The FTCE (Florida Teacher Certification Examinations) are required for all Florida teacher certification. There are multiple exam types — this guide explains exactly what you're facing, what it costs, and how to pass.
What is the FTCE Test
The Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) is a comprehensive series of exams developed by the Florida Department of Education to assess the skills and knowledge of aspiring educators in Florida.
The FTCE test series encompasses various assessments, including the General Knowledge Test (GKT), Subject Area Examinations (SAE), Professional Education Test (PEd), and more specialized exams such as the Educational Leadership Examination (ELA).
These tests evaluate candidates in various subjects, including mathematics, science, reading, writing,and teaching methodologies.
Which FTCE Exams Do I Need To Take?
The FTCE exam you need depends on the certification area and grade level you're pursuing. Some of the most common exams include General Knowledge Test (GK), FTCE Professional Education Test (PEd), Florida Educational Leadership Examination (FELE), Mathematics 6–12, and English 6–12.
Explore the Best FTCE Study Guides
How to Prepare for the FTCE Test
The most effective FTCE prep strategy is: (1) take a diagnostic practice test to identify your weakest areas, (2) review content aligned to the official FDOE test competencies for your specific exam, and (3) practice under timed conditions. Most candidates need 4–8 weeks of consistent study.
To adequately prepare for your FTCE exams, follow these steps:
First, identify which exams you need to take based on your desired certification and review the Florida Department of Education requirements.
Familiarize yourself with the exam format, scoring system, and frequently asked questions to comprehensively understand what to expect.
Develop a structured study plan covering all exam topics and ample practice with sample questions and full-length practice tests. Monitor your progress and adjust your study plan accordingly.
On exam day, ensure you’re comfortable by wearing suitable clothing and bringing necessary items such as snacks, water, and any permitted materials. Familiarize yourself with the test center location and policies beforehand to minimize stress on the exam day.
How to Register for the FTCE Test
Register for FTCE exams through the FDOE Certification website. After creating an account, you'll select your exam and be directed to Pearson VUE to choose a test date and location. Most exams are available at Pearson VUE test centers statewide and through remote proctoring.
Registering for an FTCE exam is a straightforward process:
Access the Florida Department of Education’s website to create an account and select the desired exam. You’ll be asked a few background questions and must agree to the testing policies.
Choose a convenient test date and location, complete the registration process, and pay the applicable fees online.
Alternatively, registration can be done via phone or mail, although online registration is typically the quickest and most efficient method.
For detailed instructions on registration, visit the Florida Department of Education’s official website.
FTCE Scoring: What You Need to Pass
Most FTCE exams use a passing score of 200 on a scale of 100–300. Some exams that require written responses are scored on a different scale. For example, the General Knowledge Essay subtest is scored separately on a 0–6 scale with a passing score of 4. Other written exams that are scored different include English 6–12 and Middle Grades English 5–9 and the FELE Written Performance Assessment. Scores are reported within four to six weeks of your test date.
The FTCE exams are scored by converting a raw score to a scaled score. This scaling process adjusts for varying difficulty levels between different versions of the same test. If you do not pass, your completed exam will be reported as either PASS or NOT PASS, and the numerical scaled score will be included.
Please note that maximum scores vary across different FTCE exams and cannot be compared with each other. FTCE scores range from the mid-200s to the 400s. For instance, a scaled score of 240 on one exam is not equivalent to a scaled score of 240 on a different subject exam.
The FTCE exams may contain traditional multiple-choice and written/oral performance components. Qualified raters score performance components holistically. If you wish to learn more about performance scoring, including scoring rubrics, guidelines, and rater qualifications, please visit the FTCE login on the official FTCE site.
As different tests have different numbers of questions, the minimum passing percentages vary. However, it is usually around 70%. Wrong answers do not receive point deductions, so guessing is better than leaving a question blank. The Florida Department of Education (FLOE) website has a chart that shows the percentage of correct answers required to pass each exam.
How Hard is the FTCE Test
The difficulty level of FTCE exams can vary based on individual strengths, academic background, and the specific exam taken. While some tests may cover fundamental skills, others may delve into more specialized subjects.
Preparation is key to overcoming any perceived difficulty. By thoroughly studying exam content, adhering to a structured study plan, and practicing with sample questions, candidates can enhance their confidence and performance on test day.
How Much Does the FTCE Cost?
The cost of your FTCE exam depends on which exam you take and whether you take the entire exam or just certain subtests. Most FTCE Subject Area Examinations cost $150.
The General Knowledge (GK) test costs $130 for all four subtests. However, you can choose to take varying amounts of subtests simultaneously. The cost for one subtest is $32.50; for two subtests, it’s $65; and for three subtests, it’s $97.50.
The Professional Education (PEd) exam costs $150.
The Elementary Education K-6 and Prekindergarten/Primary PK-3 exams have four subtests. You must take all four subtests for $150 on your first attempt. After your first attempt, you can retake individual subtests for the following costs:
– One subtest: $37.50
– Two subtests: $75
– Three subtests: $112.50
All other Subject Area Exams (SAE) cost $150.
For additional information about FTCE costs, please visit the Florida Department of Education website.
What to Expect on Test Day
Direct Answer
Bring two valid forms of identification to your testing center. Arrive at least 30 minutes early. You will be photographed and palm-scanned as part of check-in. Personal items are not allowed in the testing room — review the prohibited items list on the official FTCE website before test day.
Before the Test
Ensure you have two forms of valid identification to present to the site staff once you arrive. As part of the check-in process, you may be asked to take a photo and have your palm scanned.
Personal items besides essential documents are not allowed in the testing room. The FTCE website has a list of prohibited items that you may not take into the test room. Arrive at the testing center at least 30 minutes early.
During the Test
You’ll spend the designated testing time in the examination room. You may not communicate with any other examinees while taking your exam. However, if you have any issues with your computer or have any other questions you can raise your hand and site staff will help you.
While most exams don’t include scheduled breaks, candidates can take short breaks if necessary. However, unscheduled breaks will impact total testing time, so be sure to use that time sparingly. If you take an exam with multiple subtests like the General Knowledge or FELE exam, you will receive a 15-minute break between subtests.
After the Test
After completing the exam, your test materials will be collected, and you will be escorted from the testing room. Once you leave the testing room, you must leave the test site.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does FTCE stand for?
FTCE stands for Florida Teacher Certification Examinations. They are administered by Pearson VUE on behalf of the Florida Department of Education (FDOE).
What is the easiest FTCE exam to pass?
According the the FTCE/FELE 2021 Annual Administration and Technical Report the easiest FTCE exam to pass was the School Psychologist PK–12 with a 86% pass rate. However only 153 people took the exam. The easiest exam with 1,000 or more test takers was the Reading K-12 exam with a 66% pass rate for over 16,000 test takers.
What is the hardest FTCE test?
According the the FTCE/FELE 2021 Annual Administration and Technical Report the hardest FTCE exam to pass was the Computer Science K–12 with only a 30% pass rate.
What happens if you fail the FTCE?
You may retake any FTCE exam or subtest after a 31-day waiting period. You'll pay the registration fee again. For multi-subtest exams, you only need to retake the subtests you failed — not the entire exam.
Why do I have to take the FTCE?
Florida law requires all public school teachers to demonstrate subject-matter competency and professional education knowledge before receiving state certification. The FTCE is how the state verifies that standard.
How much does the FTCE cost?
The GK Test costs $130 for all four subtests ($32.50 each). Most SAEs and the PEd Test cost $150. Verify current fees at the FDOE website before registering.
When do FTCE scores come out?
Most FTCE scores are available within four to six weeks of your test date. You'll receive an email notification when your score report is ready to view online through your FDOE account.