Frequently Asked Questions
Before Registering to Test
After Registering to Test
Scores and Score Reporting
Before Registering to Test
What tests should I take?
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 FTCE/FELE Customer Service
cannot advise you about what tests are appropriate for you.
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See "
Test Sites" for a list of the FTCE and FELE computer-based and
paper-based testing locations, including test availability by test site. For paper-based testing, in addition to Regular
Administrations, several Supplemental Administrations are offered at selected test sites for an additional charge.
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Seating availability for both computer-based and paper-based testing is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
During periods of increased demand, your first-choice testing site, date, or time may not be available. Examinees should register
as early as possible to avoid potential scheduling conflicts.
Computer-based tests are offered at flexible times and locations throughout the year. See
"
Computer-Based Testing" for complete information.
See "
Test Dates" for a list of FTCE and FELE test dates and registration deadlines for
paper-based testing. 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.
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What if the date I want isn't available?
When registering online, you will see on-screen notification and instruction on how to proceed with registration. If you submit a registration application by mail
requesting a date for which seating has been closed, FTCE/FELE Customer Service will contact you to reschedule your registration to the
next available test date. There is an additional charge if you choose to move your registration from a Regular Administration
to a Supplemental Administration.
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What is the difference between Regular Administrations and Supplemental Administrations?
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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What tests can I take on the same day?
If you are registering for a computer-based test, you may register for one test per appointment. It may be possible to
register for multiple appointments on the same day at the same testing center; however, there can be no guarantee that
multiple appointments can be scheduled consecutively.
If you are registering for paper-based testing, see "Test Selection" for
information about permissible combinations of tests on one test date.
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Can I take my test on computer?
Yes. The FTCE and FELE are offered on computer at flexible times and locations throughout the year. For information
about computer-based tests, including where they are offered and how to register, see
"
Computer-Based Testing."
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How do I register to test?
How can I obtain more Bulletins with applications?
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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May I use a photocopied application or fax my application?
No. Photocopies and faxed applications cannot be processed in the registration system.
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Why would an application be returned?
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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Why does the FTCE/FELE registration application request my Social Security number and how will it be used?
In order to be eligible for certification, educator
candidates demonstrate competency in general knowledge,
subject area knowledge, and professional education by
passing educator examinations. The Florida Teacher
Certification Examinations (FTCE) and Florida Educational
Leadership Examination (FELE) program collects examinees’
Social Security numbers (SSNs) via the registration
application for these exams. The FTCE/FELE program uses the
SSNs to match examinee scores with educator certification
records that contain SSNs as required by
Section 1012.56,
Florida Statutes. Examinees’ SSNs are used for internal
purposes only and are included on score reports released to
institutions and school districts as designated by the
examinee. SSNs are not released to other third parties.
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The registration application asks for a Social Security number. What if I don’t have one?
Enter 999-99-9999. You must obtain a Social Security number as quickly as possible and notify FTCE/FELE Customer Service
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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Where can I obtain study materials?
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. You may wish to
contact one of the EPIs for advice about registering for appropriate course work.
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Can I bring a cell phone to the test site?
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 device, including any device with an on/off switch, 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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Can my requirement to take and pass the General Knowledge Test be waived?
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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I have a documented disability. Can the requirement to take a subtest of the General Knowledge Test be waived for me?
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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What is important to know about writing an essay?
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
How do I change my registration?
My name has recently changed and now does not match the name that appears on my identification. What should I do?
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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My Social Security number hasn't been recorded correctly. How do I update my records?
Call FTCE/FELE Customer Service at (413) 256-2893.
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Scores and Score Reporting
When will my scores be available?
Official score reports for both computer-based and paper-based testing will be mailed according to the schedule in "
Release of Your Test
Scores." You will receive two identical official score reports.
You may also view your unofficial pass/fail status online by selecting "
Score Reporting."
Unofficial scores will be posted by 5:00 p.m. eastern time on the score report date.
If you took a computer-based test, you will receive your unofficial score results for the multiple-choice questions at the conclusion of your test.
If you took a computer-based test with a performance component, you will receive proof of testing that documents your
completion of the test.
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What percentage of the test items do I need to answer correctly to pass the test?
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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My score report says I failed my test. How can I make sure the score was recorded correctly?
You may make an appointment to attend a score verification session. If
you failed one or more tests or subtests, you will receive information and a request
form with your official score report. See
"
Requesting a Score Verification Session"
for more information about these options.
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How can I obtain more copies of the official score report than the two copies I received?
