 75 percent or higher from the law and ethics questions to pass. Your cumulative score must also be 75 percent or higher to earn Certification.

What if I don’t pass the law and ethics part but score well on everything else?

When will I receive my results?

Master Journalism Educator (MJE)

After reaching Certified Journalism Educator status and teaching/advising for five years, an individual may apply for Master Journalism Educator.

The purpose of the Master Journalism Educator exam is to determine if the applicant has the ability to help other journalism educators, to advise students working on a specific project, to design or adapt journalism programs to meet specific needs and to serve as a spokesperson representing journalism teachers/advisers on the local, state and national levels. The pre-approved project, paper or teaching unit is to show how this journalism expertise is demonstrated.

New Applicants

Cost: $85

Eligibility: Current CJE status and at least five years of teaching/advising experience

Application requirements: resume, letter of recommendation, three professional growth activities, proposal for MJE project and integrity statement.

Project: Successful completion of approved project within one year of the application. Applicants who do not complete the project within one year of application will need to reapply. The reapplication fee is $25 if the application is submitted within two years of the original application. After two years, applicants will need to restart the application process, which includes retaking the test and submitting a new project proposal.

Test: Score a 75% or higher on the MJE exam, including at least 75% on the law and ethics question, within one year of application. Applicants who do not complete the test within one year of application will need to reapply. Test scores are kept for two years.

Test retakes: If an applicant does not pass the first attempt of the test, the applicant may retake the test once for free if it is done within one year of the original application date. Applicants who score at least 75% or higher on the exam but do not score at least 75% on the law and ethics section may retake that one section within one year of the original application. Any retake after one year of the original application will require the applicant to reapply and submit a $25 reapplication fee.

*Applicants who do not take the test within one year of the application will need to restart the application process.

Renewal - Every Five Years

Cost: $10 (free to retired members)

Application requirements: five professional growth activities (see list below)

*Members who let their certification lapse beyond six months will have to retake the exam

*Application fees are nonrefundable. Applicants should make sure they meet requirements before submitting the application.

MJE Project Guide

Since Master Journalism Educators should contribute to the development and enhancement of scholastic journalism education, the Certification Committee requires each applicant to demonstrate an ability to do so by submitting a project.

What type of project is required?

An MJE project should address a need you want to fill in your role as a journalism educator, as a student media adviser, as a leader and mentor for other journalism educators or as a volunteer for a local, state or national journalism education organization. In addition, the project should be sharable with fellow journalism educators, which is the hallmark of a Master Journalism Educator. Here is a list of project suggestions, but feel free to contact the Certification Committee chair with questions or ideas.

Published article(s) should be written for a scholastic publication such as C:JET, Quill & Scroll magazine or a regional publication. Content should offer advice to journalism teachers/advisers or students regarding an area of scholastic journalism. Articles for other professional publications concerning scholastic journalism will also be considered. Articles should include a related list of sources for further study. Articles that are strictly news or interviews will not be considered, except those based on research or surveys (see below). Minimum length is 1,500 words (may be more than one article).
Research that contributes to the development of scholastic journalism could involve such areas as a historical perspective, an update of First Amendment issues, a comparison of equipment or prices regarding production in scholastic journalism, an analysis of new technology applicable to the field. Results of the research should be written in a form that is usable by others in scholastic journalism.
Surveys could gauge the opinions of students, teachers, administrators or others regarding scholastic journalism. The results should be tabulated and written in publishable form.
Textbook or text booklet for scholastic journalism would be considered.
A teaching unit for scholastic journalism covering a minimum of 10 days must be an original design, though use of reference materials, AV aids and texts is acceptable. Suggested rubrics for scoring, answer keys, or other specific suggestions for evaluation are required. You may use your school corporation template or the units in the JEA Curriculum Initiative as a template.
A project related to a special scholastic journalism event or activity in your school, district, state, region or country would be considered. Documentation must show the applicant’s involvement in the project, which could include letters, schedules, photos, a website, brochures, etc. Student work may be submitted as an example of the outcome of the project, but student work does not count toward the project completion.

What if I have already completed a similar project?

The Certification Committee is aware that many potential Master Journalism Educators have already contributed significantly to scholastic journalism. The Certification Committee will consider any project completed within the past five years that fits within the parameters of this requirement. All project submissions require a personal reflection, which includes a discussion of project goals, an explanation of how those goals were achieved, the project’s overall impact on scholastic journalism and how the project can continue to be influential in the future. Projects that were previously completed will still need to meet the requirements of the reflection.

Why is a project proposal required, and where may I find it to prepare?

The project proposal helps you think through your project idea and is included as part of the MJE application along with an integrity statement certifying that your project is your own work. It also helps the Certification Committee determine if the proposed project meets the rigor of an MJE project. The proposal questions are available on the JEA Certification website. It is recommended that applicants read the questions before starting the application. If an applicant changes the project, the applicant should notify the certification chair before submitting.

How long will it take to have my project reviewed?

The Certification Chair will respond to your project proposal within four weeks. Projects are kept on file by the Certification Chair. If your abstract or project is not approved, the reviewer will send specific suggestions you may consider to make it approvable.

When should I submit my project?

You may send your completed project at any time after your project proposal has been officially approved. If all other requirements are complete, including an acceptable score on the MJE exam, completed projects submitted before Feb. 1 will be considered in time to determine your MJE status by the spring convention and Sept. 1 for the fall convention. Your MJE application is valid for one year, so you will want to take the exam and complete the project within that timeframe to receive your MJE.

How should I submit my project?

All projects should be shared via Google Drive or emailed to certification@jea.org. If there are multiple files, all files should be contained within one shared folder. Naming conventions should be used to make the order of documents clear. Make sure all documents are set to "Anyone with the link can view" so that the files can be shared with committee members.

How will my project be assessed?

Three members of the certification committee assess your project using the MJE_Project_Rubric. The certification chair will communicate feedback and/or requested changes to the applicant. In order to pass the MJE project, applicants must earn at least 15 points on the rubric with no more than two areas scored as Adequate or lower.

Click Here to View the MJE Project Rubric ›

MJE Test FAQs

How is the test designed?

The exam requires written essay responses to four of five scenarios during a 2 1/2 hour period. Each scenario presents a situation in one of these areas:

Content, writing and editing;

Graphics, design and production;
Staff and administration relationships;
Business and advertising; and
Legal and ethical issues. (This question will be required as one of your four.)

The respondent will rely on years of experience (minimum five years required) and background knowledge of journalism (CJE status required) to develop a solution for each situation. Thus, the MJE exam is not designed to test specifically for a body of knowledge, though the applicant is expected to provide specifics to support the answers. Rather, the exam is designed to challenge the applicant to apply his/her journalism knowledge in developing a solution to a situation.

How can I prepare for the exam?

The Certification Committee has no specific suggestions for studying for this exam. Rather, the committee expects that MJE applicants will have kept abreast of current trends and developments in journalism education and will be able to call upon this knowledge in developing responses. However, a brief listing of law cases which may be useful to know for the legal and ethical issues portion of the exam is included to help you prepare. In addition, knowledge of specific law cases affecting scholastic journalism will be useful for the legal and ethical issues portion of the exam.

Sample Scenario

A school yearbook, newspaper or broadcast reporter (select one) is writing a wrap-up article about the girls' volleyball season. The team has a new coach with no experience in volleyball. The team wins no games during the season. The reporter interviews five team members who say, in different ways, the coach could have done a better job and with adequate coaching the team could have had a winning season.

In counseling this student about the reporting process, what advice would you provide to ensure the finished article thoroughly and fairly records the situation?

How will this exam be evaluated?

A panel of judges, working independently, will score each response holistically. Judges will not be informed who took the exams.
Each answer could be worth up to four points. Judges may award scores which include a fraction of a point. You must receive an average of 75 percent (the equivalent of a "good"rating) overall to successfully pass the exam. Each of your questions will be evaluated on a scale of 0-4.

Irrelevant (0) - No Essentials. No details. Presentation and organization is not relevant. General incorrect material.
Unsatisfactory (1) - Most essentials are omitted. Details are limited. Presentation and organization is possibly weak/unclear. Possibly one or two content errors or misconceptions.
Minimum Competency (2) - Some essentials are covered. Details are limited. Presentation and organization is readable/weak. At most one error or misconceptions.
Good (3) - Essentials are mostly covered. Details are adequate. Presentation and organization is generally clear. No content errors or misconceptions.
Excellent (4) - Essentials are all covered. Details are strong. Presentation and organization is very clear/logical. No content errors or misconceptions.

Sample answers scored with the rubric

How will the test be administered?

When will I receive my results?

'Get Certified' Presentations

Can't attend a convention "Get Certified!" session? Want to study for certification testing in a quiet place on your own time? Here are PDF files of each session presented by members of the Certification Commission at national conventions to aid JEA members in their pursuit of highly qualified status through certification.

Associated Press Style ›
Coverage and Content ›
Law & Ethics ›
Managing Student Media ›
Multimedia Broadcasting ›
Photojournalism ›
Writing and Editing ›

FAQ

Why should I seek certification?

Certification will demonstrate that you are qualified to teach journalism and validate the credibility of your program to administrators, parents, fellow teachers, students and others. It will recognize your commitment to journalistic training and provide tangible evidence of your qualifications to remain in journalism education. It recognizes journalism teaching and advising as an academic field worthy of professional status. For business/ commercial JEA members associated with a scholastic journalism enterprise, it will demonstrate a high level of professionalism and commitment to the students and advisers they serve. JEA will notify administrators and local media of your certification. A certificate will testify to your qualification. When you attend or speak at national conventions, you will be designated as a CJE or MJE on your name badge and in the program.

Does this mean journalism teachers and advisers must earn this certification?

How does this program differ from state certification?

State certification, which does not exist in many states, is usually mandatory and based entirely on college credits. Through the test, this program will recognize teachers who have gained knowledge through experience and self-study or from attending convention sessions or non-credit workshops. It also offers national certification whether or not a state program exists. The Master Journalism Educator program recognizes the teacher of unusual ability and expertise, a recognition that state certification cannot provide.

How will it improve journalism education nationwide?

What do I need to submit on the application?

MJE applicants need to include a resume and letter of recommendation ready as PDF files. The letter of recommendation can be from a principal or from a current MJE. The application will give you the naming conventions for the files. Make sure you have your supervisor’s contact information readily available. In addition, MJE applicants will answer questions about their project proposal and submit professional growth activities.

What is the cost?

The CJE application fee is $60 for JEA members; the MJE application fee is $85 for JEA members. There is an additional fee for online test takers to cover the test proctoring. Nonmembers must join JEA before they apply for CJE; MJE applicants must have current CJE status. Fees cover only a portion of administration, judging, mailing and costs of pins and certificates. Other expenses for developing criteria and tests will be covered by JEA. School districts are encouraged to pay the fees for their applicants.

What are the qualifications for CJE?

After CJE status, what’s the next step?

What are the qualifications for MJE?

Applicants must complete an application and

Have earned CJE status.
Five years of journalism teaching and/or advising experience.
Submit a resume verifying five years of journalism teaching and/or advising experience.
Submit a letter of endorsement from a supervisor or principal who has directly observed the journalism educator while teaching or advising or from a current MJE that has worked with the applicant.
Show evidence of participation in scholastic journalism professional growth activities at local, state, regional or national levels.
Pass the Master Journalism Educator examination (a 2 1/2-hour essay test of the educator’s knowledge and ability to advise others about journalism).
Submit a pre-approved project, paper or teaching unit.

What is the format of the exam?

Can I take the certification on my computer?

What is the application deadline, and when will I receive my award?

Applications for MJE or CJE should be received by March 15 to take the test at the spring convention or online spring session, June 15 to take the test at Advisers Institute or online summer session, or Oct. 15 to take the test at the fall convention or online fall session. Test results will be sent four to eight weeks after the test, and applicants will be notified about selection as soon as all application procedures are complete. Successful applicants will be announced online and recognized at the next convention. CJE certificates or MJE plaques are mailed.

How long will certification be current?

Do retired teachers need to renew?

The CJE and MJE exams are designed to prove mastery, but the renewal process is built to support the greater scholastic journalism community. While JEA did not previously have a policy for the renewal of retired teachers, the organization is committed to asking all certified individuals, retired or active teachers, to renew using the same process. The only difference is that retired teachers won’t be charged a renewal fee. Waiving this expense is a small way we can recognize the significance of retirees who generously continue their professional growth and service after leaving the classroom.

Certification Committee Goals

To promote professionalism in scholastic journalism.
To offer national certification to scholastic journalism teachers and advisers.
To designate as master teachers educators whose experience and expertise make them outstanding professionals.
To recognize educators who possess the education or experience to teach scholastic journalism and advise student publications.
To encourage those who are teaching scholastic journalism or advising student publications without an adequate background to increase their knowledge of journalism and to provide a model for their continuing education.
To increase the availability of courses and workshops appropriate for the scholastic journalism teacher and adviser.
To provide model certification requirements for scholastic journalism teachers in states that do not offer licensing in this field.
To improve public and school district perceptions of certified scholastic journalism teachers as professionals.
To increase diversity in scholastic journalism.

Certification

Jump To

Certified Journalism Educators (CJE)

New Applicants

Renewal - Every Five Years

CJE Test FAQs

Master Journalism Educator (MJE)

New Applicants

Renewal - Every Five Years

MJE Test FAQs

'Get Certified' Presentations

FAQ

Certification Committee Goals

Certification Committee Members

Lauren Wagner, MJE

Zionsville Community High School

Sarah Weekley, MJE

Shawnee Heights High School

Rod Satterthwaite, MJE

Palo Alto High School

Timm Pilcher, MJE

Drake University

Mark Hilburn, MJE

Millard West High School

Candace Perkins Bowen, MJE

Kent State University

R.J. Morgan, MJE

The University of Mississippi

Amy Sorrell, MJE

Antwerp Local School