How FLVS Helps Students Earn High‑Value CTE Certifications
How FLVS Helps Students Earn High‑Value CTE Certifications
February 23, 2026
By: Kathryn Hodgins, Content and Public Relations Specialist, Florida Virtual School
Editor's Note: This post is part of a series recognizing Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month.
When you think about preparing for the future, you might picture big moments, college applications, job interviews, or that first step into a career you’ve been dreaming about. But often, it’s the credentials you earn along the way that open the door. At Florida Virtual School (FLVS), Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs are helping students turn interests into skills and skills into opportunities, one certification at a time.
Shaping Futures Through Real‑World Learning
For Hillary Misas, an FLVS Flex senior from Hollywood, Fla., entrepreneurship isn’t just something she studied; it’s something she lives every day.
“I’ve always been into entrepreneurship and business,” she said. “What I love about the FLVS CTE program is taking the theories and actually putting them into practice.”
Through courses like Principles of Entrepreneurship, Business Management and Law, and Business Ownership, Hillary learned how to create a business plan, navigate legal requirements, and understand how real companies operate. She didn’t stop at imagining a business; she launched two catering companies and is preparing to open her own marketing business as well. What stood out most was her ability to apply what she learned immediately. “They show you how to start a company the right way, keeping everything legal, working with different personalities, and even learning how to scale,” she shared.
This kind of practical experience is exactly what FLVS CTE programs are designed for. They give students the space to test ideas, build confidence, and take steps toward their future careers long before graduation. For Hillary, she says these opportunities were “essential” to her success and growth as a young entrepreneur.
When Preparation Meets Opportunity
For James Banks, a FLVS Flex senior from Tampa, Fla., the CTE journey took a different but equally inspiring path. With dreams of becoming a pediatrician, he enrolled in both the Allied Health Assisting and Principles of Teaching programs.
“I wanted to learn more about both healthcare and childcare,” he said. “My experience with CTE was very positive; the teachers were knowledgeable, and the courses were easy to navigate.”
James has already earned his Medical Administrative Assistant certification, and he credits the combination of FLVS study guides, National Healthcare Association materials, and even helpful YouTube tutorials for preparing him well for his exams.
Those certifications paid off in a major way. When he interviewed for an early assurance program for medical school, an opportunity that grants acceptance once he completes his bachelor’s degree, he was able to point to two CTE academies and a healthcare certification as evidence of his dedication. The result? He got in.
“The CTE Programs of Study really helped me secure that opportunity,” said James.
The Power Behind Industry Certifications
Stories like Hillary’s and James’s illustrate a bigger truth: industry certifications help students stand out. Certifications are recognized by employers and colleges because they confirm a student has mastered specific, job‑ready skills, not just at a basic level, but to an industry standard.
For students applying to jobs, internships, magnet programs, or competitive colleges, having validated skills can make a resume more compelling and a candidate more memorable. Certifications also hold financial benefits; many qualify students for college credit under Florida’s Gold Standard Career Pathways Articulation Agreement, allowing them to save time and money as they pursue degrees in high‑demand fields.
By the Numbers: FLVS Certification Success
FLVS students continue to outperform expectations statewide. In the 2023–24 school year, FLVS students achieved a 92% overall pass rate on industry certification exams, consistently surpassing statewide averages. For example, FLVS students earned a 92% pass rate on the Agriculture Associate exam, compared with the state’s 71%, and achieved a perfect 100% pass rate in Entrepreneurship and Small Business, compared with the state’s 74%.
Participation is also growing dramatically. During the 2024–25 school year, FLVS Flex students earned 189 certifications, and Full Time students earned 661, compared to 122 and 55 the previous school year. That’s a more than 1,100% increase in Full Time certifications alone.
Students are gravitating toward certifications that align with modern, in‑demand careers. The most popular certification recently has been Certified Internet Web (CIW) Social Media Strategist, and interest is quickly rising in areas such as Entrepreneurship and Small Business and Design for Delight.
Scholarships That Reward Your Hard Work
Another major advantage of earning certifications in high school is eligibility for the Gold Seal CAPE (Career and Academic Education) Scholarship, part of Florida’s Bright Futures program.
Designed for students pursuing certificate programs, Associate in Science (A.S.), or Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees, this scholarship has several student‑friendly requirements: no minimum GPA or test scores, and the ability to qualify by earning certifications that add up to five college credits.
Even better, when students complete an A.S. or A.A.S. degree under this scholarship, they can receive 60 additional credits toward a Bachelor of Science degree through participating programs, saving significant time and money on their educational path.
Support That Meets Students Where They Are
One of the biggest strengths of FLVS CTE programs is the individualized support students receive. Teachers walk students through course material with guided notes, practice exercises, one-on-one help, and exam prep. Hillary especially valued the way modules clearly indicated what topics might appear on certification exams, making it easier to focus her studying.
James appreciated having multiple layers of support, from FLVS materials and other resources to build confidence before testing. That support encouraged him to pursue additional certifications and helped him feel prepared for his future career in pediatric medicine.
The Path Starts Here
With 11 CTE Programs of Study aligned to high‑demand careers, FLVS offers students a chance to discover their interests, earn meaningful credentials, and gain a competitive edge long before graduation. Whether you’re starting a business like Hillary, preparing for the medical field like James, or exploring a brand‑new passion, certifications can help you move forward with confidence.
The best part? FLVS covers the cost of course materials, practice tests, and many certification exams. All you have to invest is your time and dedication, something FLVS teachers are ready to support every step of the way.
Your Story is Still Being Written
Your future isn’t waiting for you, it’s unfolding now. With the right skills, support, and certifications, you can take real steps toward the college or career you imagine. Explore an FLVS CTE program that inspires you, talk with your teachers about certification options, and start building a future where your skills speak for themselves.
About the Author: Content and Public Relations Specialist at Florida Virtual School, Katie Hodgins, leverages her extensive experience and passion for storytelling to highlight the people, places, and opportunities that define the FLVS community. A military veteran and lifelong learner, Katie enjoys communicating unique and innovative stories to inspire and engage the next generation. Having traveled throughout the world, she is proud to have planted roots here in Florida and with Florida Virtual School.
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