Education System

School District Postsecondary Certificate Programs

For assistance, call 850-245-9020 or visit https://www.fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/career-tech-edu/

What is the purpose of District Career Certificate Programs?

The purpose of district postsecondary career certificate programs is to teach technical competencies and related academic skills that prepare students to enter and advance in a variety of career fields and postsecondary education. Florida College System institutions also offer a wide range of career certificate programs.

What types of career certificate programs do school districts offer?

Thirty-nine Florida school districts provide a range of career certificate programs. Programs differ in length depending on the occupation being trained for and the credential earned. In addition to the standard curriculum, ATD and career certificate programs over 450 contact hours require students to meet a basic skills requirement to complete the program. The Department of Education provides curriculum frameworks for each certificate program. Each program is aligned to a career cluster and with partners from education, business and industry, and trade associations, the curriculum frameworks include program standards that are both academically integrated and responsive to business and industry.

What is the Career Certificate Program?

Postsecondary Career Certificate programs focus on teaching technical competencies and related academic skills that prepare students to enter and advance in a variety of career fields and postsecondary education. Certificate programs require students to take a basic skills exam to determine whether or not the student has the basic skills necessary to be successful in the chosen program.

The top 10 district programs for 2021-22, as reported by the department in terms of enrollment, are listed below.

Postsecondary Career Certificate Programs Enrollment
Practical Nursing 3,373
Cosmetology1,992
Welding Technology1,982
Medical Assisting1,433

Professional Culinary Arts & Hospitality

1,289
Electricity1,220
Automotive Service Technology 11,133
Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning/Refrigeration (HVAC/R) 11,098
Facials Specialty993

Automotive Service Technology

970
Source:  Department of Education.

 

What is the Applied Technology Diploma Program?

Applied Technology Diploma (ATD) programs are short-term courses of study that are part of a technical degree program and lead to employment in a specific occupation. These programs vary in length but must be under 60 credit hours.

How much is tuition for Career Certificate and ATD programs?

According to s. 1009.22(3)(c), Florida Statutes, for Career Certificate and ATD programs school districts are authorized to charge standard tuition of $2.33 per contact hour and an additional $6.99 out-of-state fee per contact hour for non-residents. Each district school board is authorized to adopt tuition and out-of-state fee rates within a range of 5% below to 5% above the standard tuition and out-of-state fee rates established by the Florida Legislature. Districts may also charge fees for student financial aid (10% of tuition rate), capital improvement (5% of tuition rate), and technology (5% of tuition rate).

What is the Apprenticeship Program?

Apprenticeship is a relatively long (lasting up to five years, but averaging four) highly structured program that provides vocational skill training in a given job through a combination of on-the-job training and classroom instruction. Students enrolled in apprenticeship programs are usually required to have a high school diploma or its equivalency. In an apprenticeship, employers generally initiate and sponsor programs, and then may enter into agreements with school districts or state colleges which provide classroom instruction and/or assist with funding. As a result, the sponsor selects the program participants, who are exempt from paying tuition and fees. Additional information about apprenticeship programs can be found on the department's website.

The top 10 district-supported apprenticeship programs for 2021-22, as reported by the department in terms of enrollment, are listed below. 

Apprenticeship Programs Enrollment
Electrician 6,008
Plumbing Technology 1,460
Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Heating Technology 1,365
Pre-Apprenticeship715
Fire Sprinkler System Technology496
Electrical Line Service and Repair466
Early Childhood Education419
Structural Steel Work332
Carpentry322
Industrial Pipefitter293
Source: Department of Education.

 

What type of statewide information is available on student outcomes?

The Department of Education and Department of Economic Opportunity provide information on post-graduation employment outcomes for district certificate program completers. 

Where can I find related OPPAGA reports?

Career Statewide Articulation Agreements, Report 23-10, November 2023
Florida College System Industry Certifications, Report 19-10, October 2019
School District Postsecondary Industry Certifications, Report 19-09, October 2019

Where can I get more information?

Other Reports
A Comparison of State of Florida Charter Technical Career Centers to District Non-Charter Career Centers 2014-15, Florida Department of Education, February 2016

Websites of Interest
Association for Career and Technical Education
Florida Association for Career and Technical Educators
Florida Department of Education, Career and Adult Education
U.S. Department of Education, Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education

Performance Information


Performance measures and standards for the department may be found in its Long Range Program Plan.

What are the applicable statutes?

Sections 1004.91 and 1004.92, Florida Statutes

Whom do I contact for help?

Director, Career and Adult Education, 850-245-0446
Website