• Out-of-state Graduates of Approved Teacher Education Programs

    Florida accepts approved teacher preparation programs from other states for initial certification, provided that:

    • the program area is also a subject in which Florida offers certification, and
    • the training was completed at the same degree level required in Florida for that subject.
    If you are a graduate of an approved teacher preparation program from an institution located in another state, you will likely qualify for a Temporary Florida Educator's Certificate. The Temporary Certificate allows you to begin teaching full-time while you complete the certification exams for the Professional Certificate.

    If the above statement describes you, you will apply for a Florida Temporary Certificate in your program area.

    1.     Complete the online application with the Florida Department of Education (DOE) in your bachelor’s or higher degree major/minor. 

    2.     Send official transcripts showing all degrees and credits to the DOE.

    3.     Take the Florida subject area examination in the area/subject you wish to teach.  

    4.     When your DOE application is complete, it will be evaluated to determine eligibility for a Florida certificate.  The result of that determination will be mailed to you as an Official Statement of Status of Eligibility.  The Official Statement of Status of Eligibility will state whether or not “you are eligible” and a list of requirements you must complete to be issued a certificate in Florida.  (Determination may take 4-8 weeks.)

    5.     Complete a Collier County Public Schools online application.

    6.     After you have obtained a position with Collier County Public Schools  your fingerprints will be sent to the DOE and the Temporary certificate will be issued.  (CCPS will only send fingerprints to the DOE once you have obtained a position within our District.

    Need help with determining the Florida subject that matches your out-of-state program area?

    See our list of  Florida certification subjects and the degree levels required for those subjects.