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Testing Resources

Florida Teacher Certification Examination

The purpose of the Florida Teacher Certification Examination (FTCE) is to ensure that all teacher candidates demonstrate the necessary content and pedagogical knowledge necessary to effectively instruct students in Florida. Ensuring the preparation of effective teachers and other professional educators for the State of Florida is fundamental to the mission of the University of North Florida's Silverfield College of Education and Human Services.

General Knowledge Test (GKT)

The General Knowledge Test assesses the skills and knowledge candidates need to begin careers as professional educators and consists of four subtests: Essay, English Language Skills, Reading and Mathematics Subtest.

Subject Area Exams (SAEs)

The Subject Area Exams are designed to test for knowledge of a specific subject matter. The SAEs students choose to take are determined by their desired teaching focus/concentration. There are more than 40 different SAEs available in a variety of subject areas.

Professional Education Test (PEd)

The Professional Education Test is an exam related to knowledge about professional education competencies, and is meant to test education specific to pedagogy and professional practices. Revised in January 2013, this 120-question multiple choice test is built on the Florida Educators Accomplished Practices (FEAPs).

Test Preparation

GK Test Prep Books Available at Thomas G. Carpenter Library

UNF students and patrons of the UNF Thomas G. Carpenter Library can check out a variety of GK Test Prep books. Follow the steps below to easily check out these to help you prepare for the test.

  1. Students will need to bring their Osprey1Card with them as they will need it to enter the building as well as to check out the books.
  2. Students can check out two books at a time.
  3. Students will need to ask for the books by call number.

FTCE General Knowledge Test: Call Number 4600
The Ultimate Step by Step Guide (GK Math): Call Number 4601
FTCE General Knowledge Test English Language Skills and Reading: Call Number 4602

Online Tutorials/Note Cards

Online Practice Tests

  • The Test Camp (free online workshops and pre-tests for the FTCE)
  • REA Online Test Packages (fee involved).
  • 240Tutoring (Test Prep on all Florida Teacher Certification Examinations, fee involved)
    • Email Jade Yuen-Johnson to be added to this resources. Students that accept the invite will pay $25 monthly fee. Students can cancel their subscription at any time.
  • FAU GK Test Prep (Fee involved) Math and Verbal Review Courses available to UNF students.

Resources for specific exams

Study guides for the FTCE exams can also be borrowed from the local public library or purchased through online or local booksellers.

Information about all Florida Teacher Certification Exams can be accessed through the Florida Department of Education.

Note: Please be mindful of the copyright date and be sure to pick up the latest editions as the exams have changed recently.

FTCE Test Registration and Score Information

All Florida Teacher Certification Exams (FTCE) are administered at various locations throughout the state of Florida. To find the nearest testing center in your area, please visit the FTCE test center search website.

Students must register online and pay the required fees to Pearson in order to take any portion of the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE). The most up-to-date information about the FTCE is available through the Florida Department of Education’s Bureau of Educator Certification on the FLDOE website for Educator Certification

When registering for any section of the FTCE, indicate the institution (i.e. UNF Silverfield College of Education and Human Services) that you want to receive your scores.

Testing sites in the Greater Jacksonville Area

  • FSCJ (Downtown Campus)
  • Pearson Testing Center located at 8380 Baymeadows Rd. Suite # 11
  • Pearson Testing Center located at 8659 Baypine Rd.

Understanding Your Score

The scale score for the multiple choice sections on General Knowledge Test (GKT), Subject Area Exams (SAE's) and Professional Education Test (Ped) is up to 200. The essay portion requires a passing score of 8 out of 12.

View the Florida Department of Education website for FTCE scoring information that includes information about:

  • Passing Scores Needed
  • Score Reports
  • Score Verification Sessions

For those who are successful, an unofficial score of "PASSED" will appear on the screen at the completion of the test. A copy of your score report will be sent directly to the school district, college or university that you indicated when you registered for the exam. In addition, your passing scores will be submitted electronically to the Bureau of Educator Certification.

For those who do not have a successful attempt, an unofficial "NOT PASSED" will appear with a scale score. This score is not a direct indicator of how many questions were answered correctly, but can provide an overall view of the attempt.

Retest Policies

Test-takers must wait 31 calendar days before they may retake a failed exam. Retaking an exam within the 31-day period will invalidate your scores for the exam. To retake a test, please submit a new registration and pay the retake fee online. The cost to retake the FTCE is the fee for sitting the exam ($130), plus a retake fee ($20), with amounts to $150 per retake.

Suggested Exam Preparation Schedule

The Silverfield College of Education and Human Services wants all of our teacher candidates to be successful in passing the FTCE. Those who have experienced first-attempt success on their exams recommend the schedule outlined below.

Sophomore Year

Take the General Knowledge Test (GKT)

  • Select a test date and site
  • Register online for the GKT
  • Send your passing score to your academic advisor

Junior Year

Take any relevant Subject Area Exam (SAEs) for your teaching focus/concentration

  • Select a test date and site
  • Register online for the SAEs you with to take
  • Send your passing score to your academic advisor

Senior Year

Take the Professional Education Test (PEd)

  • Select a test date and site
  • Register online for the PEd
  • Send your passing score to your academic advisor

Academic Policies