New Jersey will no longer require teacher candidates to pass a basic reading, writing, and mathematics skills test for certification starting January 1, 2025. Governor Phil Murphy signed Act 1669 into law as part of the state's 2025 budget to address an ongoing teacher shortage. This change eliminates the "basic skills" test administered by the state's Commissioner of Education for those seeking instructional certificates. The law follows similar measures in other states, such as New York and California, aimed at alleviating teacher shortages exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Supporters, including the New Jersey Education Association, argue the test posed an unnecessary barrier to entering the profession. Critics, however, worry about potential impacts on educational outcomes amid challenges like pandemic-related learning losses.