General Teacher Certification Information You Should Know!

Getting hired by a principal to teach is not the same thing as becoming certified to teach. A principal in Florida can hire you with only a 4-year Bachelor's degree.  If you get hired, you then have three years to complete all permanent certification requirements.

If you have not been hired to teach, you can still work to complete the certification requirements.

Most individuals who do not have a degree in education need to do 5 things to become a "certified" teacher.

1. Complete any 4-year degree from a regionally accredited institution.
   

2. Pass the Teacher Certification subject matter exam for the area/grade level you want to teach.

3. Pass the Professional Education Teacher Certification exam.

4. Pass the Teacher Certification General Knowledge exam.

5. Complete an Educator Preparation Institute (EP) or state approved equivalent.
   

6. Get hired by a principal.  Temporary teaching certificates cannot be issued until you are hired at a school.

7. Starting the certification process makes you a more appealing candidate to principals who are hiring.

8. Check with your local school district for specific requirements.

9. Visit http://www.fldoe.org/edcert/  to learn more about state certification requirements.

Only The Florida D.O.E. Bureau of Teacher Certification can tell you your unique requirements for teacher certification, as these vary based upon your college course transcripts.

Florida Teacher Certification Exams (FTCE)

The following links contain resources for individuals who are preparing for the Florida Teacher Certification Exams.

• http://www.Xamonline.com
• http://www.rea.com
• http://lessons-direct.net
• www.floridafastpacks.com