6A-4.004. Florida Educator's Certificates with Academic, Administrative, Degreed Career and Technical, and Specialty Class Coverages

A Florida educator’s certificate is issued to an applicant with academic, administrative, degreed career and technical, and specialty class coverages as specified below.

(1) Temporary certificate.

(a) The five-year nonrenewable temporary certificate may be issued to an applicant who does not qualify for the professional certificate but meets the following requirements:

1. Holds a valid Official Statement of Status of Eligibility as specified in Section 1012.56(1), F.S., which reflects that the applicant has satisfied specialization requirements for the subject requested;

2. Obtains full-time employment in a position for which a Florida educators’ certificate is required in a Florida public, state supported, or a nonpublic school which has a Department of Education approved system for documenting the demonstration of required professional education competence. Verification of employment shall be submitted by a Florida district superintendent or designee or the chief administrative officer; and

3. Satisfies the fingerprint requirement as follows:

a. Submits the original fingerprint reports which have been processed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation as specified below:

(I) Original fingerprint reports shall be provided by the employing district, state supported school, or nonpublic school. A name and description search shall be acceptable in lieu of a technical fingerprint search after two (2) sets of fingerprints are declared illegible by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement or the Federal Bureau of Investigation or when an individual is unable to provide fingerprints because of a physical disability; and

(II) Fingerprints shall have been submitted to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation within the twelve month period immediately preceding the beginning validity date of the certificate which is issued; or

b. Holds a Florida educator’s certificate which has not expired for more than one (1) school fiscal year from the date the application for a certificate is received by the Bureau of Educator Certification.

(b) Expired temporary certificates. A new five-year nonrenewable temporary certificate may be issued to an applicant who satisfies all the following:

1. Held a temporary certificate which has expired for more than one (1) school fiscal year; and

2. Meets all requirements specified in paragraph (1)(a) of this rule.

(2) Temporary military veterans certificate.

(a) The five-year nonrenewable military veterans temporary certificate may be issued once to an applicant who does not qualify for the professional certificate but meets the following requirements:

1. Documents forty-eight (48) months of active-duty military service with an honorable discharge or medical separation by providing an official copy of a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty;

2. Documents at least (60) college credits earned with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, in lieu of a bachelor’s degree, by submitting an official transcript per Rule 6A-4.003, F.A.C.;

3. Holds a valid Official Statement of Status of Eligibility as specified in Section 1012.56(1), F.S., which reflects that the applicant has satisfied specialization requirements or subject mastery for the bachelor’s level subject requested;

4. Obtains full-time employment in a position for which a Florida educator certificate is required in a Florida public, state supported, or a nonpublic school which has a Department of Education approved system for documenting the demonstration of required professional education competence. Verification of employment shall be submitted by a Florida district superintendent or designee or the chief administrative officer and confirm the educator is assigned to a mentor per Section 1012.56(7)(d), F.S.; and

5. Satisfies the fingerprint requirement per sub-subparagraph (1)(a)3.a. of this rule.

(3) Temporary teacher internship certificate. The five-year nonrenewable temporary teacher internship certificate may be issued to an applicant who does not qualify for the professional certificate but meets the following requirements:

(a) Meets the requirements of Section 1012.56(2)(a), (b), (d), (e), and (f), F.S.

(b) Holds a valid official statement of status of eligibility as specified in Section 1012.56(1), F.S., which reflects that the applicant has satisfied specialization requirements.

(c) Enrolled in a state-approved teacher preparation program under Section 1004.04, F.S., and Rule 6A-5.066, F.A.C.;

(d) Actively completing the required program field experience or internship at a public school;

(e) Completes the subject area content requirements specified in state board rule or demonstrates mastery of subject area knowledge as provided in Section 1012.56(5), F.S.

(f) Documents at least sixty (60) college credits earned with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, in lieu of a bachelor’s degree, by submitting an official transcript per Rule 6A-4.003, F.A.C.; and

(g) Satisfies the fingerprint requirement per sub-subparagraph (1)(a)3.a. of this rule.

(4) Temporary teacher apprenticeship certificate. The five-year nonrenewable temporary teacher apprenticeship certificate may be issued to an applicant who does not qualify for the professional certificate but meets the following requirements:

(a) Meets the requirements of Section 1012.56(2)(a), (b), (d), (e), and (f), F.S.;

(b) Has satisfied specialization requirements;

(c) Holds an associate degree from an accredited postsecondary institution with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 in that degree program as determined by a participating employer in accordance with Rule 6A-5.067, F.A.C.;

(d) Must be selected by a participating employer to participate in the Teacher Apprenticeship Program in accordance with Rule 6A-5.067, F.A.C.;

(e) Must have been accepted by the Florida postsecondary institution offering related instruction for the participating employer’s Teacher Apprenticeship Program, as verified by a participating employer in accordance with Rule 6A-5.067, F.A.C.;

(f)  Must be appointed by the district school board or charter school governing board or designee as an education paraprofessional and must be paid in accordance with Section 446.032, F.S. Verification of employment must be submitted by a Florida district superintendent or designee, or charter school governing board member or designee; and

(g) Satisfies the fingerprint requirement per sub-subparagraph (1)(a)3.a., of this rule.

(5) Professional certificate.

(a) The professional certificate is the standard, renewable type of certificate issued by the Department of Education to an applicant who meets the following eligibility requirements:

1. Completes the application requirements as specified in Rule 6A-4.0012, F.A.C.; and

2. Satisifes all eligibility criteria specified in Section 1012.56(2), F.S.

(b) A standard, renewable professional certificate covering a science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) subject in grades 6 though 12 may be issued to an applicant who meets the following eligibility requirements:

1. Completes the application requirements as specified in Rule 6A-4.0012, F.A.C.;

2. Satisifes the eligibility criteria specified in paragraphs (a) through (h) of Section 1012.56(2), F.S.;

3. Holds a master’s or higher degree in a STEM area from an acceptable institution as defined in Rule 6A-4.003, F.A.C.;

4. Achieves a passing score on the Florida professional education test; and

5. Achieves a “summative evaluation rating” of highly effective on the teacher’s most recent annual performance evaluation assessed by an evaluation system approved pursuant to Rule 6A-5.030, F.A.C. The summative evaluation rating must be based in part on teaching a high school course in the same STEM subject area as the teacher’s advanced degree for which student performance is measured by one of the following:

a. A Florida statewide, standardized assessment;

b. An Advanced Placement (AP) examination;

c. An Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) examination; or

d. An International Baccalaureate (IB) examination.

The district shall verify, using the district verification form, “STEM-2016” (http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-07645) (effective December 2016), which is herein incorporated by reference and made part of this rule, that its calculation of the highly effective summative evaluation rating is based in part on the performance of students as measured by one of the above specified statewide, standardized or national assessments for a high school course listed in the publication, “Florida STEM Course List,” (http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-14686) (effective September 2022), which is herein incorporated by reference and made a part of this rule. Both incorporated documents may be obtained without cost from the Bureau of Educator Certification, Department of Education, 325 West Gaines Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399.

(c) The standard professional certificate may be renewed or extended based on provisions specified in Rule 6A-4.0051, F.A.C.

(6) Nonrenewable certificates covering speech-language impaired.

(a) A nonrenewable temporary certificate valid for two (2) school fiscal years shall be issued one (1) time to an applicant who meets the following requirements:

1. Completes the application requirements as specified in Rule 6A-4.0012, F.A.C.;

2. Obtains full-time employment as specified in subparagraph (1)(a)2. of this rule;

3. Submits fingerprint reports as specified in subparagraph (1)(a)3. of this rule; and

4. Holds a bachelor’s degree in speech-language impairment from an accredited or approved institution as specified in Rule 6A-4.003, F.A.C.

(b) A nonrenewable professional certificate valid for five (5) school fiscal years shall be issued one (1) time to an applicant who meets the following requirements:

1. Meets requirements for a temporary certificate covering speech-language impaired as specified in paragraph (4)(a) of this rule;

2. Demonstrates mastery of general knowledge by one of the options specified in paragraph (1)(b) of this rule;

3. Demonstrates mastery of professional preparation and education competence by one of the options specified in Section 1012.56(6), F.S.; and

4. Submits verification of acceptance and enrollment into a graduate degree program in speech-language impaired at an accredited or approved institution as prescribed in Rule 6A-4.003, F.A.C. Verification of admission to the program shall be an official transcript or a letter from an official of the college or university.

(7) Certificates covering only athletic coaching (Grades K-12).

(a) A certificate valid for three (3) school fiscal years reflecting only athletic coaching may be issued to an applicant who does not meet the requirements specified in paragraph (5)(b) of this rule. The certificate may be issued one (1) time to an applicant who meets the following requirements:

1. Completes the application requirements as specified in Rule 6A-4.0012, F.A.C.; and

2. Submits fingerprint reports as specified in subparagraph (1)(a)3. of this rule.

(b) A certificate valid for five (5) school fiscal years reflecting only athletic coaching may be issued to an applicant who meets the following requirements:

1. Completes the application requirements as specified in Rule 6A-4.0012, F.A.C.;

2. Satisfies specialization requirements as specified in subsections 6A-4.0282(2) and (3), F.A.C.; and

3. Submits fingerprint reports as specified in subparagraph (1)(a)3. of this rule.

(c) An applicant who does not meet requirements in either paragraph (5)(a) or paragraph (5)(b) of this rule, for a certificate covering only athletic coaching will be issued an official letter, valid for one (1) year after receipt of the completed application, advising the applicant of any requirements that must be completed to qualify for a certificate covering only athletic coaching.

(8) Special temporary certificate covering only educational leadership.

(a) A special temporary certificate valid for three (3) school fiscal years reflecting educational leadership may be issued to an applicant who meets the following requirements:

1. Completes the application requirements as specified in Rule 6A-4.0012, F.A.C.;

2. Submits official documentation of a bachelor’s degree granted from an accredited or approved institution as specified in Rule 6A-4.003, F.A.C.;

3. Submits verification approved by the school district superintendent, chief administrative officer, or authorized designee that the applicant:

a. Has at least three (3) years of successful employment experience in a full-time executive management or leadership position; or

b. Was honorably discharged or retired from the United States Armed Forces with at least three (3) years served as a commissioned officer, as a warrant officer, or as a noncommissioned officer at the following rank or higher: Army sergeant, Air Force staff sergeant, Marine corporal or Navy petty officer,

4. Earns a passing score on the Florida Educational Leadership Examination (FELE), as specified in Rule 6A-4.00821, F.A.C., administered on or after January 1, 2014;

5. Obtains full-time employment as specified in subparagraph (1)(a)2. of this rule; and

6. Submits fingerprint reports as specified in subparagraph (1)(a)3. of this rule.

(b) A person operating under a special temporary certificate covering educational leadership must be under the mentorship of a school administrator with Florida certification in an administrative class coverage as specified in Rule 6A-4.008, 6A-4.0082, 6A-4.0083, 6A-4.0085, or 6A-4.044, F.A.C. A request for issuance of the special temporary certificate covering educational leadership shall be submitted to the Department on which the employer must attest to provide a state-certified school administrator, designated as the applicant’s mentor during the term of the special temporary certificate.

(c) An applicant who holds a special temporary certificate covering only educational leadership, or held the same which has expired, may be issued a professional certificate provided all requirements for the professional certificate in effect at the time the application is filed have been completed, as specified in subsection (3) of this rule, which includes satisfying the specialization requirements for Educational Leadership as specified in Rule 6A-4.0082, F.A.C. An applicant issued the temporary certificate based on verified service as a military officer as specified in sub-subparagraph (6)(a)3.b. of this rule, shall be issued a professional certificate covering school principal upon submission of verification approved by the school district superintendent that the applicant successfully completed the district school principal certification program approved pursuant to Rule 6A-5.081, F.A.C.

(9) Restricted professional certificate.

(a) A restricted professional certificate is a renewable type of certificate valid for five (5) school years issued by the Department of Education to an applicant who meets the following eligibility requirements:

1. Completes the application requirements as specified in Rule 6A-4.0012, F.A.C.; and

2. Satisifes all eligibility criteria specified in Section 1012.56(2), F.S., except for mastery of general knowledge per Section 1012.56(3), F.S.

3. A restricted professional certificate is only available to instructional personnel who are not classroom teachers, as defined in Section 1012.01(2), F.S., in the following subject areas:

a. Educational Media Specialist;

b. School Counseling;

c. School Psychologist;

d. School Social Work; or

e. Speech-Language Impaired.

(b) An applicant who meets these requirements must only be assigned to non-classroom instructional positions for which they are certified.

(10) Restricted classical education teaching certificate.

(a) A restricted classical education teaching certificate is a renewable type of certificate valid for five (5) school years issued by the Department of Education to an applicant who meets the following eligibility requirements:

1. Satisfies all eligibility criteria specified in Section 1012.56(2)(a)-(f) and (11), F.S.;

2. Completes the application requirements as specified in Rule 6A-4.0012, F.A.C.; and

3. Submits fingerprint reports as specified in subparagraph (1)(a)3. of this rule.

(b) A restricted classical education teaching certificate is only valid at a classical school as defined in Section 1012.55(5), F.S.

(c) A restricted classical education teaching certificate does not cover the following certification subjects or endorsements: Exceptional Student Education (ESE), English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), or Athletic Coaching.

(d) A restricted classical education teaching certificate may only be submitted by a school that demonstrates:

1. The school is constituted, practices, and provides professional learning to its educational staff in a classical school model that emphasizes the development of students in the principles of moral character and civic virtue through a well-rounded education in the liberal arts and sciences that is based on the classical trivium stages of grammar, logic, and rhetoric; and

2. The school intends to hire or has hired the applicant for a position at the classical school.

(e) The school submits to the Department’s Bureau of Educator Certification the Form entitled “Request For Classical Professional Certificate Issuance,” Form No. CT-110C, requesting issuance of a classical certificate. The form, effective August 2024 (http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-16831), is incorporated by reference. The form must be submitted to [e-mail]. 

(11) Addition of subjects to a professional certificate. A subject may be added to a valid renewable professional certificate when an applicant meets the following requirements:

(a) Completes application requirements as specified in Rule 6A-4.0012, F.A.C.; and

(b) Demonstrates mastery of the subject matter as specified in Section 1012.56(5), F.S., for each subject to be added to a professional certificate.

(12) Addition of endorsements. An endorsement may be added to a valid five-year nonrenewable temporary or renewable professional certificate when an applicant meets the following requirements:

(a) Completes the application requirements as specified in Rule 6A-4.0012, F.A.C.; and

(b) Satisfies the specialization requirements specified in the rules of the Florida State Board of Education for each endorsement to be added to the certificate.

(13) Expired certificates.

(a) Certificates which have expired are invalid.

(b) An applicant who held a professional certificate which has expired may secure another professional certificate provided all requirements for the professional certificate in effect at the time the application is filed have been completed. Completion of requirements for issuance of a professional certificate which has expired shall not be considered as satisfaction of requirements for subsequent professional certificates.

(c) An applicant who does not qualify for the professional certificate may be issued a temporary certificate as specified in subsection (1) of this rule.

(d) An applicant whose professional certificate has expired may reinstate the professional certificate if requirements are completed as specified in subsection 6A-4.0051(7), F.A.C.

(14) Inactive certificates.

(a) Certificates as defined in Rule 6A-4.0012(1)(g), F.A.C., may be placed in an inactive status by certificateholder request upon application to the Department per Rule 6A-4.0012, F.A.C.

(b) In order to be granted inactive status the educator:

1. Must hold an active temporary or an active professional certificate; and

2. Must apply for inactive status at least six (6) months before the expiration of the active valid certificate.

(c) An individual whose certificate has been inactivated is required to adhere to the ethical principles as outlined in Rule 6A-10.081, F.A.C., Principles of Professional Conduct for the Education Profession in Florida, regardless of the inactivation of a certificate.

(d) Inactivation of a certificate does not exempt a certificate holder from completing the requirements found on the temporary certificateholder’s statement of status of eligibility or the professional certificateholder’s professional learning requirements set forth in Section 1012.56, F.S.

(e) A certificate that has been inactive may be reactivated upon application to the Department per Rule 6A-4.0012(1)(h), F.A.C. Professional learning requirements must be met as a condition of reactivation if a certificate has been inactive for more than one (1) calendar year.

1. Upon reactivation, the certificate will be activated from July 1 to June 30 of the year in which the reactivation is granted.

2. Upon reactivation of a certificate that was inactive longer than five (5) years, all current educator certification requirements must be met in order to reactivate the temporary or professional certificate.

Rulemaking Authority 1001.02, 1012.55, 1012.56 FS. Law Implemented 1012.55, 1012.56 FS. History–New 4-20-64, Amended 4-8-68, 7-7-68, 4-11-69, 4-11-70, 9-17-72, 8-17-74, Repromulgated 12-5-74, Amended 11-9-76, 7-1-79, 8-27-80, 1-3-82, 4-26-84, 11-18-84, 6-18-85, Formerly 6A-4.04, Amended 12-25-86, 10-18-88, 9-12-89, 12-4-89, 4-15-91, 10-10-91, 5-3-94, 10-15-01, 12-27-04, 11-26-08, 3-5-14, 12-20-16, 8-21-18, 3-17-20, 9-20-22, 6-27-23, 9-26-23, 11-21-23, 8-27-24.