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2007–2008
Frequently Asked Questions

Before Registering to Test

After Registering to Test

Scores and Score Reporting

Before Registering to Test

Question
What tests should I take?
Answer
Consult your academic advisor, a certification specialist from the school district in the county where you want to teach, or access the Web site for the Florida Department of Education’s Bureau of Educator Certification at www.fldoe.org/edcert. A valid Statement of Status of Eligibility issued by the Bureau of Educator Certification will also advise you of testing requirements.

See "Test Selection" for a list of all Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) and Florida Educational Leadership Examination (FELE) test names and test codes. Please note that the FTCE/FELE program office cannot advise you about what tests are appropriate for you.

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Question
Where can I test?
Answer
For paper-based-testing, see "Test Sites" for a list of the FTCE and FELE paper-based testing locations, including test availability by test site. In addition to Regular Administrations, several Supplemental Administrations are offered at selected test sites for an additional charge.

For computer-based testing, see "Test Selection" for a list of tests available to take on computer. See "Test Sites" for a list of available computer-based testing centers. Please note that all computer-based tests are available at all computer-based testing locations

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Question
When can I test?
Answer
See "Test Dates" for a list of FTCE and FELE test dates and registration deadlines for paper-based testing from October 2007 to December 2008. All tests are offered on all test dates. In addition to Regular Administrations, several Supplemental Administrations are offered at selected test sites for an additional charge.

Some FTCE and FELE tests are offered on computer at flexible times and locations throughout the year. See "Computer-Based Testing" for complete information.

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Question
What is the difference between Regular Administrations and Supplemental Administrations?
Answer
Supplemental Administrations are offered in addition to the regular test schedule as an option for examinees who are unable to take tests on one of the Regular Administration dates. Supplemental Administrations are offered at a limited number of test sites. Because these additional test dates require special arrangements, there is an added charge for this service. See "Test Sites" to learn which test sites are available for supplemental test administrations.

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Question
What tests can I take on the same day?
Answer
In one day you may take one subject area examination in combination with the Professional Education Test, (excluding Elementary Education K–6, which is an all-day test). The General Knowledge Test consists of four subtests and cannot be combined with any other tests on the same day. EXCEPTION: If you register for the General Knowledge Essay subtest ONLY, you may combine the Essay in the morning with the Professional Education Test in the afternoon. The FELE consists of three subtests. Subtests 1 and 2 are administered in the morning; subtest 3 is administered in the afternoon. The FELE cannot be taken with any other test on the same day.

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Question
Can I take my test on computer?
Answer
Some tests are available on computer. For information about computer-based tests, including what tests are available, where they are offered, and how to register, see "Computer-Based Testing." For any questions not answered on this Web site, you may send an e-mail to the FTCE/FELE program office by selecting "Contacts" or call the office at (413) 256-2893. Typically, you will receive an e-mail reply within two business days. Registration for computer-based tests is available online only.

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Question
How do I register to test?
Answer
To register online for computer-based and paper-based testing, see "Internet Registration" for instructions.

To register by mail for paper-based testing, follow the instructions in the "Step-by-Step Application Directions" in the current FTCE/FELE Registration Bulletin (available as a PDF document on this Web site; see "Print Bulletin and Forms [PDF]") to fill out a registration application and mail your application to the address provided in the directions.

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Question
How can I obtain more Bulletins with applications?
Answer
To order a Registration Bulletin containing a scannable registration application, or to order just the scannable registration application, select "Print Bulletin and Forms (PDF)" and follow the instructions provided.

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Question
May I use a photocopied application or fax my application?
Answer
No. Photocopies and faxed applications cannot be processed in the registration system.

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Question
Why would an application be returned?
Answer
Applications that are incomplete, have errors, are received past a deadline, or include incorrect payment amounts are returned immediately, along with a letter explaining the reason(s) for the return and instructions for correcting any errors. You are responsible for completing and submitting your application correctly according to the instructions and the deadlines provided in the current FTCE/FELE Registration Bulletin. If you make errors on your application and it has to be returned to you, the delay may cause you to miss a registration deadline or lose an opportunity to have your first or second choice of test site. Sites fill up quickly; it is to your advantage to submit your application early.

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Question
The registration application asks for a Social Security number. What if I don’t have one?
Answer
Enter 999-99-9999. You must obtain a Social Security number as quickly as possible and notify the FTCE/FELE program office of the correct number. The Bureau of Educator Certification cannot record your scores for certification purposes until you have reported the corrected Social Security number.

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Question
Where can I obtain study materials?
Answer
The Department of Education has developed test information guides for each of the tests. The guides provide a general overview of the test, including the competencies and skills to be tested and a few sample test items. See "Test Information Guides" for ordering information.

The guides are not intended to replace course work. Examinees may locate reference materials for the test skills on the Internet, in libraries, and in college bookstores. You may consider attendance in college of education programs in Florida or Educator Preparation Institutes (EPIs). If you are enrolled at an educational institution, consult your academic advisor about appropriate course work. A list of Educator Preparation Institutes (EPIs) operated by various colleges in Florida is available at the Web address www.teachinflorida.com/Precollegiate/EPI.asp. You may wish to contact one of the EPIs for advice about registering for appropriate course work.

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Question
Can I bring a cell phone to the test site?
Answer
No, you may not bring a cell phone, or a wireless earpiece for a cell phone, to the test room or surrounding areas. A cell phone, or any other electronic communication or recording device, is considered a prohibited aid. Lock your cell phone in your car before you enter the test room or surrounding areas. Suspected use of a cell phone during the test or in the vicinity of the test room may result in invalidation of the test score.

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Question
Can my requirement to take and pass the General Knowledge Test be waived?
Answer
If you have been notified through the Department of Education’s Bureau of Educator Certification that your certification requires you to take and pass the General Knowledge Test or any other certification examination, there is no provision in law to waive the test requirement. If you have questions, contact the Bureau of Educator Certification (see "Contacts").

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Question
I have a documented disability. Can the requirement to take a subtest of the General Knowledge Test be waived for me?
Answer
If the Department of Education’s Bureau of Educator Certification has stipulated that you must take and pass the General Knowledge Test or any other examination for certification in the state of Florida, there is no provision in law to waive the test requirement. However, special accommodations, such as extra time, may be requested. See "Registering for Alternative Testing Arrangements" for more information.

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Question
What is important to know about writing an essay?
Answer
An essay must be original, composed and organized by you when you select the essay topic during the test, and it must completely cover the topic. Writing a pre-prepared essay, as identified by raters, is considered cheating.

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After Registering to Test

Question
How do I change my registration?
Answer
See "Changing Your Registration" for details about how and when you may change your registration (e.g., your test date, your test area) or withdraw your registration.

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Question
My name has recently changed and now does not match the name that appears on my identification. What should I do?
Answer
See the identification policy in "What to Bring to the Test Site" for details about what you may be required to do or provide at the test site if the name on your identification differs from the name in which you registered.

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Scores and Score Reporting

Question
When will my scores be available?
Answer
Official score reports for paper-and-pencil test administrations will be mailed 30 calendar days after the Regular Administration date and approximately two weeks after the Supplemental Administration date. Select "Score Reporting" to access your unofficial scores online.

For computer-based testing, an unofficial score report will appear on the monitor at the conclusion of each test. An official score report will be mailed approximately two weeks after your test is complete.

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Question
What percentage of the test items do I need to answer correctly to pass the test?
Answer
The FTCE and FELE tests are Pass/Fail tests, so if you pass your test you will see “PASS” on your score report. If you do not pass, you will receive a numerical score. To find out approximately what percentage of test items you need to answer correctly to receive a “PASS” score for any test or subtest, consult the chart on the Department of Education’s postsecondary testing Web site, http://www.fldoe.org/asp/ftce/pdf/percentpass.pdf.

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Question
My score report says I failed my test. How can I make sure the score was recorded correctly?
Answer
You may request a handscoring of a multiple-choice test, or you may make an appointment to attend a score verification session in Tallahassee. See "Requesting a Handscore or Score Verification Session" for information about these options or refer to the information included with score reports when they are mailed. Performance sections of tests, such as essays or recorded speaking sections of language tests, have been scored by two raters, and if required, by a referee. Therefore, a handscoring for a performance section confirms that the ratings were recorded accurately.

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Question
How can I obtain more copies of the official score report than the two copies I received?
Answer
Fill out the duplicate score report request form in the Score Interpretation Guide you received with your score report, or see "Requesting Additional Copies of Your Test Results" for more information.

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