FTCE Test Warning – Read This BEFORE You Begin Your Prep

The following information provides a background of the development of the FTCE tests. Understanding the background and objectives of your Florida teacher certification test will support you in getting correct answers on the real exam.

Use framework for mastering exam competencies during your test preparation. Make sure your FTCE practice questions and study guide take the same paradigm as the developers of this exam.

The Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE test) is designed to determine if those wishing to teach in the state of Florida have the necessary basic skills, professional knowledge, and area of specialization needed to fulfill the task. Teacher certification requirements and regulations are overseen by the Florida Department of Education. Florida Statutes (F.S.) and Florida Administrative Code (FAC) provide the testing requirements for teacher candidates and can be found in Section 1012.56, F.S. and in 6A-4.00821, FAC.

Please make special note of the (critically important) information about registering, test instructions/rules and exam format below. The most up-to-date information you need will not be in your FTCE guide.

Check-out: How To Add 1 Test Point To Your Score In Each 33 Minutes Of FTCE Test Preparation……

Purpose for the FTCE

The Florida Department of Education recognizes children as our most important resource.

Ensuring that those children’s teachers and school leaders “meet rigorous professional standards at an appropriate level” is a focus for the Florida Department of Education.

The Department of Education oversees the FTCE, or Florida Teacher Certification examination, through the Bureau of Postsecondary Assessment. Their role is based upon guidelines set by the Florida State Board of education in Rule 6A-4.0021, F.A.C. (see https://www.flrules.org/gateway/ruleNo.asp?ID=6A-4.0021). The state has revisited and revised portions of these guidelines each year. The exams are required by Florida Law’s K-20 Education Code, Sections 1012.55 and 1012.56.

The test is administered by Evaluation Systems group of Pearson, contracted by the State Department.

Two Types of Certificates

Florida offers two types of certificates for educators: professional and temporary.

The temporary certificate is valid for three years and is nonrenewable. Its purpose is to allow a person to teach while completing all the requirements for a professional certificate. To earn a temporary certificate, candidates must hold a bachelor’s certificate (or above) with a 2.5 or above GPA and earn a passing score on the subject area exam.

The professional certificate is valid for five years and is renewable. All teachers who hold a temporary certificate can use the three years to earn their professional certificate.

Below are descriptions of each exam for licensure candidates. Passing or failing the test may depend upon preparation. To study for the rigorous content, use preparation materials available.

A candidate’s score will be available by logging into the FTCE test website on the score report release date. Scores will not be released by telephone or fax nor will unofficial results be available at the test site.

Preparing for licensing exams is like running a marathon, the fitter the FTCE test-takers knowledge and skills the more likely they are to pass.

See: The Invisible Barrier Blocking You From Passing-The-FTCE…

FTCE Registration

Candidates can register for the FTCE exam on line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is important however to register as early as possible as seats are limited and assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis. Exams are only offered in a computer based format, unless the applicant has a physical or mental impairment that requires alternate arrangements.

Registration is available 24/7 at http://www.fl.nesinc.com/FL_Register.asp.

Be prepared for the cost of the exam: each exam will cost $200 the first time. Make that $200 count by preparing for your FTCE using the preparation materials available!

Candidates need to do this:

set up an account

click register

choose your test

answer background questions

agree to the testing policies

if you need alternative testing arrangements, fill out the request

select a time, place, and date for testing

pay your fee with a credit, debit or check card.

Your registration will be confirmed by email.

You have one year from the time you register to schedule a test time.

See: You Can Laugh Right In The Face Of The FTCE — If You Follow This Simple Advice…

How Much Are FTCE Exam Fees?

The cost of FTCE subject area examinations are $200, while the cost of the Professional Education Tests are $150 and General Knowledge Tests are $130. If the candidate needs to retake a test the cost increases by $20.

Payment can be made using VISA, MasterCard, debit, or a check card with a VISA or MasterCard logo at the time of registration. Once you have completed the registration you will receive an admission ticket by e-mail that lists your test selections, test site, and scheduled start time.

On The Day Of The FTCE Exam

On the day of your Florida teacher certification examination you will need the admission ticket provided at the time of registration, and two valid pieces of identification. One must be government issued; the other should have a photo or signature. You may not take a cell phone or other electronic aids into the test area.

How The FTCE Exam Is Scored

There is considerable variation among the FTCE examinations and so the scores needed to pass vary also. Scoring is based on the percentage of correct answers, and in order to pass, require a success rate that ranges from 60 to 75 percent depending on the subject being covered.

All tests are reported as Pass/Fail. Pass is 200 on a scaled score.

Test scores are available within 4 weeks of taking the test. Delays of score reporting for current revisions of tests are listed on the home page for certification: http://www.fl.nesinc.com/index.asp.

Unlike a passing test, a failed test will have a numerical score placed on it. Candidates may retest after 31 days. See “Retaking the Exam” below.

Most tests require candidates to answer 64-75% of the questions correctly. Though this may seem easy to attain, candidates do fail the tests. It is important that you take the time to thoroughly prepare by using the materials available for your FTCE.

Language exams that have two or three components are scored by each component. The options for retaking failed exams vary for languages, including English.

Check here for your test’s specific passing score requirements: http://www.fldoe.org/core/fileparse.php/7664/urlt/FTCEFELEMaxPercentTable.pdf .

A candidate’s score will be available by logging into the FTCE test website on the score report release date. Scores will not be released by telephone or fax nor will unofficial results be available at the test site.

Retaking the FTCE Test

If you receive a Failing score, you must wait 31 days to retake the exam or—for some tests—the section of the exam you failed.

Most tests will cost $220 for a retake. The exceptions are these tests:

Prekindergarten/Primary PK-3 & Elementary Education K-6: $150 to retake one section; $200 for two sections; and $220 for three or all four sections

$150 to retake one section; $200 for two sections; and $220 for three or all four sections English 5-9 and 6-12: $200 to retake one section; $220 for two sections

$200 to retake one section; $220 for two sections Languages other than English follow the $220 retake fee total, whether you retake one or two sections.

Retaking an exam is frustrating. It wastes time and energy. Avoid this by choosing preparation materials designed for your FTCE.

Overview of the Exams

The FTCE tests assess knowledge, skills and abilities in three areas: General Knowledge, Professional Education, and Subject Area.

General Knowledge: assesses knowledge using four subtests.

General Knowledge Type of Exam Time allowed Passing Score 1. Essay (writing) One Typed Essay 50 min. 8 out of 12 2. English Language Skills 40 multiple-choice 40 min. 200 (scaled score) 3. Reading 40 multiple-choice 55 min. 200 (scaled score) 4. Mathematics 45 multiple-choice 100 min. 200 (scaled score)

Professional Education:

Candidates are given 150 minutes to answer 120 multiple-choice items. This exam tests your knowledge of eight different areas. Here are the areas and the percentage of questions on the test. The exam tests your knowledge of these areas:

instructional design and planning (18%)

appropriate student-centered learning environments (15%)

instructional delivery and facilitation through a comprehensive understanding of subject matter (18%)

various types of assessment strategies for determining impact on student learning (14%)

relevant continuous professional improvement (12%)

the Principles of Professional Conduct of the Education Profession in Florida (9%)

research-based practices appropriate for teaching English Language Learners, or ELLs (7%)

effective literacy strategies that can be applied across the curriculum to impact student learning (7%)

You won’t be able to “wing” the essay subtest unless you have expert-level content knowledge and know how to correctly format an essay response. Utilize a realistic FTCE practice exam develop and refine your essay writing skills.

Go to: FREE FTCE Test Prep Guide To A Passing Score — by Florida teachers who passed now.

Subject Area: assessments vary greatly depending upon the area. Most tests range from 100 to 120 multiple-choice items to complete in 150 minutes and cost $200. Here are the exceptions:

Prekindergarten/Primary PK-3: 4 sub-tests of 50-60 multiple-choice items with 60-70 minutes to complete. Subsections are developmental knowledge, language arts and reading, and two mathematics exams; Elementary Education K-6: 4 sub-tests of 50-60 multiple-choice items with 65-70 minutes to complete. Subsections are language arts and reading, social science, science and mathematics; Languages (English, French, German and Spanish): 80-95 multiple-choice items to be answered in 90-150 minutes. All have an oral and written portion. English has a totally separate written section for both grades 5-9 and 6-12, and German has a separate 45-minute oral interview section. Latin K-12: 100 multiple-choice items to be answered in 150 minutes.

Specific Subject Area FTCE Tests

Agriculture 6-12 (054) 120 multiple choice questions/150 minutes.

The scope of the exam consists of the following subjects:

animal science (15%)

agricultural department management and professional development (15%)

agricultural business management, economics and marketing (10%)

plant science (15%)

soil science (10%)

environmental sciences and natural resources (10%)

leadership, career opportunities and employability skills (10%)

biotechnology (5%)

agriculture systems technology (5%)

food science and systems (5%).

Art 6-12 (001) 110 multiple choice questions/150 minutes

A time limit of one hour is given to the examinee to finish answering three essay questions with one each coming from these subjects: global traditions in art, architecture, and design; criticism and aesthetics; and the content of works of art.

processes of two-dimensional art (15%)

processes of three-dimensional art (15%)

processes of digital arts (15%)

art history and culture (15%)

art criticism processes (15%)

art education and pedagogy (15%)

present-day connections and applications of art (10%)

Biology 6-12 (002): 120 multiple choice questions/150 minutes

Candidates are tested on their knowledge of the following areas:

the investigative processes of science (18%)

the interactions between science, technology, and society (4%)

the chemical processes of living things (14%)

the interactions between cell structure and cell function (7%)

genetic principles, processes, and applications (11%)

the structural and functional diversity of viruses and prokaryotic organisms (4%)

the structural and functional diversity of protists, fungi and plants (8%)

the structural and functional diversity of animals

ecological principles and processes (18%)

evolutionary mechanisms (18%)

Remember that using test-prep materials can help your confidence as well as your score!

Business Education 6-12 (051): 120 multiple-choice questions/150 minutes

The exam is based on candidates’ knowledge of the following areas:

information technology (15%)

business communications (10%)

accounting and personal finance (10%)

business management and administrative procedures (10%)

entrepreneurship and marketing (10%)

business law and ethics (10%)

foundations, teaching methods, and professional development (15%)

international business (10%)

career development (10%)

“FTCE Test Breakdowns You Need To Get A Focus And Pass”

Chemistry 6-12 (003): 100 multiple-choice questions/150 minutes

The questions are taken from these areas:

nature of matter (10%)

energy and its interaction with matter (14%)

bonding and molecular structure (18%)

chemical reactions and stoichiometry (21%)

atomic theory and structure (12%)

nature of science (10%)

measurement (10%)

appropriate laboratory use and procedures

Computer Science K-12 (005): 120 multiple-choice questions/150 minutes

This FTCE assess these areas of knowledge:

computational thinking and problem solving (15%)

data types and structures (15%)

programming logic (20%)

programming languages (20%)

computer hardware, software and networking (10%)

historical aspects and social issues related to computer technologies (10%)

computer science pedagogy (10%)

Drama 6-12 (006): 120 multiple-choice questions/150 minutes

In this FTCE test, candidates will be tested on these areas of knowledge:

acting (20%)

creative dramatics (5%)

theatre production and design (25%)

dramatic literature and criticism (10%)

theatre history (15%)

directing (15%)

playwriting (5%)

career opportunities (5%)

Earth and Space Science 6-12 (008): 120 multiple-choice questions/150 minutes

This test is designed to assess your knowledge of these areas:

the nature of science (16%)

the composition, characteristics, and structure of Earth (9%)

plate tectonics and related processes (9%)

Earth’s surface processes (8%)

mapping and remote sending (4%)

scope and measurement of geologic time (6%)

characteristics and management of Earth’s resources (8%)

oceans and coastal processes (8%)

factors that influence atmospheric conditions and weather (8%)

Earth’s climate patterns (9%)

astronomical objects and processes (9%)

space exploration (6%)

Education Media Specialist PK-12 (010): 120 multiple-choice questions/150 minutes

The FTCE for Education Media Specialist tests nearly 30 areas of knowledge. Most of the minor categories’ questions make up 2-5% of the text. The major portions are detailed in this list:

teaching methods for implementing multiple literacies (8%)

information specialist responsibilities of the school library media specialist (7%)

policies and procedures for collection development (7%)

policies and processes for managing, cataloging, organizing, circulating and maintaining resources (7%)

other categories include such items as budgeting, staff development and supervision of volunteers

Elementary Education K-6 (060): 4 sub-tests of 50-60 multiple-choice items each with 65-70 minutes to complete. If all subsections are taken together, 5 hours is allotted, including break. Preparation for the exam is essential. Tested areas are as follows:

language arts and reading the reading process (29%) literary analysis and genres (16%) language and the writing process (16%) literacy instruction and assessments (23%) communication and media literacy (16%)

social science effective instructional practices and assessment of the social sciences (19%) time, continuity and change (history) (26%) people, places and environment (geography) (18%) government and the citizen (government and civics) (20%) production, distribution and consumption (economics) (17%)

science effective science instruction (20%) the nature of science (18%) physical sciences (20%) Earth and space (19%) life science (23%)

mathematics student thinking and instructional practices (26%) operations, algebraic thinking, counting and number in base ten (28%) fractions, ratios and integers (18%) measurement, data and statistics (16%) geometric concepts (12%)



Remember to prepare for the rigor of these tests. Prep materials are available!

Engineering and Technology Education 6-12 (055): 120 multiple-choice questions/150 minutes

Candidates are tested on their knowledge of these areas:

the nature and impacts of technology (10%)

principles of drafting (10%)

principles of engineering (10%)

energy and power technologies (10%)

transportation technologies (10%)

information and communication technologies (10%)

manufacturing technologies (10%)

construction technologies (10%)

laboratory management and safety (10%)

technology education, professional development and standards-based instruction and assessment (10%)

English 6-12 (013): 80 multiple-choice questions/90 minutes + 1 hour written performance question

The English 6-12 FTCE tests your knowledge of the following:

effective use of the English language at the post-secondary level (23%)

effective writing skills (21%)

literary processes across genres (21%)

a wide range of fiction,nonfiction and informational texts (23%)

critical response to media (12%)

ESOL K-12 (047): 120 multiple-choice questions/150 minutes

The FTCE tests candidates’ knowledge of the following areas:

culture as a factor in ELL’s Learning (8%)

language as a system (12%)

language acquisition and developmental (12%)

second language literacy development (10%)

ESL/ESOL research, history, public policy and current practices (5%)

standards-based ESOL and content instruction (14%)

resources and technologies (8%)

planning standards-based instruction of ELLs (10%)

assessment issues for ELLs (8%)

language proficiency assessment (5%)

classroom-based assessment for ELLs (8%)

Exceptional Student Education K-12 (061): 120 multiple-choice questions/150 minutes

The FTCE assesses knowledge of the following:

foundations of exceptional student education (24%)

assessment and evaluation (13%)

instructional practices in exceptional student education (21%)

positive behavioral support process (12%)

multiple literacies and communication skills (22%)

the transition process (8%)

Family and Consumer Science 6-12 (052): 120 multiple-choice questions/150 minutes

The FTCE test for Family and Consumer Science is divided into 21 knowledge areas, each of which has from 2-6% of the questions. The areas with the largest amount of questions are from these areas:

families (8%)

nutrition and wellness (8%)

other areas are marriage, personality development, parenting, clothing, consumerism, and meal planning and their subcategories

French K-12 (015) 85 multiple-choice questions, 1 essay, 2 speaking assignments/150 minutes

The French K-12 FTCE tests knowledge of the following:

communication (performance)

communication (33%)

culrtures (21%)

sociolinguistic patterns through comparisons of English and French (5%)

linguistic patterns (14%)

pedagogy (27%)

German K-12 (017) 95 multiple-choice items, 2 essays and a 45-minute oral interview section to be completed in 120 minutes

This rigorous FTCE test examines a candidate’s knowledge of these areas:

comprehension at an advanced level of spoken German passages on topics of general interest (15%)

ability to write German at an intermediate-high level on topics of general interest and/or dealing with daily routine (no percentage)

ability to read at an advanced level German passages on a variety of personal, social and general topics (20%)

German vocabulary in areas of general interest and application of vocabulary skills (20%)

German grammar and syntax in context (25%)

culture, social customs and daily life of German-speaking countries (5%)

history and geography of German-speaking countries (5%)

arts and sciences of German-speaking countries (5%)

pedagogy and professional knowledge (5%)

Guidance and Counseling PK-12 (018): 120 multiple-choice questions/150 minutes

Candidates for licensure will be tested on knowledge in these areas:

counseling (25%)

activities and programs for addressing current concerns (14%)

student assessment (8%)

career development and post-secondary opportunities (9%)

consultation, collaboration and coordination (9%)

professional, ethical and legal considerations (8%)

academic advisement (6%)

research, program evaluation and follow-up (6%)

appropriate technology (5%)

social and cultural diversity (10%)

Health K-12 (019): 120 multiple-choice questions/150 minutes

Candidates in this area have 16 areas of knowledge that will be tested. The major areas are listed here:

health education instructional practices (10%)

interpersonal health (8%)

sexual health (9%)

substance use, abuse and dependency and addictive behaviors (9%)

violence prevention and intervention (7%)

nutrition and physical fitness (7%)

mental and emotional health (7%)

other areas ranging from 3-6% of the test include foundation, theories and principles of health education, anatomy and physiology, personal health behaviors and wellness, safety, community health, environmental health & consumer health-related practices and media literacy

Hearing Impaired K-12 (020): 120 multiple-choice questions/150 minutes

The exam for Hearing Impaired licensure, K-12, includes 14 areas, including the following knowledge:

language development and methods of communication for students who are deaf or hard of hearing (15%)

instructional strategies and modifications for students who are deaf or hard of hearing (15%)

design, development and implementation of Individual Evaluation Plans (IEP), Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSP) and Transition Individual Evaluation Plans (TIEP) (11%)

assessments for students who are deaf or hard of hearing (8%)

the other 39% of the test consists of knowledge of the philosophical, historical and legal foundations and their impact; the auditory mechanism and hearing loss and its impact upon communication and learning; ability to comprehend signing; psychosocial aspects of students; deaf and family cultures; service delivery methods; transitional services; unique technologies, media and resources; content design and requirements for general education; and professional communication, advocacy and collaboration

Humanities K-12 (022): 120 multiple-choice questions/150 minutes

This FTCE tests knowledge of the following:

vocabulary and concepts basic to the humanities (15%)

historical periods, styles and movements (28%)

interrelatedness of arts and ideas (17%)

relationship between a culture’s beliefs and values and their expression in the humanities (26%)

prominent aesthetic principles used by major cultures in evaluating the arts (7%)

instructional techniques, assessment and resources appropriate to the humanities (7%)

Latin K-12 (024): 100 multiple-choice questions/150 minutes

All candidates seeking licensure must show their knowledge in the following areas:

grammatical constructions in given contexts (16%)

grammatical forms of Latin words (17%)

ability to read and understand passages of connected Latin prose at various difficulties (16%)

classical mythology (8%)

Latin vocabulary in a given context (7%)

Roman political history (7%)

English words derived from Latin vocabulary (7%)

the other five areas each constitute 2-6% of the exam: pedagogical methods, reference materials and teaching aids appropriate to the Latin classroom; ability to identify meter and basic literary devices in Latin prose or poetry; Roman literary history; Roman social history; and Roman contribution to Western civilization



Marketing 6-12 (057): 120 multiple-choice questions/150 minutes

Candidates must show their knowledge of the following areas:

economic principles (13%)

marketing principles (13%)

marketing mathematics (8%)

selling (8%)

sales promotion (7%)

human relations (7%)

these other areas constitute 3-6% of the exam: entrepreneurship; financial literacy; leadership and management; business operations; product and service technology; work-based experiences; marketing careers and employability; program operation; and communications

Mathematics 6-12 (026): 75 multiple-choice questions/150 minutes

The Mathematics 6-12 FTCE tests candidates’ knowledge of the following:

algebra (13%)

advanced algebra (12%)

functions (8%)

geometry (15%)

coordinate geometry (6%)

trigonometry (7%)

statistics and probability (10%)

calculus (9%)

mathematical reasoning (5%)

instruction and assessment (15%)

Though the FTCEs that follow are for middle grades, do not think they are not rigorous. Prepare the first time by using test-prep materials available.

Middle Grades English 5-9 (014): 80 multiple-choice (90 minutes) and 1 essay (60 minutes)

Candidates must show their knowledge of the following areas:

language arts content (24%)

pedagogical content for teaching language arts (24%)

applications of evidence-based research and best practices in teaching language arts (14%)

characteristics of students in order to make instructional decisions for teaching and learning language arts (12%)

various assessments and use of corresponding data to drive instructional decisions within language arts (14%)

knowledge and application of the collaborative processes of reading and writing (12%)

Middle Grades General Science 5-9 (004): 120 questions/150 minutes

The FTCE for this area consists of 9 areas of knowledge. They are as follows:

conceptual and quantitative knowledge of the structure and behavior of matter (14%)

conceptual and quantitative knowledge of forces and motion (13%)

conceptual and quantitative knowledge of energy and its effects (12%)

Earth and the processes that affect it (13%)

space science (6%)

processes of life (14%)

effects of physical and biological factors on the environment (10%)

science learning environment (5%)

process skills and application of scientific inquiry (13%)

Middle Grades Mathematics 5-9 (025): 75 multiple-choice questions/150 minutes

Those hoping to earn licensure must show their knowledge of the following areas:

problem-solving and reasoning skills (13%)

mathematical manipulatives and models and instructional technology (6%)

assessment in mathematics (9%)

connections among mathematical concepts (7%)

number sense, operations and proportionality (9%)

foundations of algebra (14%)

algebraic thinking (11%)

data analysis, statistics and probability (7%)

two-dimensional geometry (15%)

measurement and spatial sense (9%)

Middle Grades Social Science 5-9 (038): 120 multiple-choice questions/150 minutes

Candidates must show their knowledge of the following:

history (33%)

geography (25%)

civics and government (25%)

economics (10%)

social science curriculum and instruction (7%)

Music K-12 (025): 105 multiple-choice questions/150 minutes

Those candidates for Music K-12 licensure will be tested in their knowledge of these areas:

music theory, history and literature (20%)

curricula and instructional planning (25%)

instructional and assessment procedures (25%)

professional and instructional resources (15%)

instructional emphasis: choral (5%)

instructional emphasis: instrumental (5%)

instructional emphasis: general music (5%)

Physical Education K-12 (063): 120 multiple-choice questions/150 minutes

Candidates will be tested on their knowledge of the following 13 areas:

developmentally appropriate physical education instructional strategies (13%)

developmentally appropriate movement skills and concepts related to physical education (12%)

lifetime health, wellness and physical fitness (12%)

standards-based physical education curriculum development (10%)

various types of assessment strategies that can be used to determine student levels and needs (10%)

human growth and development and motor learning as they relate to physical education (8%)

cognitive, social and emotional development through physical education and physical activity (7%)

strategies that promote an effective learning environment (7%)

the other areas worth 3-5% each are as follows: appropriate use of technology; appropriate safety considerations, rules, strategies and terminology; laws, legislation and liabilities; and history and philosophy of the physical education profession

Physics 6-12 (032): 90 multiple-choice questions/150 minutes

The FTCE tests knowledge of the following:

the nature of scientific investigation and instruction in physics (7%)

mathematics of physics (8%)

thermodynamics (10%)

mechanics (27%)

waves and optics (18%)

electricity and magnetism (20%)

modern physics (10%)

Prekindergarten/Primary PK-3 (053): 4 sub-tests of 50-60 multiple-choice items/60-70 minutes to complete each; subtests may be taken separately or all together. Test preparation is key to passing.

The FTCE in this area tests candidates’ knowledge of the following:

child growth, child development and relationships with families and the community (14%)

the profession and foundations of early childhood (PreK-3) education (12%)

developmentally appropriate practices (20%)

developmentally appropriate curricula (12%)

developmentally appropriate intervention strategies and resources available to meet the needs of all students (15%)

diagnosis, assessment and evaluation (14%)

child guidance and classroom behavioral management (13%)

Preschool Education (Birth-Age 4) (007): 120 multiple-choice questions/150 minutes

Candidates are tested on their knowledge of the following areas:

typical and atypical early childhood development (11%)

early childhood foundations, standards and professional practices (10%)

issues and practices for engaging culturally diverse families and communities (12%)

curriculum and developmentally appropriate practices (15%)

developmentally appropriate learning environments (10%)

developmentally appropriate guidance that supports the self-regulation and social-emotional development of young children (12%)

children with varying exceptionalities and special considerations and the impact on families (10%)

developmentally appropriate screening, assessment and evaluation (10%)

health, safety and nutrition (10%)

Remember to use preparation materials available to ensure a passing score on these tests.

Reading K-12 (035): 120 multiple-choice questions/150 minutes

This FTCE tests the following areas of knowledge:

text types and structures (10%)

reading assessment and evaluation (10%)

research and theories of reading processes (10%)

learning environments and procedures that support reading (10%)

oral and written language acquisition and beginning reading (11%)

phonics and word recognition (12%)

vocabulary acquisition and use (15%)

reading program development, implementation and coordination (10%)

School Psychologist PK-12 (036): 120 multiple-choice questions/150 minutes

Each candidate for licensure will be tested on knowledge in these areas:

measurement theory, test construction, research and statistics (7%)

data-based decision making and accountability (13%)

child and adolescent development (10%)

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and exceptional student education (10%)

curricula and instruction (10%)

biological, social and cultural bases of learning and behavior (12%)

laws, rules, regulations and court decisions (5%)

evidence-based interventions (15%)

consultation, collaboration and problem solving (10%)

professional school psychology and ethical decision making (8%)

Social Science 6-12 (037): 120 multiple-choice questions/150 minutes

This FTCE tests candidates on their knowledge of these areas:

geography (10%)

economics (15%)

political science (15%)

world history (25%)

U.S. history (25%)

social science and its methodology (10%)

Spanish K-12 (039): 80 multiple-choice questions, 1 essay & 5 speaking projects/150 minutes

The FTCE for Spanish K-12 will include both a speaking and writing portion.

Proficiency in presentational and interpersonal modes of communication:

the speaking portion is 25% of the total score

the essay, or writing portion, is 15% of the total score

interpretive listening (25%)

interpretive reading (25%)

practices, products and perspectives of Spanish-speaking cultures (12%)

language structure (13%)

effective teaching and learning strategies based on second language acquisition principles (25%)

Speech-Language Impaired K-12 (042): 120 multiple-choice questions/150 minutes

Candidates for this FTCE must show their knowledge in these areas:

basic communication processes (20%)

assessment process for students served in the school population (30%)

intervention techniques for students served in the school population (30%)

professional and legal issues (15%)

research and theory (5%)

Visually Impaired K-12 (044): 120 multiple-choice questions/150 minutes

This FTCE tests candidates in their knowledge of the following:

developmental growth patterns (8%)

exceptional student education (5%)

assessment, evaluation and diagnostic procedures (9%)

instructional strategies and accommodations (20%)

expanded core curriculum (9%)

specialized assistive devices and technology (5%)

collaborative approaches (4%)

philosophical, historical and legal foundations (6%)

medical aspects of visual impairments (14%)

specialized learning and literacy media (20%)

Links To Free FTCE Test Prep Tips And Tools:

Be Proactive: Pass the FTCE the First Time!

If candidates are armed with a bachelor’s degree, the FTCE should be easy, right?

Wrong!

Only 65% of candidates passed the test out of 114,769 FTCE test-takers in 2017, according to the PDF document http://fldoe.org/core/fileparse.php/5627/urlt/firsttime-ftce-examinees.pdf. This document also tells the number of candidates tested and gives the percentage of passing scores for each separate exam.

Look at the numbers yourself: of the nearly 60 areas possible for the FTCE, 28 FTCEs showed passing rates of 65% or less. And very few other FTCEs showed passing rates of 80% or more.

One test all prospective teachers must take, the General Knowledge (GK), had these passing rates in 2017:

math 57%

writing 71%

language 64%

reading 61%

What happened?

Lack of preparation. To pass the test, candidates must do the following:

Read through all of the information found at your test’s test page on www.fl.nesinc.com. Pay particular attention to the Test Information Guide and the Test Blueprint. Identify areas of weakness and admit that these areas need work! Read the research on study methods: a meta-analysis done in 1984 showed that taking practice forms of tests can raise scores on aptitude and achievement tests. Believe that practice can make perfect—or at least passing. Research the best practice/study materials for your test. Choose the best materials and use them!

Beware: Not All Practice Tests Are Equal

Sample questions may help you a bit, but take it from people who have been in your shoes: some practice/study materials are better than others. Here’s what to look for:

The test material must be current. Compare editions. Remember that the FTCEs are meant to be revised. Has the practice material changed as the actual test changed?

The practice test must contain information that may be on the actual exam (see the blueprint!). That way you can find your strengths so you can focus on your weak areas when you do use your time to study.

The practice test must have the same format as the actual test. If the questions are not worded like the ones on the real test or are too simple, it is not the best practice test for you.

The answers must explain reasons a certain answer is correct and why each of the other answers are incorrect. If you can see patterns of words or phrases in your incorrect choices as well as your correct choices, you will improve your chances of passing the real test.

Use Study Time Wisely

What is the best use of your study time?

The article “Rethinking the use of tests: A Meta-Analysis of Practice Testing” published in 2017 shows three things of interest to candidates for the FTCE (and future teachers who want to help their students prepare for exams!):

Use many short practice sessions and take some time between them. Don’t cram for days. Doing this allows your long-term memory to store information. Taking one full-length practice test worked better than taking two or more full-length tests if the tests were taken in a short time frame. Again, extend the time between practice tests. One full-length practice test taken between 1 and 6 days before the final test had the most impact. So save one of the tests for this time period. Make sure you have more than one practice test available.

So block out some study time for two weeks before the test—or two months, depending on your own confidence level.

Get rid of all distractions for 20-30 minute sessions. No cell phones or music or streaming. Make the session like a real test.

Then reward yourself after each session with a break.

But make certain you know that the real reward will come when you receive a passing score on your FTCE!

FTCE Test Prep

Preparing for licensing exams is like running a marathon, the fitter the FTCE test-takers knowledge and skills the more likely they are to pass.

You’ve invested a lot of years into your education. You’re college tuition is heavily invested in your future and this career as an educator. Now is not the time to relax and gamble your last stretch down the finish line.

Avoid Florida Teacher Certification Examinations Test Center Panic

Percentages expressed within this article represent how much a particular competency makes up the exam. For example, if a breakdown indicates that a competency is 33 percent of the test, this means that 1/3rd of your test score will be made up by this particular teaching competency.

Want to start your journey towards your future Florida classroom?…

Go to: My Humiliating FTCE And Florida Teacher Certification Experience

“FTCE Test Preparation Tips That Add Up To Big Success”

When it comes to preparing to pass your Florida teacher certification exam (otherwise known as the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations), you might think that it’s the bigger efforts that count. Between taking expensive standardized testing classes and buying 400-page study guides from your local bookstore, you’ve aimed to maximize your score…right?

These Little FTCE Testing Tips Can Lead To Your Dream Teaching Job

Actually, many FTCE test takers make the mistake of overlooking the smaller preparation tips that can make all of the difference between a failing and passing score. Future Florida teachers who miss a pass mark by five, four or even two points aren’t repeatedly failing because they don’t know their facts.

They’re failing because they’re ignoring these simple practice tips that add up to big success!

Preparation Tip One:

Don’t underestimate the power of scrap paper! When taking the math portion of the FTCE test, you’ll definitely want plenty of scrap paper by your side to visual the more difficult problems. Between probability and ratio questions to “solve for x” problems, that scrap paper will certainly come in handy. Grab plenty before the exam starts, and draw out any math problems that you need to visualize in order to get the answer.

Florida Testing Tip Two:

Don’t wait to look at the multiple choice answers before you decide your own. test makers love tripping up test takers with trick answers – and they’ll certainly sway you if you don’t have a set answer in mind. If an answer for the FTCE exam question matches the own answer in your head, then chances are that it’s right.

Study Tip Three:

Bring the calculator that you’ve used for your FTCE practice. Believe it or not, many test takers use shiny new calculators on exam day – and they lose valuable time because they’re unfamiliar with how to use the calculator. As a general rule of thumb, don’t wait until exam day to introduce new test-taking materials. Use the same calculator that you’ve used during your Florida teacher certification study for maximum results.

Review Tip Four:

Use the cheat sheets that are provided to you on the actual exam. You’ll already be familiar with the formulas, terms and hints that the FTCE test makers have provided; however, when your mind starts to draw a blank due to anxiety, those cheat sheets will certainly come in handy!

FTCE Test Tip Five:

Many Florida educator certification test takers make the mistake of rushing through the exam without reading the directions. While many of the directions will be self-explanatory, it’s important to understand what the test makers are asking of you during each section. By doing this, you won’t lose any valuable points due to a careless mistake.

For more of the best FTCE test prep practice advice…

See this now: My Brain Exploding FTCE Study Story

Author: Mark Dahlson

Last updated: 03/21/2020