I already have a college degree

Steps to becoming a teacher in Florida:

• Route 1: Florida Initial Teaching License/Certification


For certification applicants who have completed formal teacher education training, the proper Florida Certification type to be applied for will be the Florida Professional Certification. This certification is valid for 5 years and is renewable. Below are the steps that must be taken in order to qualify for the professional certification in Florida:
• Step 1:
  You must have completed a teacher preparation program from an accredited institution. Florida Teacher Preparation Programs.
  
  Or request information from the accredited universities below:


• University of Phoenix
• Walden University
• Capella University
• Ashford University


• Step 2:
  You will need to pass the following examinations:
  • The Florida General Knowledge Test
  • The Florida Subject Area Test
  • Find information on testing locations and dates here.


• Step 3:
  You will need to complete the CG-10 Application online.


• Step 4:
  You will need to submit the following materials to the Florida Department of Education:
  • A $56 Application Processing fee for each subject endorsement you are applying for.
  • Copies of other certificates if you hold one.
  • Official Transcripts must be sent directly to the Florida Certification Office.
  
  
  Send materials to this address:
  Florida Department of Education
  Bureau of Educator Certification
  Suite 201 Turlington Building
  325 West Gaines Street
  Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0400
  Or call for more information at (800) 445-6739.


• Step 5:
  After submitting your application, you will receive an Official Statement of Status of Eligibility from the Bureau of Educator Certification.


• Step 6:
  You will need to submit fingerprints to be processed by the FDLE and the FBI. If employed, your employer will assist you with completing the fingerprint process.


• Step 7:
  Sit Back and Relax!

• Route 2: Florida Temporary Certification


The Florida Temporary Certification allows the certification holder to begin teaching in a charter or public school in Florida prior to the completion of an accredited teacher education program. This certification is non-renewable and is valide for 3years. The following are the requirements needed in order to be eligible for a Florida Temporary Certification:
• Bachelor's Degree or higher in the field you wish to teach. There are certain GPA requirements that must be met.
• You must obtain employment in a Florida School District.
• You will need to obtain fingerprint clearance. The fingerprint process will be aided with the help of your employer.


Alternative Teacher Certification Preparation:
Each school district has their own program for teacher mentoring and teacher training in order to prepare the new teacher to move from a Temporary Certification to a Professional and renewable Certification.
• Learn more about Florida's Alternative Teacher Certification Programs.

Learn about the requirements of another state by clicking on one of the state certification links to your left.

Request information from schools by clicking on the links or school logos below.