This page provides answers to frequently asked questions about the FTCE exam. It is organized into five sections: FTCE Overview, FTCE Registration, Studying for the FTCE, FTCE Testing Day, and FTCE Test Results.
If you have additional questions about our prep programs, please see our general FAQs page and our Info & Help Videos page.
What is the FTCE?
FTCE stands for Florida Teacher Certification Examinations. FTCE is a series of teacher credentialing tests used to satisfy licensure requirements in Florida. More information can be found on our FTCE page.
Who takes the FTCE? What does the FTCE qualify you for?
The FTCE is primarily required to be passed by full-time teacher candidates in Florida.
Do I need to take the FTCE to be a substitute teacher?
No - substitute teachers in Florida do not require certification.
Is the FTCE still required in Florida?
Yes, the FTCE is still one of the main ways a candidate can satisfy the licensure requirements.
How do I get an FTCE waiver?
For more information on alternate pathways to certification, please see the Florida Department of Education's website.
Where can I take the FTCE?
Computer-based testing is available at sites throughout Florida and nationwide. For more information, please visit FTCE Registration Info.
How often is the FTCE offered?
Computer-based testing is offered at testing centers year-round by appointment. For further information, please see FTCE Test Dates.
When should you take the FTCE?
Many candidates will have restrictions based on their organization’s timetable. In the absence of such requirements, candidates are advised to take the FTCE as early as is practical as the test can be re-taken if necessary and appointments may not always be available at convenient times. For more information, please see FTCE Test Dates.
Are FTCE exams still free?
Unfortunately no - in April, 2020, fee waivers were offered, however the program ended in May 2020.
How much does the FTCE cost?
Fees vary by test, but as an example, basic registration for the Elementary Education K-6 exam is $37.50 per subtest. For further details, please see FTCE Testing Costs.
Is there a fee waiver for the FTCE?
To inquire about a fee waiver for the test itself, please contact the official testing service that administers the FTCE. If you are looking for financial assistance for our prep programs to study for the FTCE, please see Financial Assistance.
Do I have to pay to retake the FTCE?
Yes – there is no fee to change a registration, but regular fees apply to retaking the FTCE. For more details, please see FTCE Testing Costs.
How long do I have to wait to retake the FTCE?
You must wait 31 calendar days to retake the FTCE.
How do I cancel my FTCE?
To cancel a FTCE registration, please contact the official testing service.
How long should I study for FTCE?
The average amount of time an individual spends studying is around two months, but that varies widely, depending on which test you are taking and many factors, such as whether English is your second language, your existing familiarity with the test content, and the amount of time you have available to study each day.
Which is the best FTCE test prep book?
There are many good FTCE study guides available from major educational publishers like Cliffs, Kaplan and others. If you plan to buy one, we recommend going to a physical bookstore so you can read through the various options and see which is best for you.
Our company doesn’t offer any physical books. Instead, our FTCE prep options let you learn test content and strategies directly from caring, experienced teachers. Options include live classes, one-on-one tutoring and self-paced online prep.
Is your FTCE prep up-to-date?
Yes – whenever the test is updated, we adjust our prep programs accordingly. If you have any questions about specific programs, please feel free to Contact Us.
How do I study for the FTCE General Knowledge math section? What about the reading? And the ELS/essay?
Our programs teach you the content from the ground up, so when you’re studying for the math portion, we teach you the building blocks of math before building up to the more challenging areas. The same is true for reading and ELS/essay; we review the vocabulary you’ll need to know and teach you how to identify what the question is asking.
Which FTCE section is the hardest?
That depends on the individual. Some people find the Math section to be the most challenging, while others struggle more with the ELS/Essay or Reading. None of the sections is harder than any other – it just comes down to your comfort level with the subject matter.
Can I take the FTCE sections separately?
Yes, you may take the FTCE sections separately or all together. For more information, please see FTCE Registration Info.
Is the FTCE General Knowledge test difficult?
That depends on the individual. The test covers what are considered basic skills, so the knowledge being tested is not high-level, but it does require familiarity with the math, reading, and writing skills being tested. If you haven’t used math in a while, you will likely want to spend some time reviewing your math skills. A good way to get a sense of the level of difficulty is to take a FTCE practice test.
How long does the FTCE last?
The length of the tests vary by exam. For more information, please see FTCE Exams.
Can I use a calculator on the FTCE?
Calculators are provided for those exams that require it. Candidates may not bring their own calculator.
What score do you need to pass FTCE?
For FTCE tests and subtests with multiple-choice questions only, the passing score is 200. For FTCE tests and subtests with a performance component, minimum scores can be found on the testing service website. To get a sense of your likelihood of passing, you can take a free FTCE practice test and have the multiple-choice sections auto-graded.
How do I get a copy of my FTCE scores?
Scores will be available on your online account or you can request a copy of your score report from the official testing service.
Where do I send my FTCE scores?
FTCE scores are sent to any institutions you specify when registering for the test. You can also add institutions by request if you have not yet taken your test - or you can request a copy of your score report to provide to institutions or districts yourself.
How long until I get my FTCE results?
For multiple-choice only tests, unofficial results are available at the end of the test session. Official score reports are posted online on Mondays after 10:00pm eastern time on score report dates. For more details, please see FTCE Test Dates.
What happens if you fail the FTCE?
You may retake any section that you failed after a waiting period of 31 days.
How long do the FTCE scores last?
Once you pass the FTCE, your score is valid for 5 years.
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