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Florida Teacher Certification

Congratulations! You are on your way to becoming a teacher in Florida. No semesters and no campus visits — just a clear path from where you are today to a Florida classroom of your own.

Florida

$1,900Standard Program Cost

Online

Self-paced

Competency-based

Florida Teacher Certification at a glance

1

Study

Pass the required subject-area and PTK exams provided by American Board.

2

Apply

Apply to the Florida Department of Education for a statement of eligibility.

3

Teach

Begin teaching in a Florida school.

4

Complete

Complete your district’s Professional Educator Competency Demonstration Program.

Florida Teacher Certification Subjects

Elementary (K-6)

The elementary certification program covers core subjects for our youngest learners including English language arts, history, math, and science.

Special Education (K-12)

The special education certification program covers professional skills and background knowledge, general special education practices, a strong focus on special education laws, and more.

Biology (6-12)

The biology certification program covers scientific investigation, cell biology and microbiology, molecular biology, and more.

Chemistry (6-12)

The chemistry certification program covers atomic structure, periodicity, and matter; reactions and reactivity, and more.

English Language Arts (6-12)

The English language arts certification program covers comprehension of texts, oral and written language skills, and more.

General Science (5-9)

The general science certification program covers scientific investigation, biology, chemistry, earth science, and physics.

Math (6-12)

The mathematics certification program covers domains including algebra, geometry, probability and statistics, and calculus.

Physics (9-12)

The physics certification program includes classical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, waves and optics, and more.

“I’ve been teaching for 8 years now, it’s been rewarding and I couldn’t see myself doing anything else. American Board helped somebody like me (with a degree in Economics) find an alternative pathway to licensure from a non-traditional degree, to be a successful teacher who is now serving as a Gifted Coordinator and Team Lead. I appreciate how affordable and supportive American Board was throughout the process.”

Matthew Plummer, Florida Teacher

How to Become a Teacher in Florida

How to Get Your Florida Teaching License

Step 1

Enroll in American Board’s online teacher certification program.

Step 2

Prepare for and pass American Board’s required Professional Teaching Knowledge (PTK) and subject area exams.

Step 3

Apply to the Florida Department of Education’s Bureau of Educator Certification for a Statement of Eligibility.

Step 4

Obtain a teaching position in a Florida school. The school district will process your fingerprints and request the issuance of a 5-year non-renewable Temporary Certificate.

Step 5

Begin teaching!

How to Upgrade to a Florida Professional Certificate

Step 1

During your first three years in the classroom, complete the school district’s approved Professional Educator Competency Demonstration Program (this program varies and is specific to your school district).

Step 2

Submit your American Board certificate and apply to upgrade your 5-year non-renewable Temporary Certificate into a renewable 5-year Florida Professional Certificate.

Florida Teacher Certification FAQs

Can I enroll in American Board’s program if I am already teaching on a Temporary Certificate?

Yes! If you are currently teaching on a Temporary Certificate, you can upgrade to a Professional Certificate with a valid certificate issued by American Board and demonstration of professional education competence in the classroom.

Where can I find more information about Florida teaching requirements?

For more information on state teaching requirements and how to apply for your license, visit the Florida Department of Education website.

American Board

Ready to get started?

Choose your state and subject, enroll online in minutes, and start studying the same day — or try the free one-week trial first to see how the program works.