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Alternative Teacher Certification

What is Alternative Certification?

Alternative Certification may be a beneficial pathway for you to become a certified teacher in the state of Florida without completing a traditional teacher certification program. This means that you will independently communicate with the Florida Department of Education and complete required steps to meet the certification requirements.

Here are the steps:

  1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree.
  2. Apply to the state of Florida for certification: https://www.fldoe.org/teaching/certification/
  3. You will receive a Statement of Eligibility from the state within several weeks after application is received.
    • The statement outlines missing information and/or coursework required of you to earn temporaryand professional teacher certification.
  4. Schedule FTCE Exam(s), if indicated on your Statement of Eligibility.
    • Florida Teacher Certification Exams: http://www.fl.nesinc.com/
      1. General Knowledge Exam (may be waived for applicants who hold a master's degree or higher)
      2. Subject Area Exam (may be waived for applicants who hold a master's degree or higher with anappropriate major)
      3. Professional Education Exam (may be waived if the applicant meets specific requirements outlined onthe FL DOE's website or as written in House Bill 1, K-12 Education, Educator Certification)

Additional information:

  • If you are missing specific professional preparation coursework as indicated in your Statement of Eligibility, you are welcome to complete them at Florida Atlantic University:
    1. Course by Course - apply as a non-degree seeking student and register for appropriate coursework according to the Statement of Eligibility.
  • Professional education courses are designed to address requirements on Florida Department of Education Statement of Eligibility. Please contact us for the approved course listing.

Contact Information:

Jessica Stupec, M.P.A.
Assistant Director,
Graduate Education & Advising
College of Education
Florida Atlantic University
Phone Number: 561.297.3572
Email: jstupec@fau.edu