The Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) Elementary Education K-6 tests your ability to instruct students in Florida’s schools in relation to the professional standards set for entry-level teaching candidates by the State Board of Education. This exam contains four subtests.
Who is Eligible?
The FTCE requires that you create an online account, register, and pay for any exams taken through them. There is a $200 fee to take all four subtests. Once you have registered, you will have one year to schedule and take your exam.
When and Where is it Taken?
This exam is available year-round at Pearson VUE sites throughout the state of Florida and nationwide. A full list of available testing sessions will be provided during registration. Choose one that is most convenient for you. It is important to note that space is limited and filled on a first come, first served basis so be sure to schedule as soon as possible.
It is possible to schedule the subtests separately or take any number of them together.
For those with disabilities and cannot test under normal conditions, special accommodations are available upon request. This request must be made during registration and will require supporting documentation.
If you need to reschedule or cancel your appointment, you may do so online through your FTCE account at least 24 hours before your original exam session is scheduled. After this, no changes can be made, and you will be counted as a no-show on test day, forfeiting all fees.
What Should I Bring?
Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your exam is scheduled to begin. This will give you enough time to check-in completely and be ready. Those who arrive late will not be allowed to test and will have to reschedule, forfeiting all fees.
You will need to bring two valid forms of identification with you. The first must include a photo, such as a driver’s license, passport, military ID or state ID. Both forms must include your signature and full name as it appears on your registration. If your ID contains missing or incorrect information, you will need to submit another ID or will not be allowed to enter.
No personal items are allowed in the testing area and must be kept in a designated area during the exam. This includes but is not limited to:
- Calculators
- Cell phones
- Food and drinks
- Paper or study materials
- Wallets, purses, or bags
You will be given a mathematics reference sheet for use during the mathematics subtest.
What is Covered?
This computer-based exam and its four subtests consist of about 220 multiple-choice questions. Some may be classified as pretest questions and will not count towards your score. These are not identified as such and will be scattered throughout the exam. If you choose to take three or more subtests at once, you will get one 15-minute break.
Below is a brief description of each subtest, including the number of questions and time given.
Language Arts and Reading (60 questions/one hour and 5 minutes)
Reading process, literary analysis and genres, language and the writing process, communication and media literacy, literacy instruction, and assessments
Social Science (55 questions/one hour and 5 minutes)
History, government and civics, economics, geography, instructional practices and assessment of social sciences
Science (55 questions/one hour and 10 minutes)
The nature of science, physical sciences, earth and space, life science, science instruction
Mathematics (50 questions/one hour and 10 minutes)
Operations, algebraic thinking, fractions, integers, ratios, measurement, data, statistics, geometric concepts, counting and number in base ten, student thinking and instructional practices
How is it Scored?
You will receive your unofficial score report at the testing center immediately after your exam. This will be reported as pass/fail status. Official score reports are released within 4 weeks of your testing date. These official scores will be available through your FTCE/FELE account online.
Passing scores will be sent electronically to the Bureau of Educator Certification (BEC) and any institution/agency you indicated on your registration. You must receive a score of at least 200 on each subtest to pass. All four subtests must be passed to pass the exam as a whole.
Retakes are available if you do not pass anyone subtest of the exam. However, you must wait at least 31 days from your last attempt. These will require you to reregister and submit retake fees.
How Can I Prepare for the FTCE Test?
That’s a great question. We’ve broken down the answer into three parts.
- Do yourself a favor and study. Do not walk in unprepared. We have recommended prep materials below, but that only helps if you actually try. Plus, studying is actually proven to be the best antidote to test anxiety.
- Take care of yourself. Make sure you’re eating well, exercising, and sleeping. All of these things are scientifically linked to brain performance. If you take care of your body, you’ll be helping your grades.
- Get a study guide or set of flashcards. Some people study better a certain way. Find your study strengths and make the most of them. We’ve tried to make it easy for you by tracking down the best study guide and flashcard set for your exam. Below you’ll see links to both!
- Study Guide from Mometrix Test Prep
- Study Guide from Test Prep Books
- Flashcards from Mometrix Test Prep