Office of Academic Services
| Florida Teacher Certification Examination/General Knowledge Test (FTCE/GK)
General Knowledge Test (GK) Prior to July 1, 2002, the required basic skills test for teacher certification was the College Level Academic Skills Test (CLAST). As of July 1, 2002, the required basic skills test for teacher certification is the General Knowledge Test. The General Knowledge Test is a basic skills achievement test containing four subtests: Essay, English Language Skills, Reading, and Mathematics. Description of Subtests Essay (testing time: 50 minutes) English Language Skills (testing time: 40 minutes) Reading (testing time: 40 minutes) Mathematics (testing time: 100 minutes) Transition from CLAST to General Knowledge Test If you have questions about the General Knowledge Test, consult your academic advisor before registering for the test. Applicants for a Florida Educator’s Certificate should consult your Official Statement of Status of Eligibility, local school district certification office, or the Bureau of Educator Certification in the Florida Department of Education to ensure registration for the appropriate test. If you failed one or more CLAST subtests and did not retake and pass the subtests before July 1, 2002, you must register for and pass the appropriate corresponding subtests of the General Knowledge Test. Sections of the CLAST not passed before July 1, 2002 cannot be retaken for certification credit. The Bureau of Educator Certification has no authority to accept a CLAST subtest taken after that date. Note: There is no double time for General Knowledge retakes or any other retakes. Test Administration The FTCE/FELE is regularly administered statewide six times per year. You will be assigned to the location you choose, if possible. It may be necessary to assign you to another center (as close as possible to your first or second choice) if the number of people registered at your requested sites exceeds capacity or if the test centers do not offer the test for which your are registered. To meet the regular registration deadline, the completed and correct application must be received at the NES address at least 50 days preceding the examination date. The regular administration deadline is indicated on page 1 of the Registration Bulletin. It is to an applicant’s advantage to submit application materials as early as possible. Applications received during the late registration period must include the appropriate additional late charge. Examinees with a Disability An applicant unable to complete an examination under standard testing conditions due to a disabling condition should request arrangements in writing. This letter should state the specific accommodations that would be helpful. In addition, the specific disability should be described and attested to on letterhead stationery by a medical doctor, a licensed psychologist, or a university official. Date of documentation cannot be older than 3 years. Special arrangements may be made for applicants with visual, hearing, physical, and specific learning disabilities. You must request special testing conditions at the time you submit your registration application. Religious Exceptions Special exam dates may be arranged for people whose religious convictions prohibit taking exams on Saturdays. Alternative exam dates may be arranged only for religious reasons. To request a special administration date, you must include with your completed registration application a letter on letterhead stationery from an official of your church or other religious institution stating your religious conflict. If the request is approved, you will be notified of an alternative examination date and site. You must request a special test date at the time you submit your registration application. Retaking the General Knowledge Test For subtests not passed, you may reapply to retake the exam on a subsequent testing date. Another completed registration form must be received at the NES address at least 50 days prior to the exam retake date. Retake applications received during the late registration period must include the appropriate additional late charge. Score Reports Applicants will be mailed two original score reports approximately one month after the date of testing. To obtain a duplicate score report, complete the form provided in the Score Interpretation Guide sent with your score report. Provide all of the information requested, including name, Social Security number, mailing address, test names, and test dates. Send the form with $10.00 (personal check, money order, or cashier’s check) made payable to National Evaluation Systems:
Computer-Based Tests (Register on the Internet) As an alternative to paper-and-pencil exams, certain computer-based tests are available. The tests are offered at flexible times and at certain locations on a semi-continuous basis throughout the year. The computer-based tests are equivalent to the paper-and pencil tests in length and difficulty. Only examinations consisting of multiple choice questions are available. Examinees will be able to preview the questions as well as review and change their answers while taking the test. Unofficial score reports will appear on the computer monitor at the conclusion of each test. Official score reports will be mailed approximately two weeks after the test. All information regarding computer-based tests is available on the FTCE/FELE Web site, including what tests are available, as well as information about when and where tests are offered, fees, registration, special accommodations, and how to receive a refund for a cancelled registration. Online applications for certification in Florida can be obtained from the Department of Education. Additional information can also be obtained on the FTCE Web site: Florida Teacher Certification Examination (FTCE). For general questions regarding test locations, call (954) 262-8374. |
