Prior to sitting for the examination, an applicant must complete pre-certification coursework for the chosen primary program area.ย It is recommended that an applicant not begin the pre-certification coursework until they receive notification from the Florida Department of Health that they have satisfied the eligibility requirements.


Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems Program

Circular logo for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection

The Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems (OSTDS) Program has been transferred to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) through an interagency agreement with Florida Department of Health (DOH). The Department of Health continues to administer the initial and renewal application process and distribute certificates upon applicants passing required exam(s).

Florida Onsite Wastewater Association logo

OSTDS Program prerequisite coursework and examsย are provided through a week-longย Accelerated Certification Training (ACT), provided by the Florida Onsite Wastewater Associationย (FOWA) at their Polk County training location.ย 

If you are not a current employee of the Florida Department of Health, contact FOWA to register for courses and pay the required training fee.ย 


Food Protection Program

Theย Food Protectionย Program prerequisite coursework is offered through theย U.S. Food and Drug Administrationโ€™s (FDA) Office of Training, Education, and Development (OTED).

FDA logo with text 'LearnED Training System' and 'Office of Training, Education and Development'.

Theseย coursesย are free to current government employees, with a verifiable active government email address. Applicants must register throughย FDAโ€™s OTED LearnED Training Websiteย to access required courses.