Alternative Teacher Certification Overview
Temporary Certificate
Professional Certificate

Alternative Teacher Certification Overview

Florida is in need of qualified, dedicated teachers who are interested in making an impact on the lives of students. Individuals who are interested in teaching who hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in an area other than education are able to get into the profession through alternative teacher certification.
To start the alternative teacher certification process, complete the following steps:

1. Decide what subject to teach (e.g. Elementary, Math, Science, English, etc.)
2. Complete the CG-10 Application form provided by the Florida Department of Education. Access the application online at http://www.fldoe.org/edcert/apply.asp.
3. Upon completion of the CG-10 Application and evaluation of the application by the Florida Department of Education, an applicant will receive an official Statement of Eligibility outlining whether or not he/she meets the eligibility requirements for either a Temporary Certificate or Professional Certificate based on the subject area chosen and provides the applicant with a customized list of requirements that must be completed to be issued a full (professional) state certification in Florida;
4. An individual must qualify for at least a Temporary Certificate to be employed as a teacher. If the Statement of Eligibility indicates that the applicant is not eligible for a Florida certificate, it will outline options the applicant may take to satisfy the requirements for certification.
5. Once the requirements for certification have been met, proof must be submitted to the Bureau of Educator Certification. The original application package, along with the proof of certification requirements submitted will be re-evaluated and a revised Statement of Eligibility will be issued indicating that the applicant is “eligible” for a Florida certificate.
6. Once an applicant receives an official Statement of Eligibility indicating that he or she is eligible for a Temporary Certificate, he or she may seek employment in a Florida elementary or secondary school.

There are two types of teacher certification available in Florida based upon specific requirements. The two types of certification are temporary and professional. Temporary certification is only good for three years and is not renewable. Professional certification is good for five years and is renewable.

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Temporary Certificate

Candidates for teacher certification may begin teaching with a temporary certificate while completing the remaining requirements for a professional certificate. To obtain a three-year temporary teacher certificate candidates must have an offer of employment and meet one of the following criteria:

Option 1: Have a bachelor’s degree in the intended area of specialization.
Option 2: Have a master’s degree in the intended area of specialization.
Option 3: Have a bachelor’s or master’s degree and the minimum number of college credits in the intended area of specialization.
Option 4: Have a bachelor’s or master’s degree and pass the Subject Area Exam (SAE) in the intended area of specialization.

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Professional Certificate

Option 1: B.S. in education with a specialization

Option 2: Master’s degree in education with a specialization.

Option 3: Have a college degree and meet minimum requirements as outlined by the Department of Education to include:

1. 15-20 credits of education courses;
2. Passing all three parts of the Florida Teacher Certification Exam (FTCE)
1. SAE (Subject Area Exam)
2. PEd (Professional Education Test)
3. GK (General Knowledge Test) note: the CLAST exam maybe used in place of the GK if taken prior to July 1, 2002;
3. Professional Educator Competencies (PEC);
4. Two years of full-time teaching.

Note: Requirements 3 and 4 are to be completed while teaching.

This information is provided only to assist students seeking state certification with the selection of classes. This is NOT an official statement and does not represent any evaluation or acceptance of prior college work.