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Prepare for the FTCE Exam

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What is the FTCE?

The Florida Teacher Certification Examination (FTCE) is a series of 40 assessments that are administered to those seeking teaching certification in Florida. The purpose of the exam is to ensure that prospective educators possess the skills and knowledge necessary to be a successful teacher. Among the 40 FTCE exams are the overall General Knowledge Test and Professional Education Test, which measure general readiness to work as an educator, as well as more than 35 Subject Area Exams, which are specific to the subject a test-taker wishes to teach. The following table provides an overview of available FTCE exams and an explanation of who will need to take them.

Exam Who Should Take
  • FTCE General Knowledge Test
  • FTCE Professional Education Test
 These exams are required for all prospective teachers who have not received accredited teaching certification in another state. The General Knowledge Test often acts as an admissions exam for university education programs. In some instances, GRE scores may meet general knowledge requirements.
Subject Area Exams, including:
  • Art K-12
  • Biology 6-12
  • Business Education 6-12
  • Elementary Education K-6
  • English 6-12
  • ESOL K-12
  • Exceptional Student Education K-12
  • Middle Grades Mathematics 5-9
  • Middle Grades Science 5-9
  • Physical Education K-12
  • Prekindergarten / Primary K-3
  • Social Science 6-12
 One or more subject tests will likely be required for those seeking to teach certain subjects, such as English, music, or physical education.

What is on the FTCE tests?

Prospective Florida educators will need to take at least one of two main exams: the FTCE General Knowledge Test, which is divided into subtests on English, reading, math, and writing, and the FTCE Professional Education Test, which covers subjects such as pedagogy, student assessment, and professional development. Additionally, FTCE test-takers will likely need to take an additional Subject Area Exam to demonstrate competency in the subject they plan to teach.

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What is on the FTCE General Knowledge Test?

The FTCE General Knowledge Test consists of questions that assess the basic knowledge and skills necessary for teaching. Candidates must display proficiency in basic reading, writing, and mathematics in order to succeed on the FTCE General Knowledge Test. The following table will help you know what to expect from each General Knowledge subtest.

Subtest Number of questions Time limit Passing score
Essay 1 essay question 50 minutes 8 out of 12
English language 40 multiple-choice 40 minutes 200
Reading 40 multiple-choice 55 minutes 200
Mathematics 45 multiple-choice 100 minutes 200

FTCE General Knowledge: Math

The FTCE General Knowledge Math subtest is composed of multiple-choice questions that assess understanding of fundamental areas such as basic algebra and geometry, statistics, and unit conversion. For this portion of the exam, you should know equations related to fundamental concepts such as surface area, the Pythagorean Theorem, and accurate interpretation of statistical data.

Math subtest
Competency Portion of subtest Approximate number of items Example Skills
Numerical and operational principles 17% 7
  • Inequalities
  • Word problems
  • Order of operations
Geometry and measurements 21% 8
  • 2D and 3D shapes
  • Units of measure
  • Proportion and ratio equations
Algebra and coordinate planes 29% 12
  • Algebraic equations
  • Interpretation of lines and graphs
  • Plotting slopes based on equations and solutions
Statistics, data interpretation, and probabilities 33% 13
  • Data visualizations (graphs, pie charts, tables, etc.)
  • Data interpretation
  • Mean, median, and mode

FTCE General Knowledge: English Language Skills

The English Language Skills Subtest of the FTCE General Knowledge Test measures working knowledge of the rules and conventions of English language usage. In this section, it is essential for examinees to have a strong understanding of the grammar, syntax, and vocabulary necessary for accurate and effective communication. The following table outlines the material test-takers can expect to see:

English Language Skills subtest
Competency Portion of subtest Approximate number of items Example Skills
Syntax 25% 10
  • Identifying errors in sentence structure
    • Incomplete sentences
    • Comma splices
  • Correctly using sentence modifiers (nouns and adjectives)
  • Effectively organizing written communication
Vocabulary 25% 10
  • Defining terms
  • Identifying unknown words based on context
  • Employing the proper style for the intended audience
Standard Rules and Conventions 50% 20%
  • Identifying subject-verb agreement/disagreement
  • Using correct verb tenses and forms

FTCE General Knowledge: Reading

The FTCE General Knowledge Reading Subtest determines a test-taker's ability to identify the most important details within a text, and to identify the essential elements of essay structure, such as a primary thesis, topic sentences, and the conclusion. As such, it is important to know where and how to look for these markers across multiple genres. See the table below for additional details.

Reading subtest
Competency Portion of subtest Approximate number of items Example Skills
Identifying main ideas and information within a text 40% 16%
  • Locating the primary argument(s) in a text and the supporting evidence
  • Following the logical development of the thesis throughout the progression of an essay
Understanding the role organization and syntax plays in a written passage 25% 10
  • Identifying how specific words or rhetorical structures affect meaning
Understanding how information is effectively incorporated into written communication 35% 14
  • Determining how well information and arguments support the author's main points.
  • Understanding how persuasive rhetoric differs between genres.

FTCE General Knowledge: Essay

The essay portion of the FTCE General Knowledge Exam assesses the test-taker's persuasive writing skills. For this subtest, you will have 50 minutes to respond to an essay prompt. To succeed on the FTCE General Knowledge essay, you will need to know how to formulate and support a clear thesis and how to organize your writing logically. You will also need to have a strong understanding of grammar and syntax, as excessive errors will count against your essay score. Completed essays receive grades from two raters, who each provide a score between one and six. The scores from the two raters are then combined for the result. Scoring criteria for the essay fall into the following categories:

  • Focus – the way an essay establishes and supports a central thesis
  • Organization – the way an essay is strategically organized to clearly get its point across
  • Support – the degree to which an essay supports its thesis with detailed, relevant evidence
  • Grammar – the way an essay uses appropriate grammar, precise language, and varied sentence structure
  • Conventions – the degree to which an essay contains accurate spelling and demonstrates knowledge of correct capitalization and punctuation

What is on the FTCE Professional Education Test?

The FTCE Professional Education Test is a 150-minute computer-based assessment consisting of approximately 110 multiple-choice question that covers effective teaching, classroom management, and professional development. When preparing for the FTCE Professional Education Test, make sure to study areas including effective curriculum planning, course assessments, and lesson delivery.

FTCE Professional Education Test
Competency Percentage of exam Approximate number of items
Instructional Design and Planning 18% 20
Learning Environment 15% 17
Teaching Strategies 18% 20
Assessment Strategies 14% 15
Professional Improvement 12% 13
Ethics and Professional Conduct 9% 10
English Language Learners 7% 8
Reading and Literacy 7% 8

What is on the FTCE Subject Area Examinations (SAE)?

The FTCE Subject Area Examinations are topic-specific assessments geared toward those needing or seeking qualification in specific academic subjects. FTCE Subject Area Examinations range from mathematics and physics to humanities and drama and vary in the number and types of questions. For a partial list of FTCE Subject Area Examinations, please see the following table.

FTCE Subject Area Exams
Subject area Number & type of questions (approximate) Time limit
Art K-12 110 multiple-choice 150 minutes
Biology 6-12 120 multiple-choices 150 minutes
Business Education 6-12 120 multiple-choice 150 minutes
Chemistry 6-12 100 multiple-choice 150 minutes
Elementary Education K-6 (see table below) (see table below)
English 6-12 80 multiple-choice; 1 essay
  • Multiple-choice: 90 minutes
  • Essay: 60 minutes
ESOL K-12 120 multiple-choice 150 minutes
Exceptional Student Education K-12 120 multiple-choice 150 minutes
Health K-12 120 multiple-choice 150 minutes
Middle Grades English 5-9 80 multiple-choice; 1 essay 150 minutes
Middle Grades General Science 5-9 120 multiple-choice 150 minutes
Elementary Education K-6 subtests
Subest Number & type of questions (approximate) Time limit
Language Arts and Reading 60 multiple-choice 65 minutes
Social Science 55 multiple-choice 65 minutes
Science 55 multiple-choice 65 minutes
Mathematics 50 multiple-choice 70 minutes

View all available FTCE resources

30+ FTCE Courses 20,000+ FTCE Practice Test Questions 9 FTCE Articles

How to study for the FTCE test

The FTCE tests measure your readiness for a career as an educator in Florida. As you get ready for the FTCE exam, consider how you learn most effectively and ways to make the best use of your time. You may benefit from group study or flash cards. Whatever the case, you will need to ensure that you possess a working knowledge of the relevant subject matter.

Study.com makes it easy

  • Practice questions help identify your areas of weakness
  • Comprehensive curricula are designed specifically for FTCE exams
  • FTCE practice tests emulate the content and structure of questions on the exams

How to make an FTCE study plan

An effective study plan is essential for success on the FTCE exam. By mapping out your plan of action you can approach test day with confidence. Use the following studying strategies geared specifically toward FTCE exam preparation:

  1. Know the material. There are over 40 FTCE exams and subtests that present varying numbers and types of questions. Effectively preparing for an essay prompt requires different knowledge and strategies than those necessary for a multiple-choice exam. Similarly, the General Knowledge Test will evaluate different competencies than those demanded by the various subject area examinations. As such, it's important to prepare for the specific material covered by your exam.
  2. Manage your time. Identify where and when you study most effectively and how much time you can reasonably commit to each session. Information retention is more effective when it is reinforced by multiple sessions over a longer period. Give yourself a reasonable window for preparation to avoid short-term cramming.
  3. Personalize your methods. Determining how you learn best is an essential step in the planning process. If you are motivated by cooperation or competition, a study group might boost your preparation. You may absorb information better from flashcards compared to a textbook. Think back to methods that have helped you achieve success in the past and consider how those approaches can be incorporated into your study plan.
  4. Take practice tests. Practice tests are a great way to both survey the kinds of questions that will be on the exam and determine how to best manage the allotted time. For instance, if you find yourself struggling to complete 120 multiple-choice questions in 150 minutes, you can work to strategize and manage your time effectively.
  5. Get advice. If you know individuals who have successfully passed FTCE examinations, ask them about their experience and how they prepared for the test.

How to pass the FTCE General Knowledge Test

Because the FTCE General Knowledge Test measures major academic competencies, it's required of all teachers regardless of their prospective instructional area. To successfully pass this exam, test-takers must have proficiencies in the areas of mathematics, English grammar, reading comprehension, and writing. The exam consists of four sections, three of which are multiple-choice and one of which is essay. It is crucial to know how to best approach both types of response options to ensure that you are able to demonstrate your full knowledge of each domain.

Take an FTCE General Knowledge practice test

The best way to prepare for a professional exam like the FTCE is to gain a general understanding of the material you can expect to see on test day. FTCE practice tests will shed light on the kinds of questions you should anticipate, allow you to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses, and can help determine additional areas of focused study. Taking a timed practice test, with no distractions, can help you practice your exam answering pace and gauge how well you might perform on the real exam.

How to pass the FTCE Professional Education Test

To pass the FTCE Professional Education Test, you should have a working knowledge of strategies for effective instruction and continuing professional development. Sections of the test focus on areas ranging from instructional delivery to the professional and ethical standards expected of educators. The exam consists of approximately 110 multiple-choice questions and a minimum score of 200 is necessary pass. To make the best of your study sessions, you may find helpful to use an FTCE courses.

Take an FTCE Professional Education practice test

Practice tests are a great way to sample the kinds of questions that you will encounter on an exam. They can also measure how well you can expect to perform on test day and help you pinpoint your exact study needs. Using an FTCE Professional Education practice test can help you make the most of your study time and give you confidence in your abilities on the day of your test.

Check out our most popular FTCE test prep courses

FTCE-specific preparation courses for every subject
FTCE ESOL K-12 (047) Prep
155 lessons
FTCE Exceptional Student Education K-12 (061) Prep
143 lessons
FTCE School Counseling PK-12 (018) Prep
107 lessons
FTCE Humanities K-12 (022) Prep
342 lessons
FTCE Music K-12 (028) Prep
159 lessons
FTCE Physical Education K-12 (063): Practice & Study Guide
143 lessons
FTCE School Psychologist PK-12 (036) Prep
144 lessons
FTCE Middle Grades English 5-9 (014) Prep
322 lessons
FTCE Middle Grades General Science 5-9 (004) Prep
242 lessons
FTCE Middle Grades Mathematics 5-9 (025) Prep
293 lessons
FTCE Middle Grades Social Science 5-9 (038) Prep
476 lessons
FTCE Biology 6-12 (002) Prep
227 lessons
FTCE Business Education 6-12 (051) Prep
242 lessons
FTCE Chemistry 6-12 (003) Prep
186 lessons
FTCE Earth/Space Science 6-12 (008) Prep
165 lessons
FTCE Elementary Education K-6 (060): Practice & Study Guide
413 lessons
FTCE English 6-12 (013) Prep
174 lessons
FTCE Family & Consumer Science 6-12 (052): Practice & Study Guide
294 lessons
FTCE Marketing 6-12 (057) Prep
138 lessons
FTCE Mathematics 6-12 (026) Prep
489 lessons
FTCE Physics 6-12 (032) Prep
169 lessons
FTCE Prekindergarten/Primary PK-3 (053): Practice & Study Guide
229 lessons
FTCE Preschool Education Birth-Age 4 (007): Practice & Study Guide
191 lessons
FTCE Reading K-12 (035) Prep
146 lessons
FTCE Social Science 6-12 (037) Prep
466 lessons
FTCE Speech-Language Impaired K-12 (042) Prep
137 lessons
FTCE Computer Science K-12 (005) Prep
89 lessons
FTCE Health K-12 (019): Study Guide & Practice
156 lessons

 FTCE Exams

General Knowledge

FTCE General Knowledge Test (GK) (082)

Professional Education

FTCE Professional Education Test (PEd)

Subject Area

FTCE Biology 6-12 (002)
FTCE Business Education 6-12 (051)
FTCE Chemistry 6-12 (003)
FTCE Computer Science K-12 (005)
FTCE Earth/Space Science 6-12 (008)
FTCE Elementary Education K-6 (060)
FTCE English 6-12 (013)
FTCE ESOL K-12 (047)
FTCE Exceptional Student Education K-12 (061)
FTCE Family and Consumer Science 6-12 (052)
FTCE Health K-12 (019)
FTCE Humanities K-12 (022)
FTCE Marketing 6-12 (057)
FTCE Mathematics 6-12 (026)
FTCE Middle Grades English 5-9 (014)
FTCE Middle Grades General Science 5-9 (004)
FTCE Middle Grades Mathematics 5-9 (025)
FTCE Middle Grades Social Science 5-9 (038)
FTCE Music K-12 (028)
FTCE Physical Education K-12 (063)
FTCE Physics 6-12 (032)
FTCE Prekindergarten/Primary PK-3 (053)
FTCE Preschool Education (Birth-Age 4) (007)
FTCE Reading K-12 (035)
FTCE School Counseling PK-12 (018)
FTCE School Psychologist PK-12 (036)
FTCE Social Science 6-12 (037)
FTCE Speech-Language Impaired K-12 (042)
View all 

FTCE test registration

After determining which tests you need to take, you can begin registering for the FTCE exam(s) by visiting the official FTCE website and following these steps:

  1. Create a personal FTCE account.

    1. Selecting "My Account" at the top of the homepage.
    2. When the new page has loaded, select "Create Account."
    3. Complete all required fields according to the provided instructions.

  2. Register for an exam.

    1. Sign in to your FTCE account.
    2. Select the "Register for the FTCE/FELE" link.
    3. In the "Open Registrations" section you can select the location, day and time that works best for you.

  3. Pay for the exam.

    1. To complete the registration process, pay the exam fee using a credit or debit card.

You can reschedule your exam date with no additional charges by cancelling your current registration and repeating the above registration steps at least 24 hours prior to your scheduled time.

FTCE test registration

Test Initial registration cost Retake cost
FTCE General Knowledge Test $130 $32.50 per subtest
FTCE Professional Education Test $150 $150
FTCE Subject Area Exams $150 $150
FTCE Elementary Education K-6 or FTCE Prekindergarten/Primary PK-3 $150 (full battery of 4 subtests) $37.50 per subtest

In addition to registration costs, expect additional costs for supplemental resources such as:

  • Tutoring
  • Study guides and books
  • Practice tests
  • Classes

FTCE test locations

FTCE examinations are administered at Pearson Vue locations throughout Florida. You can find the Pearson Vue testing center nearest to you by visiting their official website. To learn more about FTCE testing locations, see FTCE Testing Centers & Test Dates.

What you need to know about FTCE scores

FTCE passing scores and score ranges vary between tests. Your FTCE score report will include both your passing status as well as more detailed information about your performance on your exam. A passing score on one of the multiple-choice tests is generally around 70%, which translates to a minimum score of 200. Essay prompts are graded on a 12-point scale and generally require a minimum score of 8 to pass.

How to access FTCE scores

FTCE scores are available within four weeks of testing and can be accessed through the same FTCE account used to register for exams. You should receive an email notifying you when your official score report is posted.

How long are FTCE scores valid?

Although initially only available for 60 days, FTCE scores are now available to examinees for five years through the test-taker's online FTCE account. When applying for a Florida teaching credential, applicants must present FTCE scores that were earned no more than 10 years before their date of application.

FTCE FAQ

Can you use a calculator on the FTCE?

Although examinees are not permitted to bring their own calculators, certain portions of the FTCE will include an on-screen calculator during the testing period. The following tests and subtests include an on-screen calculator:

  • General Knowledge Subtest 4: Mathematics
  • Chemistry 6-12 Subject Area Exam
  • Mathematics 6-12 Subject Area Exam
  • Middle Grades Mathematics 5-9 Subject Area Exam
  • Physics 6-12 Subject Area Exam

What do I need to bring to the FTCE exam?

It is important to check with your selected testing center to confirm what items are and are not allowed within the testing facility.

  1. On the day of your FTCE exam, ensure that you bring:

    • two valid forms of identification – such as a state-issued identification card or birth certificate
    • a sweater or a sweatshirt – heavier clothing items like coats or jackets are generally prohibited
    • glasses, if you need them – note that sunglasses are not allowed

  2. In the testing room, the following items are prohibited and will be securely stored outside the room:

    • cell phones
    • audio devices such as MP3 and CD players
    • dictionaries and other books
    • calculators
    • purses and wallets
    • watches and jewelry
    • food and drinks, including water

  3. The following items are not allowed at the testing site at all:

    • smoking and use of any tobacco products
    • visitors (friends, family members, children)
    • weapons

What is the FTCE retake policy?

The FTCE has a generous retake policy that allows examinees an unlimited number of attempts. If you wish to retake your FTCE exam, you must wait at least 31 days to do so. In most instances, you must retake the entire exam; however, for exams that are divided into subtests, you may retake individual subtests that were previously failed.

Is the FTCE General Knowledge Test Hard?

The FTCE General Knowledge Test examines the fundamental competencies that have been learned, strengthened, and used by most university students, so the exam shouldn't be difficult if you have been successful in your college coursework and are adequately prepared for test day. Nevertheless, it is always better to be overprepared than to fall short on test day. Learn more about FTCE General Knowledge test difficulty to ensure you are prepared for exam content and test day and consider using FTCE practice tests and FTCE courses to build your competency ahead of time.

Teachers recommend Study.com for FTCE test prep

It was difficult trying to find all of the resources I needed in one place. I could find a textbook that had the information but no practice questions, or find "FTCE" specific products that would have practice questions but the written lessons would be lacking. I could find videos on parts of the material but not others. I really enjoyed the Study.com videos with the text transcripts and having quizzes at the end that really helped me check to see how well I understood the material.

Jamilet Z.
Passed - FTCE Biology Grades 6-12
Jamilet Z.

Study.com takes you through each one of the listed subjects on the FTCE page and caters to your learning style. They offer a video, transcript of the video, quizzes, and review test at the end of each unit. Seriously the best study guide I have ever used. I will definitely use this for my General Knowledge test!! Thank you Study.com for literally saving my career!

Jacqueline C.
Passed - FTCE Middle Grades General Science 5-9
Jacqueline C.

I had downloaded the state study guide but it wasn't effective. Once I started with Study.com I was able to study in between classes and during my planning period. I was also able to study while running errands with my wife. The practice tests and quizzes were highly effective and gave me confidence to take the test.

Martin M.
Passed - FTCE Business Education 6-12

I failed the FTCE the first time, but Study.com was the reason my friends and I passed the second time.

Hala A.
Passed FTCE Test
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