N.J. Stat. Ann. § 54:1-35.32

On and after July 1, 1969 no assessor shall acquire tenure of office under any law of this State unless he shall have received a tax assessor certificate. Nothing herein contained shall be construed to affect tenure of office theretofore acquired nor to affect in any way the unexpired term of office of any assessor theretofore appointed or elected, nor shall any provision herein make void or change any provision of Title 11, Civil Service, nor any of the provisions of any other tenure of office act, except with respect to the acquisition of tenure by an assessor subsequent to June 30, 1969.