Educator Preparation Institute (EPI): 

Florida Teacher Certification Requirements

The following certification requirements apply only to those persons who applied for teacher certification after July 27, 2006, for previous requirements visit the Pre July 2006 Teacher Certification Page

STEP 1: Eligibility for Certification

• Hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college.

• Meet subject content specialization by having:

  • Undergraduate degree major in subject area or

  • Specified number of college credit hours in subject area or

  • A passing score on the Florida teacher certification subject area exam

*Note that some school districts require a Statement of Eligibility from the state Department of Education that reflects completion of subject specialization requirements before obtaining employment in a Florida school system.

STEP 2: Requirements for a Three Year Nonrenewable Temporary Certificate

• Obtain employment in a Florida public, state-supported, or nonpublic school that has an approved Professional Education Competency Program.

• Complete a fingerprinting report for employer to submit to the State Department.

STEP 3: Requirements for a Five Year Professional Certificate

• Satisfy requirements of Steps 1 and 2

• Satisfy the educational training requirements of Professional Preparation through a Florida school district Alternative Certification Program (ACP) or completion of fifteen (15) hours in education courses. (Note: Pre-K Primary is exempt from having to complete this requirement).

• Satisfy Florida’s testing requirements by presenting a passing score on each of the following tests:

  1. General Knowledge Test (Note: Pass by the end of the first year)

  2. Subject Area Exam (SAE) (Note: Can be completed in Step 1)

  3. Professional Education Test (Ped)
     For more information on these exams, visit http://www.unf.edu/coehs/ess/ftcexam.html or www.firn.edu/doe/sas/ftcehome.htm

• Successfully complete an approved Florida Professional Education Competency (PEC) Program by the end of the first year. This is satisfied through the School Board upon being hired.

• Satisfy Practical Experience in Teaching – one year of full-time teaching experience in an elementary or secondary school.

**Note: Be sure to submit your application, $56.00 application fee and transcripts to the DOE.

Bureau of Educator Certification Website: www.fldoe.org (Apply here for the three year temporary teaching certificate)

Teacher Website: www.timetoteach.org 
Test information: www.cefe.usf.edu
For additional information on teacher certification contact: University of North Florida / Office of Academic Advising: (904) 620-2530