Educator Preparation Institute

Program Admission Requirements

Prerequisites for admission into the EPI program include a non-education Baccalaureate Degree awarded by an accredited institution with a minimum grade point average of 2.5.

All potential students start the enrollment process with an Entrance Interview with the Program Manager.

Effective January 1, 2015, admission requirements also include:

• a valid Statement of Eligibility (SOE) from Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) verifying eligibility for a professional teaching certificate.

At the Entrance Interview potential students will:

• Provide sealed official transcripts from all colleges attended. Transcripts must reflect completion of a baccalaureate or higher degree from an accredited college or university approved by the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE).
• Have completed a Non-Degree Seeking Application online for Hillsborough Community College. 
• Submit proof of Florida residence (valid Florida Drivers license, voter registration card and/or vehicle registration).

Upon satisfying the requirements above, the candidate will be given registration materials and a class schedule and will be scheduled for an orientation meeting.

Tuition costs are based on the current HCC fee structure per credit hour.

Additional costs may be expended in 1) fees for a School District of Hillsborough County background check and fingerprinting; 2) application for DOE Statement of Eligibility and/or temporary teaching certificate; and 3) application for the General Knowledge Exam, the Professional Education Exam and the Subject Area Exam.

Financial Aid is available for those who qualify. Please inquire at the EPI office for further details.

Complete the following steps to be eligible to apply for a Florida Teaching Certificate.

Successfully complete the Educator Preparation Institute (EPI) program and successfully pass:

1. Subject Area Exam (SAE)
2. The General Knowledge Exam (GKT)*
3. The Professional Education Exam (Ped)

*Please note: Beginning July 1, 2014. new applicants for an initial Florida Educator's Certificate may no longer use a passing score on the College-Level Academic Skills Test (CLAST) earned prior to July 1, 2002, to satisfy the General Knowledge (GK) requirement.

- Effective 7/1/2022, the General Knowledge Requirement (GKT) requirement may be waived with proof of a Master’s degree from an accredited institution.

ADDITIONAL NOTE - Only examination results earned within 10 years prior to the date of application for a new certificate may be acceptable for certification eligibility requirements. 

Certification Areas offered:

The EPI curriculum at Hillsborough Community College is competency-based, sequenced, and built on the Florida Educator Accomplished Practices (FEAPs).

The program is designed to be completed in less than a year and provides a pathway for teacher certification in any of the following areas: