The timeline to become a certified teacher in Florida can vary depending on several factors, including your educational background, the specific certification pathway you choose, and the time it takes to complete required exams and training programs.
A typical timeline for teacher certification in Florida typically starts with obtaining a bachelor’s degree — which usually takes four years of full-time study to complete.
To determine your eligibility for teacher certification in Florida, you’ll need to apply for and obtain an official Status of Eligibility (SOE) from the Bureau of Educator Certification, which can take 90 days to review. The SOE is valid for three years, giving you time to complete the listed requirements for full certification before the SOE expiration date.
Once you have your SOE, you’ll need to complete a state-approved educator preparation institute (EPI) program, which can take a few months to a few years. Choosing an alternative pathway to certification often shortens the timeline. For example, Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW program — offered 100% online — takes only 9 months to complete.
Then you’ll need to complete other eligibility requirements outlined in your SOE, pass the required exams (such as the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE)), and pass a background check before applying for and obtaining your Florida teaching license. The time for these steps can vary greatly, but it typically takes 30 days to process your background check and 30 days to be issued your Florida teacher certification once all your materials (including cleared background check records) have been received.