About Certification

Unlike other regions, Miami-Dade does not require incoming corps members to complete a Master's program while teaching in the corps. Instead, you must pass the Florida Teacher Certification Exams. There are three main components to complete certification in Miami:

1. Pass the Subject Area Exam (SAE) - $150

2. Pass the General Knowledge Test (GKT) - $130

3. Apply for certification through the Florida Department of Education - $75

+ Must order 3 degree-conferred transcripts from your institution. Prices vary.

Total certification costs vary by corps member. At a minimum, you will pay $355 for certification expenses. This was the reality for 49% of the 2021 TFA Miami-Dade Corps. However, there is a distinct possibility that you may need to retest for your SAE and GKT at least twice. Below are some statistics that stress the importance and landscape of testing:

• 51% passed their SAE for their first attempt, 19% passed after their second attempt, 19% passed after their third attempt, and 11% needed more than four attempts to pass.

• 62% passed their GKT for their first attempt, 23% passed after their second attempt, 10% passed after their third attempt, and 5% needed more than four attempts to pass.

Financial Support

Each corps member has the opportunity to apply for Need-Based Financial Support. 79% of 2021 TFA Corps Members applied and used Need-Based Financial Support to pay for certification expenses. TFA Miami-Dade highly stresses that each corps members apply for Need-Based Financial Support. Financial concerns are valid and TFA pledges to support you to obtain the necessary funds to pay for these expenses as long as you apply for this.