• First Steps to Certification

    Welcome!  If you are interested in becoming a teacher, review the information outlined below.  

    Do you have a Bachelor's degree or higher?

    If you do, please proceed!
    If not, you will need to complete this in order to move forward. 
     

    Do you have a degree in Education?

    If you do, you can apply for a Professional Certificate at the FL DOE.  As long as your degree is in the area you want to teach, you will have the credentials needed. 
     
    If not, that's okay! You will apply and likely be issued a temporary teaching certificate (with employment).  The Department of Education will review your transcripts and return a Statement of Eligibility, which will let you know which additional steps you'll need to take in order to obtain a Professional Certificate.  
     
    Steps to Obtain an SOE / Temporary Certificate: 
    1. Login/create an account at the FL DOE Online Licensing Services site and complete the "Educator Certification Application."  The FL DOE has created helpful "How-To" videos you can find here. 
    2. Pay the $75 application fee.
    3. Request official transcripts be sent to the FL DOE, or have the college/university send them electronically if they use SPEEDE or FASTER systems.  
     
    Florida Department of Education
    Bureau of Educator Certification
    325 West Gaines Street, Room 201
    Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0400

    4. The final step will be to take and pass an FCTE test in the area you want to teach.  Official score results will automatically be reported to the FL DOE. Visit this page for Test Preparation Resources.
     
    This will get you started on your journey!  See the Pathways to Certification page to learn more about the next steps.