Applicants With Foreign Academic Training
Do NOT send original foreign diplomas or original foreign transcripts to the Bureau of Educator Certification. Documents submitted to the Bureau of Educator Certification become part of the applicant's permanent certification record and cannot be returned.
Applicants who completed academic training outside the United States should submit the documentation described below to accompany the online application and processing fee. Additional information is provided for individuals who are not citizens of the United States.
- Credential evaluation report of United States equivalency
The applicant must submit an original credential evaluation report written in English that includes a statement of United States degree equivalency and a breakdown of coursework into descriptive course titles and semester-hour credits. Photocopies are not accepted.
The credential evaluation report may be provided by one of the following:
- an accredited four-year college or university in the United States
- a current member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES)
- a current member of the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE)
- a credential evaluation agency approved by the Bureau of Educator Certification. Please see Approved Credential Evaluation Agencies for the current list of agencies that have requested and received approval from the Bureau of Educator Certification. Criteria for approval of credential evaluation agencies are outlined in State Board of Education Certification Rule 6A-4.003.
- Noncitizens
An applicant who is not a United States citizen may apply for the Statement of Status of Eligibility (SOE). However, appropriate immigration status must be established through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) prior to employment. The Bureau of Educator Certification cannot provide assistance with visas since this is strictly an employment issue. Consequently, matters related to immigration status or visas should be discussed with your prospective employer. Upon employment in an approved Florida school, the employer must submit appropriate verification of immigration status to the Bureau of Educator Certification as one requirement for issuance of a Florida Educator Certificate.