Certification Overview
Questions about becoming a certified teacher in Florida? Just ask the certification experts! The certification team is eager to assist you in accomplishing your goal of becoming a certified teacher.
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Recruitment and Educator Quality
Initial Steps to Becoming a Teacher
Apply for a Florida Teaching Certificate at the Florida Department of Education
https://flcertify.fldoe.org/datamart/login.do
Florida Applicants
Request that your college or university send official transcripts to the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE).
Out-of-State Applicants
- Request that your college or university send official transcripts to the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE)
- Submit a copy of your valid, standard, out-of-state certificate to the FLDOE and School Board of Polk County /Human Resource Services-Certification Office. (Write your social security number on each copy.)
Send documentation to:
Florida Department of Education
Bureau of Educator Certification Room 201, Turlington Building
325 West Gaines Street
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0400
(Contact the FLDOE toll free at 1-800-445-6739)
Note: After the FLDOE evaluates your application, they will notify you of any additional certification requirements in a letter titled Official Statement of Status of Eligibility
Complete the online employment application by visiting the PCPS Employment page.
- Read the Managing Your Online Application document on the District’s Employment page.
- Gather supporting documentation (i.e., work experience, education history, and reference contact information).
- Record the assigned Applicant Reference Identification Number that you receive, in a safe and accessible location.
View and apply for available positions using the Job Browser located within your employment application.
- The automated Applicant Registration System (ARS) will notify you of your interview status.
- If/when you are selected for an interview, you will need to access your online application and accept or decline the interview.
Professional Certificate Renewal Information
How to Renew Your Professional Certificate
(Current Employees)
1. Review
Review the FAQ’s and Renewal Checklist
2. Access
Access the Staff Portal to complete and submit the Polk County Schools Certification Renewal Payment Form.
4. Review
Review the step-by-step instructions on How to Complete the FLDOE Renewal Application.
5. Submit
Submit the VERSA Renewal Online Application with the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE). (Note: Select District Affiliation: 53-Polk)
How to Renew Your Professional Certificate
(Former/Retired Employees)
1. Review
Review the FAQ’s for renewal
3. Review
Review the step-by-step instructions on How to Complete the FLDOE Renewal Application.
4. Apply
Apply to renew your Professional Certificate at the FLDOE.
Notes:
- Select FLDOE Affiliation: 100-FLDOE
- Payment must be submitted and processed with the FLDOE
5. Send
Send a request to patti.wilkins@polk-fl.net to submit your In-service Points (i.e., CT116 Form) to the FLDOE.
How to Renew Your Professional Certificate
(Charter Employees)
1. Review
Review the FAQ’S TO RENEW YOUR 5-YEAR PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION under the methods of renewal section.
2. Complete
Complete and submit the Polk County School Certification Renewal Payment Form. Staple your method(s) of renewal to this form.
4. Review
Review the Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Complete the FLDOE Renewal Application.
5. Submit
Submit the VERSA Renewal Online Application with the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE). (Note: Select District Affiliation: 53-Polk)
Adding an Endorsement or Subject Area to a
Professional Teaching Certificate
Endorsement
The Florida Department of Education has launched their new Educator Certification System (VERSA). Please follow the steps below to add an area to your Professional Certificate.
Access the Staff Portal, click the Certification tab to complete and submit the Add-On Payment Form for a adding an Endorsement.
Create an Educator Account and On-Boarding
Subject Area
The Florida Department of Education has launched their new Educator Certification System (VERSA). Please follow the steps below to add an area to your Professional Certificate.
Access the Staff Portal, click the Certification tab to complete and submit the Add-On Payment Form for a adding a Subject.
Create an Educator Account and On-Boarding
Notes:
- If an employee is adding a subject area using college courses or an advanced degree, it must be added to the certificate by applying directly to the FLDOE.
(For example: Educational Leadership and Guidance & Counseling) - Email credentialreview@polk-fl.net once the area is added to the Professional Certificate to ensure your records with Polk Public Schools are updated.
Adding an Endorsement or Subject Area to a
Temporary Teaching Certificate
Endorsement
The Florida Department of Education has launched their new Educator Certification System (VERSA). Please follow the steps below to add an area to your Temporary Certificate.
Create an Educator Account and On-Boarding
(Note: District Affiliation is Polk County # 53)
Access the Staff Portal, click the Certification tab to complete and submit the Add-On Payment Form.
Subject Area
The Florida Department of Education has launched their new Educator Certification System (VERSA). Please follow the steps below to add an area to your Temporary Certificate.
Create an Educator Account and On-Boarding
(Note: District Affiliation is Polk County # 53)
Pay the Application fee to the FLDOE.
Email credentialreview@polk-fl.net once the area is added to the Temporary Certificate.
Notes:
- If an employee is adding a subject area using college courses or an advanced degree, it must be added to the certificate by applying directly to the FLDOE.
(For example: Educational Leadership and Guidance & Counseling) - Email credentialreview@polk-fl.net once the area is added to the Professional Certificate to ensure your records with Polk Public Schools are updated.
The information below is being updated. Please email your inquiries to certificationoffice@polk-fl.net.
Helpful Links and Other Information
General Certification Information
Additional Information for Applicants
If you are a….
University/college education major intern (completing final internship)
Then, you’ll need to…
- request a Letter of Conferral from the college/university reflecting that you have no financial holds and have successfully completed all requirements to earn your bachelor’s degree
- submit the Letter of Conferral to credentialreview@polk-fl.net or fax to 863-534-0737 and
- apply for a Florida teaching certificate by visiting fldoe.org. Once the degree is officially awarded/conferred, submit an official transcript to the Florida Department of Education.
If you are a …..
Non-Education degree major
Then, you’ll need to…
be deemed eligible by the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) to hold a valid Florida Educator’s Temporary or Professional Teaching Certificate
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