After completing all of the coursework, attending all of the workshops and different forms of professional development to become a teacher, it is important to maintain your employment status.  You never want to be in a position of receiving a letter of termination when there are easy steps that can be taken to prevent that.

The reminders to the left will help you stay on track with the certification requirements and endorsements to make sure you never receive the "dreaded call or letter".  If you have any questions about certification requirements, do not hesitate to contact the certification office for direction and assistance.  Click here to view important certification reminders.

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 will 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 general certification 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.  The following lists explain situations that will and won’t require an appointment:

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)
• Fingerprinting by Geri Ellis for charter schools, Communities in Schools and Team-Up.