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United States · Teacher certification test

The Florida FTCE exams

Florida checks three things before it gives a teacher a professional certificate: general knowledge, professional preparation and knowledge of the subject they’ll teach. The Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) test all three, with the General Knowledge Test (GK), the Professional Education Test (PEd) and 39 Subject Area Examinations (SAE). The Florida FTCE exams are set by the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) and run by Evaluation Systems, part of Pearson, on computers at Pearson VUE test centers. State law accepts other evidence for some of them, and the Bureau of Educator Certification tells you which tests you need once you apply.

  • 3Kinds of test: GK, PEd and subject area
  • 200Scaled score to pass a multiple-choice test
  • $150Fee for PEd or a single-part subject test
  • 4 weeksLongest wait for official scores
Where to studyHow the test works

Updated October 2026 · Written from the FTCE/FELE test information guides (Florida Department of Education)

Key facts

At a glance

Set by
The Florida Department of Education, with Evaluation Systems (Pearson) running the tests
Tests
General Knowledge (4 subtests), Professional Education, and 39 Subject Area Examinations
Fees
$32.50 per GK subtest; $150 for PEd and for each single-part subject area test
Where
Pearson VUE test centers in Florida and across the US, by appointment year round

How it works

How the Florida FTCE exams work

Any multiple-choice FTCE test, subtest or section
Below 200: not pass200 or higher: pass
General Knowledge Essay, two raters’ scores added
Under 6 of 8 points: not pass6 to 8 points: pass
The number of right answers behind 200 can vary slightly from one test form to another, so 200 always means the same standard.
  1. Every FTCE test is computer-based and taken by appointment at a Pearson VUE test center, Monday to Saturday all year, in Florida and across the US.
  2. You can take only one test per appointment, but for the GK, Elementary Education K-6, PK-3, English 6-12, Middle Grades English 5-9 and German you can pick any mix of its subtests or sections.
  3. Most tests have no scheduled break, so the clock keeps running if you step out. Taking all four GK subtests in one sitting gives you a 15-minute break.
  4. Your test session includes a short tutorial and a nondisclosure agreement you have 5 minutes to accept.
  5. If your test is multiple-choice only, you get an on-site score report at the end of the session, unless the test is being redeveloped or revised. Tests with an essay or speaking part give you a receipt of completion instead.
  6. Scores are pass or not pass. Passing scores go straight to the Bureau of Educator Certification on the score report date.

Topics

What’s on the test

01

The General Knowledge Test

Four subtests, an essay and three multiple-choice parts, that check the basic skills every new Florida teacher needs. You can take them together or one at a time.

Key points (4)
  • The GK has an essay (50 minutes) and three multiple-choice subtests: English Language Skills (about 30 questions, 40 minutes), Reading (about 30, 55 minutes) and Mathematics (about 35, 1 hour 40 minutes) (FTCE/FELE program, General Knowledge Test page).
  • Since January 1, 2025, you pass each multiple-choice subtest with a scaled score of 200, and the essay with at least 6 of 8 points from two raters (Rule 6A-4.0021(7)(c), F.A.C.).
  • A mathematics reference sheet and an on-screen four-function calculator are provided; you can’t bring your own calculator (FTCE/FELE program, General Knowledge Test page).
  • Florida law also accepts set GRE, SAT, ACT or Classic Learning Test (CLT) scores, a master’s degree, a valid standard certificate from another state or a National Board certificate instead of a GK pass (s. 1012.56(3), F.S.).
02

The Professional Education Test

One multiple-choice test of teaching practice, from planning lessons to Florida’s Principles of Professional Conduct.

Key points (4)
  • The Professional Education Test (083) has about 80 multiple-choice questions in 2 hours 30 minutes, and you pass with a scaled score of 200 (FTCE/FELE program, Professional Education Test page).
  • Instructional design and planning and instructional delivery are the largest areas, at about 18% of the questions each (Professional Education test information guide).
  • The test fee is $150 (Rule 6A-4.0021(4)(b), F.A.C.).
  • Some routes to a professional certificate don’t need the test, such as a valid standard certificate from another state or a National Board certificate (s. 1012.56(6), F.S.).
03

Subject Area Examinations

One test for each subject and grade range you want on your certificate, from Elementary Education K-6 to Physics 6-12.

Key points (4)
  • The program lists 39 Subject Area Examinations, all computer-based and taken by appointment (FTCE/FELE program, Tests page).
  • A single-part subject area test costs $150; Mathematics 6-12, for example, has about 50 multiple-choice questions and Social Science 6-12 about 80, each in 2 hours 30 minutes (FTCE/FELE program test pages; Rule 6A-4.0021(4)(b), F.A.C.).
  • Elementary Education K-6 and Prekindergarten/Primary PK-3 have four subtests each, at $37.50 a subtest (Rule 6A-4.0021(4)(c), F.A.C.).
  • From January 1, 2027, the 29th Edition of the competencies revises Deaf or Hard of Hearing K-12, the K-6 and PK-3 language arts and reading subtests, ESOL K-12 and School Counseling PK-12 (Florida Administrative Register, Vol. 52/159, August 17, 2026).
04

Registering, fees and test day

You register and pay online in your FTCE/FELE account, then book a Pearson VUE test center appointment.

Key points (4)
  • Registration is online, 24 hours a day, and you have one year from registering to schedule an appointment (FTCE/FELE program, Register page).
  • Changes and cancellations must be made online at least 24 hours before the appointment; refunds follow the same 24-hour rule (FTCE/FELE program, reschedule and refund policies).
  • You need two valid, unexpired IDs printed in English, the first a US government-issued photo ID with your signature, or a passport (FTCE/FELE program, identification policy).
  • Military members, veterans and their spouses, retired first responders and some ESE and K-6 teachers can have first-attempt fees waived; retake fees can’t be waived (s. 1012.59, F.S.; Rule 6A-4.0021(13)-(15), F.A.C.).
05

Scores, results and retakes

Every FTCE test is pass or not pass, with 200 as the passing scaled score on multiple-choice parts. Official results come within four weeks.

Key points (4)
  • The minimum passing scaled score for multiple-choice tests, subtests and sections is 200 (FTCE/FELE program, Understanding Your Scores).
  • If you pass you see PASS with no number; if you don’t, you get your numeric score and a performance analysis by competency (FTCE/FELE program, Understanding Your Scores).
  • You must wait 31 calendar days to retake a test you didn’t pass, and three years to retake one you passed (FTCE/FELE program, retake policy).
  • If you miss by 10 scale-score points or less, you can book a $75 score verification session (FTCE/FELE program, Score Verification Sessions).
06

Temporary and professional certificates

The Bureau of Educator Certification decides which tests you need after you apply. A temporary certificate lets you teach while you finish them; the professional certificate needs all three areas.

Key points (4)
  • The Bureau of Educator Certification (BEC) sets your testing requirements after you submit an application (FTCE/FELE program, Certification Requirements).
  • A temporary certificate is valid for 5 school fiscal years, is issued once and can’t be renewed (s. 1012.56(7)(f), F.S.).
  • A professional certificate lasts up to 5 years; renewal takes 6 college credits or 120 inservice points, and passing a Florida subject area test can renew a subject (s. 1012.585, F.S.).
  • From July 1, 2029, state law replaces the GRE, SAT, ACT and CLT route to general knowledge with approved introduction to education and classroom management courses (note to s. 1012.56, F.S., ch. 2025-107).
07

The Florida Educational Leadership Examination

The FELE is the test for Educational Leadership certification, run through the same program and account as the FTCE.

Key points (3)
  • The New Generation FELE has four subtests: two of about 50 multiple-choice questions and two written performance assessments (FTCE/FELE program, FELE page).
  • You pass Subtests 1 and 2 with a scaled score of 200, Subtest 3 with 4 of 8 points and Subtest 4 with 5 of 8 points (FTCE/FELE program, FELE page).
  • It costs $53.75 a subtest, or $215 for all four, and first attempts and retakes cost the same (FTCE/FELE program, FELE page and fee change notice).

Test day

What to bring to your FTCE appointment

  • Two valid, unexpired IDs printed in English: a US government-issued photo ID with your signature (or your passport), plus a second ID with a photo or signature
  • Legal proof of a name change, such as a marriage certificate, if your ID doesn’t match your account name
  • Your appointment confirmation email, for the exact test center address
  • A sweater or sweatshirt if you like, which staff will inspect

Before you go

  1. Apply to the Bureau of Educator Certification first if you aren’t sure which tests you need.
  2. Create your FTCE/FELE account and register online, then pick your test center, date and time.
  3. Read the free test information guide for your test, including its competencies and sample questions.
  4. Try the computer-based testing tutorial for your test type.
  5. Make any changes at least 24 hours before your appointment, online only.
  6. Arrive 30 minutes early, ready for a photo, a palm vein scan and a security check.
FTCE/FELE program: RegisterEvaluation Systems, part of Pearson, runs FTCE and FELE registration for the Florida Department of Education. You create one account, register for each test and schedule a Pearson VUE appointment.

Study options

Where to study

The FLDOE recommends only its own materials: a free test information guide for every FTCE test, with the competencies, sample questions and, where a test has one, its reference sheet. Start there, then add paid study guides or courses if you want more practice. The options below are compared on what the providers’ own sites said in October 2026.

OptionPriceFree to useLinks
Official and free
FTCE/FELE test information guidesOfficial guide for every testWritten under the authority of the Florida Department of Education, which calls them the only materials it recommends. Each has the test design, competencies with their percentages, preparation strategies, sample questions, any reference sheet and an annotated bibliography. The program also has a competencies and skills worksheet for each test, to map content against courses you’ve taken.
FreeEvery guide, for every FTCE and FELE test
FTCE/FELE program: Test Information Guides ↗FTCE/FELE program: Competencies and Skills Worksheets ↗
FTCE/FELE computer-based testing tutorialsOfficial tutorials of the test screensPearson VUE’s walk-throughs of the real test software: the standard multiple-choice screens, essays, listening for Music K-12, video for Deaf or Hard of Hearing K-12, and the French, German and Spanish speaking and listening tasks.
FreeAll seven tutorials
FTCE/FELE program: Computer-Based Testing Tutorials ↗
Courses and study guides
240 TutoringOnline study guides and practice testsSeparate guides for the GK subtests, PEd, FELE subtests and subject area tests such as Mathematics 6-12 and ESE K-12; for example, its Professional Education guide lists 80 lessons and 1,447 practice questions. Its guarantee refunds up to two months of subscription if you score 90% on one of its practice tests and still fail, provided you test within 30 days of your subscription ending and ask within three months.
$49.99 a month for every FTCE and FELE study guide; cancel any timeFree diagnostic practice tests for FTCE exams
240 Tutoring: FTCE and FELE study guides ↗240 Tutoring: The 240 Tutoring Guarantee ↗
MometrixStudy guide book and online GK courseThe GK course lists 570 practice questions, 5 full-length practice tests and more than 90 lessons, with a 7-day money-back guarantee. The book comes with a one-year money-back guarantee and covers the GK, PEd and subject area tests.
FTCE Secrets study guide $39.99 ebook or $44.99 print; FTCE General Knowledge course $49.99 a monthFree FTCE practice questions on its site
Mometrix: FTCE study guide ↗Mometrix: FTCE General Knowledge prep course ↗

Prices and ratings checked October 2026.

Explore

Everything else, in one place

PrepScoresGK testPEd testSubject areasRegisterResults

Official materials

Study guidesSample questions

Subject tests

Elementary Education K-6English 6-12Math 6-12 and 5-9Social Science 6-12ESE K-12Physical Education K-12

Certification and leadership

Teacher certificationFELE

FAQ

Common questions

What are the Florida FTCE exams?

They’re the state’s teacher certification tests. The General Knowledge Test checks writing, English language skills, reading and math. The Professional Education Test checks teaching practice. The Subject Area Examinations check the subject and grade range on your certificate, such as Elementary Education K-6 or Mathematics 6-12.

Do I have to pass every FTCE test?

Not always. The Bureau of Educator Certification (BEC) decides your testing requirements after you apply. A temporary certificate needs your subject’s coursework set in State Board rule or proof you know the subject, such as a subject area test pass. A professional certificate needs general knowledge, subject area knowledge and professional preparation, and Florida law accepts other evidence for each, such as a valid standard certificate from another state.

Can you take the FTCE online at home?

The FTCE/FELE program describes every test as computer-based and taken at a test center: Pearson VUE sites in Florida and around the country, booked through your FTCE/FELE account. Its pages don’t offer an at-home version. French, German and Spanish are given only at certain centers.

What’s changing on the FTCE in 2027?

On January 1, 2027, the State Board of Education’s 29th Edition of the competencies and skills replaces the 28th Edition. The State Board says it revises five tests: Deaf or Hard of Hearing K-12, the Language Arts and Reading subtests of Elementary Education K-6 and Prekindergarten/Primary PK-3, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) K-12, and School Counseling PK-12. Later, on July 1, 2029, a 2025 state law changes some routes around the GK and PEd.

Is there a way around the General Knowledge Test?

Yes, several. Florida law accepts set GRE, SAT, ACT or Classic Learning Test scores, a master’s degree from an accredited institution, a valid standard certificate from another state, a National Board certificate, or two semesters of college teaching. The requirement is also waived for a teacher who has had three years of state and district support and was rated effective or highly effective in each of the last three years.

What is the FELE?

The Florida Educational Leadership Examination is the test for Educational Leadership certification, for school administrators. It runs through the same program and account as the FTCE but has its own four subtests and fees.

Sources: FTCE/FELE program · Florida Administrative Code · Florida Administrative Register and 4 more. Checked October 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.

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