Admission to Educator Preparation Institute Program

The Educator Preparation Institute (EPI) program is designed for individuals who have already completed a non-education baccalaureate or higher degree and are seeking to meet the requirements to secure teaching certification in the state of Florida. The Educator Preparation Institute (EPI) program is limited access. 

Note: Applicants who do not respond to an offer of admission or fail to enroll for the term for which admission is offered must reapply to the program. 

Application and Admission Requirements

1. Completed PHSC application with application fee (common application filed online with $25 fee); select EPI as major. 
2. Completed Educator Preparation Institute (EPI) program application. This is referring to a second application specific to the EPI program. It includes additional documents required and is submitted as one package for review. Additional documents include:
   1. Florida Educator Accomplished Practices (FEAPs) Completed Self-Assessment
   2. Field Experience Request Form
   3. Professional Reference Form (2 references required) 
   4. Teaching Philosophy Essay
3. Official transcripts indicating a baccalaureate or higher degree from an accredited university with a minimum 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
4. Official Statement of Status of Eligibility letter form Florida Department of Education verifying the individual's eligibility to teach in the State of Florida. 
5. Official Florida Teacher Certification Examinations Score Report indicating passing scores for the appropriate Florida Subject Area Examination and General Knowledge Test.
   1. In lieu of the General Knowledge Test, individuals may demonstrate mastery of General Knowledge by one of the following:
      1. Documentation of passing scores on the GRE General Test
      2. Documentation of a master's or higher degree on an official transcript or credential evaluation from an accredited institution

Unlike other applicants, EPI applicants do not need to complete college placement tests or the orientation program. EPI applicants work directly with the director of the program from admission through completion. Contact the director of the program for more information.