FTCE

Overview

The Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) are the tests used in Florida to confirm that educators are professionally qualified. They run alongside the Florida Educational Leadership Examination (FELE) for school administrators, and both are delivered through one official testing site for the Florida Department of Education.

The FTCE is not a single exam. It is a family of tests made up of the General Knowledge Test, the Professional Education Test, and more than 30 Subject Area Examinations covering areas such as agriculture, art, biology, business education, chemistry and computer science.

Who can apply

The official site has a "What tests do I need to take?" page and a Certification Requirements page. Check which tests your certification route requires before registering, so you book only the tests you need. Passing scores are reported electronically to the Bureau of Educator Certification at the Florida Department of Education.

Exam pattern

Tests are computer-based and taken at test sites in Florida and across the country. Appointments are available year round.

General Knowledge Test

The Mathematics subtest provides a reference sheet and a calculator.

Professional Education Test (083)

A computer-based test covering professional knowledge for educators. Reference materials are not provided in the test room.

Subject Area Examinations

Each subject area exam is numbered and is aimed at a particular subject and grade band, for example Art K-12 (001), Biology 6-12 (002) and Chemistry 6-12 (003). The official site lists all of them under its Tests page.

Marking and results

Multiple-choice subtests are reported on a scaled score, and a score of 200 passes on the General Knowledge subtests listed above. The essay is scored on a point scale.

For tests that are purely multiple choice, you normally get an on-site score report at the end of the session, followed by an official report. Tests with a written or performance part give you a receipt of completion instead. Official score reports are posted within 4 weeks of your test date.

Fees

As listed on the official site in 2026, the General Knowledge Test costs $32.50 per subtest when taken singly, with different totals for combinations. Fees for other tests are shown on each test's page on the official site.

If you cancel at least 24 hours before your appointment you can get a refund; inside 24 hours there is no refund. Fee waivers exist for some candidates, including military certification applicants and retired first responders.

How to apply

1. Log in to your FTCE/FELE account, or create one.

2. Choose the test, answer the background questions and accept the testing policies.

3. Pick a test site, date and time.

4. Pay with a credit, debit or check card.

5. Receive your appointment details by email and in your account.

You have one year from the date of registration to take your appointment. Registration is open at all hours.

On test day, bring two valid, unexpired forms of identification in English. The first must be US government-issued with your photo and signature, and your name must exactly match your registration. Arrive 30 minutes early, since late arrivals are turned away without a refund.

After the exam

If you fail, you must wait 31 calendar days before retaking, and you must register and pay again. After passing a test, you must wait 3 years before taking the same test again. No extra time is given for retakes.

Candidates who did not pass can book a score verification session to review the questions they answered wrongly and file a scoring challenge. It does not allow a retake or changes to answers.

Related exam: FELE

The Florida Educational Leadership Examination has four subtests, and all four must be passed.

As listed on the official site in 2026, the fee is $53.75 for one subtest,$107.50 for two, $161.25 for three and$215 for all four.

FAQs