Alternative Certification

What is the Alternative Certification Program (ACP)?

The ACP is designed to offer non-education majors who have met the subject area requirements for temporary certification the opportunity to be trained as educators.

ACP is a three-part program that includes:

  1. Course/Module work for professional preparation through the following
    Participation in BEACON Online modules (1–3 year completion),
    **OR **complete college coursework for credit to meet certification needs - doing coursework on your own is not part of the Alternative Certification Program)
    Participants are given a choice of either completing all modules in the Alternative Certification Program or completing 15 semester hours in college coursework as another route to certification.College coursework and modules may NOT be combined.
    Needs are unique for each teacher and guidance from the District Certification Specialist is a must.

  2. Completion of the district Professional Orientation Program (POP)

  3. Successful completion of the state online reading courses (dependent on subject(s) teaching).

  4. Successful completion of the Professional Education Exam (study guides are available)
    **** Please click here for the study guides. ****

What are the qualifications to participate in the ACP?
To qualify you must:

  • Be a paid instructional employee of the Santa Rosa County School Board
  • Hold or be eligible for a temporary certificate from the Florida Department of Education

How long does the program take?
ACP is a one to three year program which may be successfully completed in one year provided the following requirements are met:

  • Teach a minimum of 180 days with students
  • Attend pre- and post-planning days for teachers
  • Successfully complete all district Alternative Certification requirements
  • Pass the Professional Ed. Exam.

The General Knowledge and Subject Area Exams are additional requirements for the Professional Certificate and are not required for completion of the Alternative Certification Program.

What is the cost of the program?

The cost of the BEACON Online Course/Module Program free to SRCDS instructional employees. The Program cost is divided throughout the coursework and corresponds with the modules. For information or registration information visit www.beaconeducator.com.

How do I find out more information about the Alternative Certification Program?

Once you are hired in an instructional position you will meet with one of our Certification Specialist in the Human Resource Office for additional information.