Student Resource Page
Instructor Certification
To initiate the process to become a MCJROTC Instructor you must first schedule an Intake Meeting (Intake Meeting Request). This involves a 20-minute phone conversation with one of our specialists, who will provide comprehensive information regarding the process and the necessary applications required to commence your certification package.
The First Phase of the certification process requires an intake meeting. Marines interested in becoming a MCJROTC Instructor must schedule this meeting with MCJROTC Operations.
To initiate the request for the intake meeting, candidates can either email certification@mcjrotc.org or fill out the appropriate Google form designed for this purpose Intake Meeting Request
In order to be eligible for the MCJROTC Instructor position, applicants must obtain approval from a selection board which is held at MCJROTC Headquarters and successfully undergo a Tier 1 background check with a Child Care endorsement.
The Second Phase of the certification process is the selection board.
This board is made up of the MCJROTC Deputy Director, Operations Manager, Compliance Manager and the TECOM Sergeants Major or their designated representative.
Boards are held monthly at Quantico, VA. After thoroughly reviewing the applicants' service records, instructor applications, and conducting a national background check, the board will make recommendations for candidates to advance to phase three.
The Third Phase of the certification process involves the communication of either preliminary approval or disapproval from the board.
The board's decision is final and cannot be contested.
Marines who receive this notification are eligible to proceed to phase four.
Applicants advancing to phase four are granted permission to interview for open JROTC positions, with this authorization valid for a period of four years. Interviews must be coordinated through the assigned MCJROTC area Regional Director.
Marines will receive a command letter confirming that they have fulfilled the initial requirements to qualify as a Marine Corps JROTC instructor.
To begin employment in a host school, the Marine must first obtain an "offer to hire letter" from a school district. Following this, they must wait for the completion of a comprehensive background investigation, which must yield favorable results.
Marines will be informed of the investigation outcomes, and in cases where the results are unfavorable, they will have the opportunity to contest the findings.
In the fifth phase, Marines will obtain a certification of approval from the Commanding General. This letter of approval enables them to serve as MCJROTC certified instructors in the host school classroom. The certification remains valid for four years, starting from the date of the final background check approval.
Certified instructors are mandated to participate in the MCJROTC-sponsored New Instructor Orientation Training (NIOT) within their first year of service as MCJROTC instructors. This training is essential for ensuring that instructors are well-prepared for their roles.
To qualify for recertification, which constitutes the sixth phase, MCJROTC instructors must fulfill specific requirements. These criteria are designed to maintain high standards within the program
Phase six involves recertification, which is required every four years.
To be eligible for recertification, an instructor must fulfill specific requirements. These include holding an Associate's degree or higher and completing the MCJROTC mandated teaching courses. Additionally, recommendations must be obtained from the SMI, Principal, and Regional Director.
Furthermore, the instructor must successfully complete and pass a current background investigation to qualify for recertification.
