Teacher certification in the state of Florida includes passing two certification examinations— general knowledge, and subject area knowledge. The Florida Teacher Certification Examination (FTCE) Middle Grades Mathematics exam is the subject area knowledge exam, assessing your subject area knowledge in mathematics for grades five through nine in the state of Florida.
Registration, dates, and cost
Registration is conducted online at the FTCE website for the Middle Grades Mathematics (025) subject area examination. You may register at any time, day or night. During registration, indicate whether or not you want to have your results sent to your teacher education program and pay the $200.00 test fee by credit, debit, or check card. Once your registration fee is accepted, your testing appointment is scheduled at a test center of your choice.
Test format and design
The Middle Grades Mathematics exam is computer-delivered consisting of 75 multiple-choice questions. Your knowledge is assessed in the following ten competencies:
Problem-solving and reasoning skills – 13% of questions
The skills include analyzing mathematical expressions or equations, solving routine problems, evaluation of results, application of concepts and procedures, validation of arguments, prediction of logical conclusions, instructional strategies, and distinguish between deductive and inductive reasoning.
Mathematical manipulatives, models, and instructional technology – 6% of questions
The skills include the identification of mathematical representations, interpretation of concepts with multiple representations, the selection of appropriate technology, and the use of technology for teaching diverse groups of students.
Assessment in mathematics – 9% of questions
The skills include assessment of student learning through various methods, analyze and diagnose student learning needs, analyze student performance using technology, interpret performance data, question strategies, and alternative assessments.
Connections in mathematical concepts – 7% of questions
Skills include identification of prerequisite skills, prediction of common misconceptions, connection of inter-related mathematical concepts, analyze mathematical errors, and fundamental concepts that build on one another.
Number sense, operations, and proportionality – 9% of questions
Skills include the expression of real numbers, mental computation, estimation, prime factorization of composite numbers, greatest common factor, least common multiple, ratios and proportions, and solving realistic problems involving real numbers.
Foundations of algebra – 14% of questions
Skills include missing terms, relationships, simplification, equations and inequalities with one variable, number lines, coordinate planes, slope and intercept, equations of a line, square roots, and the application of properties of operations.
Algebraic thinking – 11% of questions
Skills include linear and nonlinear functions, perpendicular and parallel lines, polynomials, linear equations, quadratic equations, quadratic functions, square roots, and the laws of exponents.
Data analysis, statistics, and probability – 7% of questions
Skills include the measure of center, range, and distribution of data, univariate and bivariate data, data sets, populations, and experimental or theoretical probabilities.
Two-dimensional geometry – 15% of questions
Skills include precise definitions of symbols, angles, polygons, triangles, triangle inequality theorems, postulates, triangle problems, trigonometric ratios, quadrilaterals, coordinate plane, transformations of geometric figures, and circles.
Measurement and spatial sense – 9% of questions
Skills include measurement systems, derived units, perimeter, circumference, area, surface area, volume, dimensions, three-dimensional figures, and two-dimensional views of three-dimensional objects.
You have two hours and thirty minutes to complete the exam. If you have time, review your responses. Correct answers receive credit, incorrect answers receive no credit.
Test Day
You are expected to arrive 15 to 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment to complete the pre-test paperwork and identification. Personal items are not allowed in the testing center. All materials needed for the exam are provided including scratch paper, writing utensils, and a scientific calculator.
Before your exam begins, you have the opportunity to take a familiarization tutorial. When you have completed the tutorial, your exam begins. Be mindful of your time, so you have the chance to review your work. When you are satisfied with your test, submit it for scoring. An unofficial pass/non-pass report is provided before you leave the center.
Scoring and results
Your official score is a result of your raw score converted to a scaled score. To pass the exam, you need to achieve a scaled score of 200. A general guideline for a successful raw score is 71%. Keep in mind, the scaled score is the score that counts.
Within four weeks of the testing window closing, your official report is emailed to you. Your report indicates either “pass” or “not pass.” A “not pass” report includes your numeric score and a detailed analysis of your responses.
Your results are sent to the Department of Education’s Bureau of Educator Certification and your teacher preparation program if selected at registration.
How Can I Prepare for the FTCE Middle Grades Mathematics 5-9 Exam?
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!