Florida Teacher Certification Exams
Prepare for teacher certification in Florida with UWF’s education programs. Learn about required exams, study resources, and application steps.
Who needs to take Florida Teacher Certification Exams?
The Elementary Education, Exceptional Student Education (ESE)/Elementary Education, and UWF-Teach programs prepare students for professional teacher certification in Florida. As part of these certification programs, students must take and pass the Florida Teacher Certification Exams (FTCEs), as required by the state.
Students pursuing a Professional Education minor are not required to take the FTCEs to graduate, though it is recommended.
Test scores are valid for 10 years prior to the date of application for teacher certification.
General and Professional Knowledge Exams
Elementary Education, ESE/Elementary Education and UWF-Teach students are required to pass the General Knowledge (GK) exam prior to being admitted to their certification program. The GK exam includes the following sub-tests:
- Essay
- 50 minutes
- English Language Skills
- Approximately 40 questions
- 40 minutes
- Reading
- Approximately 40 questions
- 55 minutes
- Math
- Approximately 45 questions
- 100 minutes
Elementary Education, ESE/Elementary Education and UWF-Teach students are required to pass the Professional Education (PED) exam prior to student teaching, by the application deadlines (i.e., May 1 for fall, October 1 for spring). This test includes approximately 120 questions and the time allotted is 150 minutes.
Subject Area Exams (SAE)
Elementary Education students are required to pass the Subject Area Exam (SAE) for Elementary Education K-6 prior to student teaching, by the application deadlines (i.e., May 1 for fall, October 1 for spring). The Elementary Education K-6 exam includes the following sub-tests:
- Language Arts and Reading
- Approximately 60 questions
- 65 minutes
- Social Science
- Approximately 55 questions
- 65 minutes
- Science
- Approximately 55 questions
- 70 minutes
- Mathematics
- Approximately 50 questions
- 70 minutes
ESE/Elementary Education students are required to pass the Subject Area Exam (SAE) for Elementary Education K-6 prior to student teaching, by the application deadlines (i.e., May 1 for fall, October 1 for spring). The Elementary Education K-6 exam includes the following sub-tests:
- Language Arts and Reading
- Approximately 60 questions
- 65 minutes
- Social Science
- Approximately 55 questions
- 65 minutes
- Science
- Approximately 55 questions
- 70 minutes
- Mathematics
- Approximately 50 questions
- 70 minutes
ESE/Elementary Education students are also required to pass the SAE for Exceptional Student Education K-12 prior to student teaching by the application deadlines (i.e., May 1 for fall, October 1 for spring). This test includes approximately 120 questions and lasts 150 minutes.
UWF-Teach students are required to pass the SAE in the subject that reflects their major prior apprenticeship teaching by the application deadlines (i.e., May 1 for fall, October 1 for spring). Students completing a minor in Professional Education are encouraged to take the SAE that reflects the subject they wish to teach along with the GK and the PED.
Students completing a minor in Professional Education are encouraged to take the SAE that reflects the subject they wish to teach along with the GK and the PED.
Useful Websites
FTCE/FELE Registration & Resources
This site provides information and resources for the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) and Florida Educational Leadership Examination (FELE). It allows users to register for exams, access study materials, view test policies, and check scores. It is the official source for all state-mandated teacher certification exams required for educators in Florida.
Florida Department of Education
This site, hosted by the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE), provides official information about the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE). It outlines exam requirements, policies, scoring information, and certification processes for aspiring educators in Florida.
Bureau of Educator Certification
This Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) site provides information on teacher certification requirements, applications, renewal processes, and reciprocity for educators in Florida. It is the official resource for obtaining and maintaining professional educator certification in the state.
Study Materials
Applying for Teacher Certification
Elementary Education, ESE/Elementary Education and UWF-Teach students are eligible to apply for professional certification with the Florida Department of Education upon graduation. There are application fees when applying for certification.
To complete the application process, visit the Florida Department of Education online application.
If you are interested in employment in a state other than Florida, please visit that state’s Department of Education website for information on teacher certification.
