About Educator Preparation Institute (EPI)
Teacher Preparation and Re-Certification
The Educator Preparation Institute (EPI) program at Valencia College is designed for individuals who want to teach but hold a bachelor's degree in an area other than education. This alternative certification program fulfills the Professional Education Competence Program and Professional Preparation Coursework requirements listed on the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) Official Statement of Status of Eligibility which is necessary for earning a Florida Professional Educator's Certificate.
The EPI program is 24 college credits and meets FL DOE eligibility requirements. See the current catalog of EPI online course descriptions.
To qualify for the Educator Preparation Institute, individuals need to:
- Hold a bachelor's degree with a minimum overall GPA of 2.5 from a regionally accredited college or university
- Obtain a statement of Status of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) stating "You are Eligible." Click here to view a sample valid statement of eligibility
- Preferably, have a passing score or master's degree exemption for the General Knowledge Test. (The first three EPI classes may be taken without GKT criteria being met.)
- Attend an EPI Enrollment Session
- Submit a Valencia College Application online at Admissions & Records - Valencia College
- Submit Proof of Residency online at Florida Residency - Admissions & Records - Valencia College
By taking two courses at a time, it is possible to complete the program in three or four semesters depending on the start term, but it may take longer. Passing all of the FTCE Exams and building an EPI portfolio are necessary to complete the program. Please see the current catalog for detailed descriptions of the EPI courses.
Schedule a call or an online meeting with EPI staff now.
*NOTE: FL DOE FAC Rule 6A-5.066 (teacher preparation) changed in October 2019 and July 2021; Florida Statute XLVIII, Ch. 1004.04 (public accountability and teacher preparation programs) changed in 2020. As a result, additional reading requirements have been developed and implemented in the EPI program, and program changes continue to reflect new legislation.
If you have an interest in pursuing licensure or certification outside the state of Florida, please review this Professional Licensure Disclosure Statement.