Educator Preparation Institute Certificate

General Information 

EFSC offers two certificate options in the Educator Preparation Institute:

• Educator Preparation Institute (CER)
• Educator Preparation Institute, Reading Endorsement (CER)

The Educator Preparation Institute provides an opportunity for individuals who hold a Bachelor’s Degree in a field other than education, to become a teacher. Certifications are available in all subject disciplines with a special emphasis on attracting teachers in the area of Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM) and Exceptional Student Education (ESE). This program is designed to develop high quality teachers. The EPI program offers convenient day, evening, and online classes. This alternative certification program enables the student to master competencies necessary not only to receive a Professional Educator’s Certificate, but also to become a successful teacher in the P-12 classroom. The program’s 21 college credits encompass topics such as classroom management, Educational Psychology, and teaching and learning processes, as well has a 30- hour field experience for students to incorporate what they have learned in the classroom. 

1. Visit the program page for more information.

Educator Preparation Institute Admission Requirements

1. Admission requirement specified in section 1004.85(3)(b), F.S., which requires a candidate to obtain a statement of status of eligibility (SOE) indicating the candidate is eligible for the certification subject listed on the SOE. 
2. Complete an application for admission.  For information about applying for admission to Eastern Florida State College, visit the Admissions website.
3. Submit final official transcripts from all prior colleges.
4. Candidates must pass all parts of the General Knowledge Test (GKT)* before entry into the EPI program at Eastern Florida State College (EFSC). Test Results must be submitted to the college registrar before they are admitted into the program.        
5. Schedule a meeting with the Collegewide Chair of Education and supply copies of GKT scores and Letter(s) of Eligibility.

Note: Individuals admitted to the EPI program at EFSC must obtain security clearance through fingerprinting for a background check with Brevard Public Schools.  

Email Address for EPI: episcience@easternflorida.edu

Contacts for questions about the program or applying can be found on the main program page. 

NOTE:
  *Students who hold a Masters Degree are exempt from the GKT.

  *Teachers who have taught for three years and have an evaluation rating of effective or highly effective are exempt from the GKT. 

Educator Preparation Institute Graduation Requirements

Responsibility for meeting the requirements for graduation with the Educator Preparation Institute Certificate rests with the student.  To be awarded the EPI Certificate from Eastern Florida State College a student must do the following:

Visit the How to Apply to Graduate website for more information.

1. File a graduation application and pay the graduation fee by the published deadline.
2. Complete all admission requirements, including the submission of all transcripts, testing, and other required documents.
3. Complete the prescribed course of study totaling at least 21 credit hours from the applicable catalog as established for the specific program in compliance with Florida State Statutes and Florida Administrative Code Rules.
4. Complete all required field, volunteer, or student teaching required by certificate coursework.
5. Complete at least 25 percent of the prescribed credit hours through traditional coursework at EFSC per accreditation requirements.
6. Complete all coursework with a final grade. Students with a grade of “I – Incomplete” will not be processed for graduation until a final grade is posted. 
   • For graduation in the term of application, the final grade must be posted within the first three weeks of the following term. If not, students must reapply and repay for graduation in the term they complete all requirements. Student may request through the instructor to have the “I” converted to a permanent "F" if the course is not required to graduate. 
7. Earn a cumulative degree grade point average (GPA)of 2.0 or higher at EFSC, including transfer credits, in courses that comprise the Educator Preparation Institute program.
   • Transfer courses with a grade of T% do not calculate into the GPA.
8. FTCE Professional Education Test must be completed and passed by graduation to receive Professional Teaching Certificate.  Subject Area Exam(s) must be completed prior to the Practicum.
9. Fulfill obligations to the College.

Student should be aware of their Governing Catalog