Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How do I know if I qualify for the EPI program?

A. If you hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university and have a statement of Status of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) stating "You are Eligible," you qualify for our program.

Q. How do I get my Status of Eligiblity?

Q. What do I need to bring with me to the mandatory enrollment session when I attend?

A. The following paperwork must be completed and presented at the EPI Enrollment Session:

• Statement of Status of Eligibility from FLDOE
• FEAPs Assessment
• Teaching Profession Questionnaire
• OCPS Internship paperwork (for anyone not employed as a full-time teacher)
• Short Biography
• EPI Student Information Form
• All EPI Pre-program assessment forms. These forms can be found under the "How to Enroll" link.
• Official Transcripts must be submitted before beginning the program, especially if you wish to apply for financial aid.

Q. Do you offer online courses?

A. Yes, we offer online and hybrid classes in EPI.

Q. Should I fill out the online admissions application before attending an enrollment session?

A. We recommend that you apply first. It takes approximately five business days to process your application, so if you wish to be able to register as soon as possible, you should fill out the admissions application first. Classes will fill up quickly.

Q. Do have I have to submit any paperwork to the Admissions office in person?

A. Yes. After you have completed the online admissions application, you must bring proof of your Florida residency in two forms of identification. Admissions will not allow you to register for classes without having your documentation.

Q. How do I view the course listings for each semester?

A. To view all upcoming and available EPI courses follow these instructions:

1. Click on "Class Schedule" under "Quicklinks" at the top of the web page
2. Select Current or Future Term, leave Discipline blank, and select "EPI" for Subject Prefix
3. You may then specify which campus and/or which days you would like to attend classes
4. Click "Search"

The resulting search shows each course on each campus with all available date ranges. It will also indicate if the class is full.

Q. Do EPI courses transfer to another college or university?

A. No. The program components designated by an EPI prefix provide institutional credit, are not transferable to a state university, and do not count toward any degree. 

Q. I only a need a couple of courses, can I take only the courses I need?

A. No. You must take all EPI courses when you enroll in the program.

Q. If I am currently teaching in the school system, do I still have to take the field experience courses?

A. Yes, current teachers must register for the field experience course and complete all the assignments for the course. However, your 15 field experience hours can be completed through your current teaching assignment.

Q. If I have completed the Florida Online Reading Professional Development, do I still have to take EPI 0010, Foundations of Research-Based Practices in Reading?

A. No. FORPD will substitute and meet the requirements for EPI 0010.

Q. Once I have completed the EPI program, what steps do I need to complete to finish the program and get my Professional Educator Certificate?

A. Step one : Complete all courses and coursework.

•  Step two : Take and pass all FTCE exams. Please visit the FTCE website to register.

•  Step three : Make sure our office has a copy of your test score and a copy of your temporary certificate or Statement of Eligibility. We will not send any paperwork to the state for your completion until we have these documents.

•  Step four : If you have checked out any text books or test-prep books from our office, you will need to return them. We will not print your transcript until the books have been returned.

•  Step five : Submit your Portfolio to the Director.

•  Step six : Complete the EPI Program Evaluation Survey (3 parts). This is to make sure that you are ready to complete, and that nothing has been overlooked. Print each confirmation page with the each survey and submit with your documentation.

EPI Program Evaluation Part I

EPI Program Evaluation Part II

EPI Program Evaluation Part III

•  Step seven : This is our part. We will review your portfolio, sign the CT 133, and send the paperwork to the state. Then, we will mail a copy of the CT 133 to you for your records.

•  Step eight : If you are already on a Temporary Certificate, apply for your Professional Certificate and enjoy being an educator of our youth. If you have not been issued a Professional Certificate, you will receive a letter stating you are eligible for a Professional Certificate. When you have been hired and passed the fingerprinting and background check, you will be issued your Professional Certificate. If you wish to request your Professional Certificate before being hired, you may do so, but you will have to be fingerprinted and have a background check.