FTCE (053) Study Guide

Everything You Need to Pass the FTCE Prekindergarten/Primary PK-3 Exam.

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  • Covers all test standards
  • Increase your score with a custom study plan for YOU
  • Master the content with text, quizzes, flashcards, and videos
  • Mimic the real test environment with realistic practice tests

How to Pass Using the FTCE Prekindergarten/Primary PK-3 Study Guide

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Step 1

Take a Practice Test

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Step 2

Study With 240

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Step 3

Repeat 1 and 2

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Step 4

Pass Your Exam!

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Pinpoint Your Strengths and Weakness

Your first practice test works as a diagnostic tool to help you identify your strengths and weakness, so you know exactly where to focus your studying to increase your score THE MOST!

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Test-Aligned Online Courses

Study everything you need with our test-aligned guides. No need to worry about what to study or spend extra on other resources-we’ve got it all covered!

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Master the Material

Check your understanding with three authentic practice tests that simulate the real exam. They are timed to give you a real test-day experience. Plus, each test provides a report on your performance so you can go back and review any material you haven’t mastered yet.

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What concepts do I need to study for the FTCE Prekindergarten/Primary PK-3 study guide?

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FTCE Prekindergarten/Primary PK-3 Exam at a Glance:

FTCE Prekindergarten/ Primary PK-3 Study Guide Format

The FTCE Prekindergarten/ Primary PK-3 (053) study guides include instructional videos, quizzes, flashcards, and 1000+ practice questions. The study guides cover 45 concepts across 4 subtests:

  • Subtest 1: Developmental Knowledge (531)
  • Subtest 2: Language Arts and Reading (532)
  • Subtest 3: Mathematics (533)
  • Subtest 4: Science (534)
Subtest 1: Developmental Knowledge (531):
ConceptNumber of LesionsPractice Questions
Development418
Family and Community 562
Theories434
Theorists and Curriculum 641
Responsibilities548
Instruction979
Management479
Procedure7168
Strategies365
Diverse Needs 649
Child Guidance 634
Subtest 2: Language Arts and Reading (532):
ConceptNumber of LessonsPractice Questions
Emergent Literacy 12120
Instruction6113
Text and Literature 534
Comprehension360
Word Recognition 565
Fluency236
Communication8115
Conventions335
Assessment438
Subtest 3: Mathematics (533):
ConceptsNumber of LessonsPractice Questions
Instruction786
Reasoning737
Assessment642
Algebraic Thinking 739
Numbers549
Operations744
Fractions538
Measurement533
Data330
Shapes528
Spatial Concepts 49
Subtest 4: Science (534):
ConceptsNumber of LessonsPractice Questions
Teaching Inquiry 1143
Instruction and Assessment 743
Data624
Nature of Science 718
Earth1361
Space323
Weather and Climate 428
Sun-Earth-Moon System 546
Matter847
Energy334
Forces and Motion 341
Ecology949
Genetics 421
Plants and Animals 634
How to Use the Study Guide

You can start studying by taking our diagnostic test to learn your strengths and weaknesses. Then you can start working through the concepts. The instructional content, which includes videos and written content,  gives you all the necessary information to understand that topic. Each concept has its own set of flashcards and quizzes you can use to test your knowledge of that specific concept quickly. Once you have worked through all the concepts, you can move on to the full-length practice tests. These practice tests mimic the test day environment, meaning they will have the same amount of questions and time limit as the real test. You will have three attempts at taking the practice test.

Is the Study Guide Test-Aligned?

Our curriculum team studies all of the standards and competencies for the FTCE Prekindergarten/ Primary PK-3 (053) exam and cross-references them with the current and previous questions released by the official testing company. We then work with content and teaching experts to distill down what test-takers need to know. No matter where you are in the study guide, you can always see how the concept you are learning is aligned to the test standards.

Benefits of Using the Study Guide

The FTCE Prekindergarten/ Primary PK-3 study guide was created to help you pass your FTCE Prekindergarten/ Primary PK-3 (053) exam. The comprehensive study guide provides you with all the information and study resources you need to be successful on test day!

The FTCE Prekindergarten/ Primary PK-3 (053) exam assesses if you have the knowledge and skills needed to be a successful prek-3 teacher. Once you have passed your exam you are one step closer to getting into the classroom!

FTCE Prekindergarten/Primary PK-3 (053) at a Glance
SubtestQuestionsTime
Developmental Knowledge (531) Approximately 50 1 Hour, 10 Minutes
Language Arts and Reading (532) Approximately 50 1 Hour, 10 Minutes
Mathematics (533) Approximately 40 1 Hour, 10 Minutes
Science (534) Approximately 40 1 Hour

Got questions?
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FTCE Prekindergarten/Primary PK-3 (053) study guide FAQs

How do I pass the FTCE Prekindergarten/Primary PK-3 (053) test?

To pass the FTCE Prekindergarten/Primary PK-3 test, you must first understand what is on the exam and what you will be expected to know. The best way is to review the 240Tutoring test breakdown materials and practice questions. Once you identify areas of weakness, you can begin targeting those areas with instructional content and practice questions.

What can I expect when I arrive at the testing site to take the FTCE Prekindergarten/Primary PK-3 (053) test?

When you get to the testing site, expect to have your identification checked, your photo taken, your palm scanned, your eyeglasses checked, and to place your belongings in a secure storage space. You will be given an erasable notepad and pen. Before starting the test, you’ll have to complete a short tutorial and sign an agreement.

Do I get a break during the FTCE Prekindergarten/Primary PK-3 (053) test?

If you take 3 or more subtests in a single session, you will receive a 15-minute break.

Is the FTCE Prekindergarten/Primary PK-3 (053) test hard?

The passing rate varies by subtest. Take a look at these passing rates from 2020:

Subtest 1: Developmental Knowledge (531) : 69%

Subtest 2: Language Arts and Reading (532) : 47%

Subtest 3: Mathematics (533): 59%

Subtest 4: Science (534): 67%

Source: 2020 Annual Administration and Technical Report

How long will the FTCE Prekindergarten/Primary PK-3 (053) test take me?

The full test itself is 4 hours, and 30 minutes, but expect to be at the testing site longer. It takes time to get checked in and get started. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your appointment time.

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Prekindergarten/ Primary PK-3 (053)