Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) Requirements

Everything you need to know about the FTCE Exams

What is the FTCE


The FTCE stands for the Florida Teacher Certification examinations. It is a group of exams that tests the capability of individuals who are hoping to become teachers in Florida. If you pass the Florida Teacher Certification examinations, then you will have demonstrated that you have the skills needed to instruct and effectively teach students in the state of Florida.

What Are the Required FTCE Exams?


The Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) are required to evaluate a new teacher’s knowledge of their content area, and their skills as an educator (pedagogy). Depending on your qualifications, you may need to take a subject area test prior to issuance of your Temporary Certificate. You will need to pass the required General Knowledge Test (GKT) and the Professional Education Test (PEd) prior to issuance of your Professional Certificate.

Certification Areas
General Knowledge Test | GKT

The General Knowledge Test (GKT)

The GKT, or the General Knowledge Test, is a part of the Florida Teacher Certification examinations. It is made up of four tests, which all have the same goal of testing if an individual possesses the basic skills necessary for being a professional educator. The General Knowledge Test contains four subtests. The Essay Subtest (825), the English Language Skills (ELS) Subtest (826), the Reading Subtest (827), and the Mathematics Subtest (828) must all be passed by those wishing to professionally teach in Florida. However, if you have a master’s degree, you are exempt from taking the GKT.

Only 32% of those not in a program pass the GKT on the first try. Let us help you!

Preparation

The new GKT format requires that you achieve a passing score on each section of the test. This means that it is no longer possible to “average out” an area that you are strong in with the area that you may be weaker in. The test costs $130 and $32.50 per section for retakes, so we strongly encourage you to be well-prepared!

Study Resources

Florida Teachers offers many resources to help you prepare for the GKT. The State Tests section of our Resources page contains all of the materials, webinars, and test prep discount deals that we offer to our candidates, plus an overview of what to expect on the test.

The Professional Education Test (PEd)


Florida’s Professional Education Test covers the skills required to be an effective teachers, or what is known as ‘pedagogy.’ These competencies include lesson planning, creating a student-centered learning environment, instructional delivery, assessment, developing literacy, professional conduct, and strategies for teaching English Language Learners (ELLs). Click the link below to learn more about the state-mandated tests.

Preparation

It is required by the state of Florida that individuals pass the Professional Education Test prior to receiving their professional teaching certificate. The test has a fee of $150 dollars, saving you both time and money if you’re able to pass!

Study Resources

Florida Teachers has a variety of resources for you to look at when studying for the Professional Education Test. Learn background about the exam, and discover strategies and practice questions to best prepare. Go to the Florida teacher resources page to find out more!

Study Resources

FAQs

How can Teachers of Tomorrow Help Me Prepare for the FTCE exams?

Teachers of Tomorrow can help you prepare for the FTCE exams in a variety of ways. We have a comprehensive GKT preparation program consisting of training modules and webinars. The training modules and webinars will be able to direct you to preparation strategies, practice questions for the subtests, and so much more to help you prepare for the FTCE exams. Explore all of the resources that Florida Teachers of Tomorrow has to offer!

How many times can you take the FTCE?

You are able to take the FTCE as many times as you need. In other words, there is no limit set for the number of times that you take each of the tests. However, if you want to retake the exam, you must wait 31 days before they can retake it. Additionally, you must wait for your scores to come back before you can schedule your retake exam.

Are the FTCE exams difficult?

The FTCE exams can be difficult. Like any test that you are taking, it is important to create a study schedule so that you increase your chances of passing the exam. Florida Teachers of Tomorrow offers a robust amount of preparation materials for taking the FTCE exams and is able to help guide individuals in the studying process. Learn about all of the ways that Florida Teachers of Tomorrow can help guide you for the FTCE exams.

How many times can you take the General Knowledge Test?

You can take the General Knowledge Test, or GKT, as often as you need to until you pass. In order to pass the General Knowledge Test, you must receive a passing score on each portion of the test, rather than a passing score from the average of all of the tests. In order to pass the exam, it’s important to create a studying schedule or participate in a program that can help ready you for the exam. Not only is it important to pass this exam to receive your professional teaching certification, but it is also important due to the cost of the exam. The exam itself is $130, with each section costing $32.50. Learn how Florida Teachers of Tomorrow can help you pass the General Knowledge Test on the first try, and register today!

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Texas Teachers Exempt Countries

Texas Teachers currently recognizes these SBEC-approved countries:
  • American Samoa
  • Angulia
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Austrailia
  • Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Belize
  • Bermuda
  • British Virgin Islands
  • Cayman Islands
  • Canada (except Quebec)
  • Dominica
  • Gambia
  • Ghana
  • Gibraltar
  • Grand Cayman
  • Grenada
  • Guyana
  • Jamaica
  • Liberia
  • Nigeria
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis
  • Saint Lucia
  • Trinidata/ Tobago
  • Turks and Calcos
  • United Kingdom
  • US Pacific Trust