Early Childhood (Pre-Kindergarten)

Initial Certification

To get certified to teach elementary in the state of Florida, all teachers must go through the same process of two levels of certification: the temporary certificate and the professional certificate. The temporary certification is non renewable, and allows for teachers to teach while working toward the renewable professional certificate. For elementary education, however, there are specific educational requirements that need to be fulfilled to get certified.

Temporary Certification Process (valid for three years)

1. Complete all application process requirements
2. Hold either:
   1. A bachelor's or higher degree with a major in elementary education which includes teaching reading at the K-6 level
   2. A bachelor’s degree or higher with 30 credit hours in elementary education to include the following subject areas:
      1. Courses in teaching reading in grades K-6
      2. Courses in each of following areas
         1. Teaching writing and language arts in grades K-6
         2. Teaching science for grades K-6
         3. Teaching social science for grades K-6
         4. Teaching health education and physical education for grades K-6
         5. Teaching art for grades K-6
         6. Teaching music for grades K-6
         7. Teaching mathematics for grades K-6
         8. Materials for use in grades K-6 such as children's literature, multi-media materials, library materials, and the computer as an instructional tool.
3. Demonstrate mastery of Subject Area Knowledge
   1. The Subject Area Knowledge tests are specific to individual subjects and are required, depending on what you want to teach. For preschool there are general tests where a teacher will have to show proficiency in a broad range of subjects.

Professional Certification Process (renewable after five years)

In addition to the requirements for temporary certification the following is required for a professional certificate:

1. Demonstrate mastery of General Knowledge by any one of the following:
   1. Achievement of a passing score on the Florida General Knowledge Test
   2. Achievement of a passing score on the Florida College Level Academic Skills Test (CLAST) earned prior to July 1, 2002
   3. A valid standard teaching certificate issued by a US state or territory
   4. A valid certificate issued by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards or the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence
   5. Completion of two (2) semesters of full-time college teaching experience
2. Demonstrate mastery of Professional Preparation and Education Competence by any one of the following:
   1. Completion of a state-approved teacher preparation program from a Florida institution and achievement of a passing score on the Florida Professional Education Test
   2. Completion of a teacher preparation program from an out-of-state accredited or approved institution and achievement of a passing score on the Florida Professional Education Test
   3. Completion of a Florida state-approved alternative certification program and achievement of a passing score on the Florida Professional Education Test
   4. Completion of an approved Florida Educator Preparation Institute program and achievement of a passing score on the Florida Professional Education Test
   5. Completion of specified education courses, completion of teaching experience requirement, completion of an approved professional education competence demonstration program, and achievement of a passing score on the Florida Professional Education Test

The Florida Professional Certificate is issued after the individual's fingerprints have been cleared. The individual seeking employment in Florida will be assisted in completing the fingerprint process by his/her employer. The individual who is not seeking employment in Florida, or has an immediate need for issuance of the Professional Certificate can contact the Bureau of Educator Certification for assistance.