Obtaining educator certification in Florida is a process governed by the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) and is required for employment in public schools across the state. The pathway ensures teachers demonstrate competency in general knowledge, professional pedagogy, and their specific subject area. Aspiring educators must navigate a series of requirements, including examinations and experience, to earn the renewable teaching credential.
Initial Requirements for Florida Teacher Certification
All applicants for a Florida teaching certificate must possess a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. This educational requirement is absolute regardless of the certification route pursued. A mandatory background screening is also required to ensure the safety of students.
Applicants must submit fingerprints for a criminal history check before any certificate is issued. The initial application requires a nonrefundable processing fee of $75 per subject area requested. The FLDOE evaluates all submitted documentation, including transcripts and application forms, to determine eligibility.
Understanding Temporary and Professional Certificates
Florida utilizes two primary types of educator credentials: the Temporary Certificate and the Professional Certificate. The Temporary Certificate is a non-renewable credential, valid for three school years, intended to provide an educator with time to complete all remaining requirements while employed and teaching. This certificate is typically issued after the applicant has been hired by a Florida school district and their background screening has been cleared.
The Professional Certificate is the state’s highest level of full certification for educators. This credential is valid for five years and can be renewed upon meeting continuing education requirements. To upgrade to this level, an educator must meet all statutory and rule-based requirements for the subject coverage listed on their Temporary Certificate.
Required Florida Teacher Certification Examinations
Successfully passing the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) is a major component of the certification process. The FTCE is administered by Pearson Evaluation Systems and is divided into three main test components that measure an educator’s readiness.
The components are:
- The General Knowledge Test (GKT), which assesses basic academic skills, including reading comprehension, mathematics, English language skills, and an essay component.
- The Professional Education Test (PET), which measures an educator’s understanding of effective teaching methods, pedagogical practices, and professional ethics.
- The Subject Area Examination (SAE), which must be passed to demonstrate mastery of the specific content knowledge for the subject and grade level the candidate plans to teach.
These examinations are typically taken during the preparation program or the validity period of the Temporary Certificate.
Standard Path to Professional Certification
The standard path involves converting the Temporary Certificate into the five-year renewable Professional Certificate. This requires demonstrating mastery across three knowledge domains. General knowledge and subject area knowledge are demonstrated by passing the GKT and the relevant SAE.
Professional preparation and education competence are demonstrated by completing professional education coursework, often fulfilled through an approved college-based educator preparation program. Candidates must also document at least one year of successful full-time teaching experience. The Temporary Certificate holder must complete all requirements within the three-year validity period to be eligible for the upgrade.
Alternative Certification Routes for Career Changers
Individuals with a bachelor’s degree outside of education often use alternative certification routes. The primary option is the Educator Preparation Institute (EPI) program, offered by many state colleges and universities. EPI programs are competency-based, non-degree pathways that provide the necessary professional education coursework and field experience.
These programs allow a candidate to begin teaching under a Temporary Certificate while completing required professional competencies. Another option is the district-based Professional Learning Certification Program (PLCP), offered by many public school districts. Both the EPI and PLCP routes provide the instruction and practical application needed to meet the state’s requirement for professional preparation, leading directly to the Professional Certificate.
Certification for Out-of-State Educators
Florida offers reciprocity for educators certified in other U.S. states or territories. A teacher holding a valid standard certificate comparable to Florida’s Professional Certificate may be eligible for a Florida Professional Certificate. Reciprocity is also extended to educators holding a current certificate from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS).
The process begins with an application for a Statement of Eligibility, which outlines any specific Florida-mandated requirements the educator must still meet. While many requirements are waived, the FLDOE may require completion of Florida-specific items, such as passing the Professional Education Test if the prior state’s requirements are not equivalent.
Maintaining and Renewing Your Professional Certificate
The Florida Professional Certificate must be renewed every five years. To renew, an educator must earn a total of six semester hours of college credit or the equivalent of 120 in-service points during the five-year period. A portion of these continuing education requirements must address specific state mandates.
Renewal credits must include at least one semester hour, or 20 in-service points, dedicated to teaching students with disabilities (SWD). Teachers in certain subject areas, such as Elementary Education, are subject to a mandatory renewal requirement of 40 component points in evidence-based reading instruction. The renewal process is completed through an online application and includes a fee of $75.