florida certification facts
quick facts about florida certification
The Florida Department of Education (DOE) maintains a website containing detailed information about obtaining and maintaining a Florida teaching certificate (www.fldoe.org/edcert/). The Department of Education handles all matters pertaining to the issuance of teaching certificates in Florida. For information on eligibility, reciprocity, testing requirements, and applications, please click on the link as shown (www.timetoteach.org). The toll free in-state number is 1-800-445-6739 and the out-of-state number is 1-850-488-2317.
- Florida certification is obtained either by degree major in the academic/vocational area for which you wish to be certified OR by having completed specialized coursework which would qualify you for the desired certification selection. Refer to the DOE website for additional information as to qualifying coursework for certification.
- Since July 1, 2002, a passing score earned on a Florida subject area examination will qualifies you to be initially certified in that area with no additional specialized coursework needed if you:
- Hold a Bachelors degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution in any subject
- Take and pass a Florida subject area examination for an area equal to that which could be obtained with a Bachelors degree and no specialized requirements
Areas excluded from this provision are: Reading, Guidance/Counseling, School Psychologist, Educational Leadership, Speech/Language Impaired, Local Director of Vocational Education, Administration of Adult Education, and certificate endorsements (no test areas).
Teachers holding a current valid Florida certificate may add an area/areas by this same process with no additional coursework needed.
Teachers may purchase discount copies of the D.O.E. Study Guides for the Florida Teacher Certification Examination (FTCE) at the Schultz Center Media Department, 4019 Boulevard Center Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32207. Guides are available in all major subject areas for purchase prices between $1.50 and $3.50, as well as for the "General Knowledge," "Professional Education," and "Florida Educational Leadership" Examinations. Interested teachers should call (904) 348-7205 or visit the Schultz Center's Research Center to purchase guides or to check on availability of specific subject areas which are in lower demand.
Teachers who are National Board certified or desire to achieve the certification should refer to the DOE website (www.timetoteach.org) and to the National Board website (www.nbpts.org). The National Board toll free number is 1-800-22-TEACH.
Certification office procedures
The purpose of the Duval County Public Schools Certification Office is to ensure that all teachers in Duval County are appropriately certified as required by law in Florida (Chapter 1056 Florida Statutes). A team of professionals conduct a detailed review of the credentials of applicants, potential applicants and current Duval County Public School teachers to determine their eligibility for Florida certification. The office also provides general information, counseling and guidance toward completion of Florida certification requirements.
Information Station
A kiosk of certification information can be found in the reception area of the office of Human Resource Services. Customers may help themselves to applications, test books, and excerpts on subject area requirements. A Certification staff member can also be requested to address questions and concerns.
Appointments
Walk-in visitors to the Certification Office are welcome. However, Friday appointments may be scheduled with a member of the Certification staff. This day has been reserved to assist individuals with more complex issues that may require consultation of 15 minutes or more. To make an appointment, please contact the Certification office at 904-390-2376.
No appointment necessary:
- Requests for certification materials (test books, applications, etc.)
- General questions about the certification process
- National Board questions
- Name/address changes
- Certification application status check
Appointment required:
- Extensive review and/or explanation of Official Statement of Status of Eligibility
- Review of requirements to be completed for a Professional Certificate
- Problem cases or complex issues (to be determined by a Certification team member)
Duval County Public Schools
Human Resource Services
Certification Office
1701 Prudential Drive
Jacksonville, Florida 32207-8182
(904) 390-2376
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