2007–2008
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 the FTCE/FELE program office
cannot advise you about what tests are appropriate for you.
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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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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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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?
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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Can I take my test on computer?
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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How do I register to test?
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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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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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 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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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/Precollegiate/EPI.asp. 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 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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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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Scores and Score Reporting
When will my scores be available?
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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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 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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How can I obtain more copies of the official score report than the two copies I received?
