The Educator Preparation Institute (EPI) is a DOE approved competency-based alternative teacher certification program. It is designed for non-education majors who hold a baccalaureate or higher degree and Temporary Certification eligibility. Of great importance to Florida school districts are critical shortage subject areas of Exceptional Student Education (ESE K-12), Mathematics (5-9 and 6-12), Science (Biology 6-12, Chemistry 6-12, Physics 6-12, Earth-Space Science 6-12), and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL K-12). Program completers meet the requirements for highly qualified teachers statewide. Call (305) 237-6482 or email epi-succeed@mdc.edu to contact a staff member for more information.

All program components must be completed through EPI. Because of the competency based design of the total program, it is not possible to “mix and match” EPI courses with other coursework outside the program. As in degree-based programs, EPI students are required to demonstrate and document electronically the Florida Educator Accomplished Standards (FEAPs) and to pass all three parts of the Florida Teacher Certification Exam (FTCE). The program components are:

Coursework is scheduled in seven classes, and offered over a two semester period. Classes are held on Friday evenings, full day Saturdays and Sundays on alternate weekends each semester. Current tuition is $78.24/semester hour, required textbooks are $310.00 and the LiveText Portfolio fee is $89.00- $112.00, depending on options selected. Upon successful completion of ALL of the above EPI program components, a Certificate of Completion (CT133), MDC transcript showing EPI coursework and grades, and a copy of the electronic Portfolio will be sent to the Florida DOE.

Interested students will be provided assistance in compiling requirements, but all requirements must be met before enrollment occurs. Applicants who have previously attended MDC, or who are employed in a public or private school should contact an EPI staff member before proceeding, as the following requirements may be already met with easily obtainable documentation.

  1. Bachelor’s or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution (foreign-language degree holders may present translation/evaluation documents) in a subject area related to a DOE certification area. An official (sealed) transcript is required.
  2. Admission to Miami Dade College apply online
  3. Admission to the EPI Program –completion and submission of Application, Program Agreement, and provision of transcripts and other documents.
  4. Official college transcript where degree was conferred
  5. Valid Official Statement of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Education
  6. Three letters of reference and telephone numbers for reference from current or former employer/supervisor, professor, or colleague
  7. Background clearance (see "Fingerprinting")
  8. Financial support ( http://www.mdc.edu/financial_aid/ ) and Advisement information are available
  1. You can apply on line at https://certify.doe.state.fl.us/onlineapp/login.asp, or
  2. By mail: Contact the Florida Department of Education, Bureau of Educator Certification by e-mail at: edcert@fldoe.org to have an application mailed to you, or
  3. By phone: Call the Florida Department of Education, Florida Alternative Certification Program at: 1-800-445-6739.
  4. Submit official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions.
  5. The cost is $75.00 per subject for certification

Applications may also be obtained from local school district offices.

Individuals who hold a Statement of Eligibility for a Florida Temporary Certificate may be issued a Florida certificate if the employing nonpublic school has a state-approved program for demonstration of the professional educational competence.

EPI courses earn "institutional credit." This credit is recognized by the FLDOE only for the purpose of determining that all EPI program requirements have been met for the purpose of earning eligibility for teacher certification in Florida. While EPI course credit may be transferable to other EPI programs in Florida, it cannot be transferred to an associate's, baccalaureate, or higher degree program.

MDC SOE EPI Program will issue a certificate of completion (form CT 133) and MDC transcripts to the FLDOE only after all of the following requirements are satisfied:

Once all EPI and FLDOE requirements are met, as noted above, MDC will directly send a copy of the student's completed CT-133 form, a copy of the student's MDC transcript, and a copy of the student's LiveText portfolio to FLDOE.