The documents on this page provide official policy and guidance on certification application, examination, renewal, continuing education and related topics. Documents on this page apply to all credentials. Credential specific requirements and mandatory forms are located on the page for your specific credential .
If you have questions that are not answered by published policy, please contact the FCB for further assistance.
Certification Guidelines & Requirements
All applicants and certified professionals are subject to the policies and procedures detailed in these Candidate Guides, unless otherwise specified in the credential-specific Standards and Requirements Tables.
Fees
The FCB accepts VISA, MasterCard, American Express and Discover.
The most efficient and secure way to pay certification related fees is through your individual online account.
There is no additional fee for online payment, however, the FCB charges a $5 processing fee for each credit card payment made over the phone.
FCB fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Related Policies
Accommodation Requests
The FCB provides ADA accommodations for eligible test candidates. This form must be completed by the candidate’s medical professional and submitted to the FCB for consideration before scheduling a test date.
FCB Special Accommodations Policy and Application
Appeal Policy
When an applicant is denied certification or is subject to an action by the FCB, they may inquire about or appeal the results of the application review process and/or the examination. This document includes the application for appeal. Please carefully review this document for related policy.
Authorization to Release Information
The FCB views a certification application and supporting documentation as confidential information. Applicants who want to authorize the FCB to talk to others about information related to their application may complete and submit an Authorization to Release Information. The authorization is limited to the individuals, content and time-frame specified by the applicant and may be revoked by the applicant at any time. Please carefully review this document for related policy and complete the attached form.
Authorization to Release Information Policy and Form
CE Provider Policy
Certified professionals must complete a specific number of hours of continuing education credits. The FCB accepts continuing education from a wide range of providers, as detailed in this policy. Please carefully review this document for related policy.
Criminal History Policy
All applicants, regardless of credential, are required to pass a Level 2 Background Screening with the state as a condition of certification. If you are working for an employer that requires a successful Level 2 Background Screening as a condition of employment, we will simply verify your eligibility in the statewide database. If you do not have a current eligibility finding in the database, we will initiate the background screening as part of your application process.
All background specific questions, i.e., statutes, eligibility, must be directed to DCF’s Clearinghouse. FCB does not review or make eligibility determinations regarding background history.
Criminal History Policy
Level 2 Background Screening Request Form
Degree Equivalency Review
Some credentials require applicants to hold a degree in a related field. Applicants who do not hold a specified degree but believe their coursework meets equivalent degree standards may request a Degree Equivalency Review to determine eligibility before starting the official certification application process. Please carefully review this document for related policy and complete the attached form.
Related Degree Equivalency Review Policy and Application
Please note: There is a fee assessed for this review. You MUST create an online FCB account in order for us to accept and process your request and the associated fee payment.
Exam Confidentiality Policy
The Exam Confidentiality Policy is specifically designed to protect the integrity and confidentiality of FCB exam instruments before, during and after the examination process. An Exam Confidentiality Agreement must be completed prior sitting for an exam.
On-the-Job Supervision Documentation Templates
Eligible on-the-job supervision documentation must include specific information. These sample forms identify the key elements required for documentation. Use this form as a guide when documenting on-the-job supervision. There is one version for a single supervisory encounter and one version to document on-going supervision.
- On-the-Job Supervision Document Log – Single Event
- On-the-Job Supervision Document Log – Multiple Events
Reactivation and Reinstatement
The Florida Certification Board (FCB) has a new and expanded policy (May 2023) for credential holders who wish to reactivate credentials that are in an Inactive status or reinstate credentials that are Expired. Requirements are based on the time interval in which the credential has lapsed.
- Inactive (First Quarter). A credential that has not been renewed and is on Inactive status for three (3) months or less from the end of the current renewal period.
- Inactive. A credential that has not been renewed and is on Inactive status for greater than three (3) months and less than 36 months from the original credential expiration date.
- Inactive. A credential that has not been renewed and is on Inactive status for greater than three (3) months and less than 36 months from the original credential expiration date.
Please carefully review this document for related policy and complete the attached application.
FCB Certification Reactivation and Reinstatement Application
Retirement
Certified individuals transitioning into retirement may place their credential in retirement status. Retirement status does not allow for active use of the credential, but does maintain recognition of competency. Please carefully review this document for related policy.