Licensing & Certification Guide

You need a Controlled Dangerous Substances (CDS) registration if you’re a Medical Doctor, Doctor of Osteopathy, Dentist, Optometrist, Podiatrist, Veterinarian, Physician Assistant, Advanced Practice Nurse, or Certified Nurse Midwife, and you or your business dispense, prescribe, or store any CDS.

Use separate forms to register each CDS storage location. Write "branch" at the top.

As a licensed dentist, you must register every location where you practice.

You need a dental license if you own a dental practice or perform dentistry in New Jersey.

If you are a licensed dentist offering specialized services, you need a permit to advertise each specialty.

Get a specialty permit application by emailing the New Jersey State Board of Dentistry at dentistry@dca.njoag.gov.

All dental offices in New Jersey must register for the State’s Dental Amalgam Program (dental amalgam certification). This applies even if you do not use amalgam. If your dental office does not place or remove amalgam fillings, you may qualify for an exemption. But you must still register with NJDEP to establish the exemption status. Once your exemption is approved, you won’t have to renew your certifications yearly. This is true as long as your practice remains exempt.

Keep in mind: If your office discharges wastewater to a septic system, contact the Bureau of Groundwater, Residuals, and Permit Administration. They will help you find out if you are a Significant Indirect User (SIU) and if you need a SIU permit. If your dental office handles amalgam waste by placing or removing amalgam fillings, you must register for dental waste management. This allows you to get a dental amalgam certification. You must renew it every year.

All healthcare providers in your medical facility need to be licensed medical professionals.

You need a license to own and/or operate a new or existing free-standing residential health care facility.

You need to register as a health care service firm if you are employing individuals to provide health care, personal care, or companion services in the personal residence of a person with a disability or is age 60 or older.

When registering a branch office, you will apply for both your Optometry license (OA) and the appropriate therapeutic pharmaceutical agents (TPA) certification — either OM (Oral TPA) or TO (the older TPA certification). Both licenses ensure you are authorized to practice and prescribe as necessary at your branch location.

You must register all x-ray machines on your premises with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

Submit the registration form within 30 days of installation.

You need to register as a health club in New Jersey if you have a health spa, fitness club, or gym.

You need a cottage food operator (home baker) permit to sell food/baked goods prepared in your home. See the application instructions and the Department of Health code for cottage industries for important information on allowed ingredients, allergens, and labeling requirements.

The Home Improvement Contractor application includes an FAQ section.

Home improvement contractors are individuals and companies involved in repairing, renovating, modernizing, installing, replacing, improving, restoring, painting, constructing, remodeling, moving, or demolishing residential or noncommercial properties.

According to the Contractor’s Registration Act, if you or your business is involved in any of the activities mentioned above, you must register as a home improvement contractor.