FTCE General Knowledge (GK) Practice Test & Study Guide

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What Is the FTCE General Knowledge Test?

The Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) General Knowledge test (GK) is a computer-based skills exam. It evaluates the test taker's basic academic abilities in math, reading, and the English language.

For those aspiring to work in Florida's public school system, the FTCE General Knowledge test is an essential step: the Florida Board of Education requires this test for its educators to become certified. This is because passing this Florida Teacher Certification Exam demonstrates an individual's ability to grasp education concepts that are critical to teaching. As such, it may also be referred to as the Florida Teacher Certification Exam General Knowledge Test.

Additionally, there is no approach to waive the FTCE general knowledge test requirement. However, if an individual has a suitable FTCE passing score for relevant Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) categories, this may be a suitable replacement.

The FTCE General Knowledge Test also serves the needs of students. By ensuring that teachers are well-prepared, the Florida Board of Education is also setting those they will educate up for success. As such, the Florida teacher certification General Knowledge test is an exam that works to the advantage of all in the state's public school system.

FTCE General Knowledge Test (GK) (082) FTCE 825 FTCE 826 FTCE 827 FTCE 828
Test Cost $130 $32.50 $32.50 $32.50 $32.50
Number of Questions 1 essay question and 120 multiple-choice questions 1 Essay 40 multiple-choice questions 40 multiple-choice questions 40 multiple-choice questions
Time Allotted 240 min 50 min 40 min 55 min 100 min
Test Sections 1. Essay
2. English Language Skills
3. Reading
4. Mathematics
1. Knowledge of language structure (25%)
2. Knowledge of vocabulary application (25%)
3. Knowledge of standard English conventions (50%)
1. Knowledge of key ideas and details based on text selections (40%)
2. Knowledge of craft and structure based on text selections (25%)
3. Knowledge of the integration of information and ideas based on text selections (35%)
1. Knowledge of number sense, concepts, and operations (17%)
2. Knowledge of geometry and measurement (21%)
3. Knowledge of algebraic thinking and the coordinate plane (29%)
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What Is on the FTCE GK Exam?

The content of the FTCE GK exam is broken up into four categories: Math, Reading, English Language Skills, and an essay. Individuals will need to complete each of these to successfully pass the test.

The Math section is comprised of 45 selected-response questions. Individuals are given 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete them. This section covers a multitude of mathematical concepts:

  • Number sense, concepts, and operations
  • Geometry and measurement
  • Algebraic thinking and the coordinate plane
  • Probability, statistics, and data interpretation

Test takers will be provided with an on-screen four-function calculator to help them where needed. As such, there is no need for them to provide their own.

Individuals must score at least 200 points on this test to pass. In terms of percentage, this is 72% of the total questions answered correctly, or approximately 33 out of the 45 total questions.

The Reading section is comprised of 40 selected-response questions. Individuals will have 55 minutes to answer each of these questions. They test reading comprehension as well as critical-thinking skills with several topics, among them:

  • Key ideas and details
  • Craft and structure
  • Integration of information and ideas

These skill areas will be evaluated through reading a passage and answering questions about it, such as points of view or analyzing an argument.

Test takers must obtain FTCE scores of at least 200 points to pass this section of the test. This is 75% of the total questions, which translates to 30 out of the 40 total questions.

The English Language Skills section is comprised of 40 selected-response questions. Individuals are given 40 minutes to complete this section. Here are the main elements that students will be evaluated on:

  • Language structure
  • Vocabulary application
  • Standard English conventions

Individuals will answer questions based on English grammar. Beyond basic mechanics, this may also include elements such as appropriate word choice. As such, this subset is a holistic approach to English fluency.

Individuals must earn at least 200 points to pass this section, as with the previous two sections. This translates to 70% of the total subtest, or 28 out of the 40 questions.

Finally, test takers will also have to complete an essay. They will have two topics to choose from but will only need to write one. The subject matter will differ depending on the test. Test takers will have 50 minutes to finish their work.

This section will assess an individual's ability to write a cohesive, well-organized argument. Logic and efficiency are essential. Additionally, test takers will also be examined on their grammar and spelling. Preparing an essay in advance is not allowed and is considered cheating. The essay scoring scale goes up to 12 points. Students must achieve at least an 8 to pass.

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How Do I Register for the FTCE General Knowledge Test?

To register for the FTCE General Knowledge Test, an individual will need to create an FTCE/FELE account. Then, they need to log in. After that, they can click the ''Register for the FTCE/FELE'' link to choose their test, answer a few background questions, and agree to the testing policies.

To complete their FTCE registration, they must select ''Open Registrations'' and click ''Schedule''. This will allow them to select their test site, date, and time. Finally, they will have to review their registration info, then pay the FTCE test cost using a credit, debit, or check card. Users will have one year from their registration date to schedule a test appointment.

There are many testing sites in Florida as well as throughout the United States and its territories. However, students are highly encouraged to register and schedule their appointment before visiting a testing center.

Registration fees for the FTCE General Knowledge test are as follows:

First Attempt/Retake Amount
One subtest $32.50
Two subtests $65
Three subtests $97.50
Four subtests $130

The FTCE General Knowledge Test is available year-round. FTCE test dates will vary depending on the specific testing location. As such, students are highly encouraged to double-check their test dates on the official FTCE testing service website.

There are also some additional testing requirements. For example, test takers are not allowed to bring cell phones into the testing room. Additionally, they should be comfortable with a computer. While the test requires minimal typing and technology use, students should at least be confident in their ability to use Windows, use a mouse, and type at least 30 words per minute.

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How Is the FTCE GK Test Scored?

The FTCE GK is a pass/fail test. Students who achieve at least 200 points on each subsection and 8 on the essay will pass. Those who do not will fail. Test takers who pass do not get a breakdown of their FTCE scores or how they did in each subject. This is to prevent the use of this data for non-certification purposes, such as justifying a promotion.

For multiple-choice questions, test takers receive a certain number of points for each question they get right. The exact number varies between tests and subjects.

Two scorers will assess the essay portion. Each scorer must hold at least a bachelor's degree and have five years of experience in the subject they're scoring for, among other qualifications. They examine the contents for both substance and composition skills. The scorers can rate this on a scale from 1 to 6. The two ratings are then combined to form the final score. As the passing score is a total of 8, a test taker must get at least 4 points from each scorer. If there is a discrepancy between scores of more than one point, a Chief Rater will resolve the issue.

Should a person fail one or more of the subtests, they will only need to retake those sections. For example, if an examinee passes all sections except math, they will only need to retake the math section to pass. Individuals can retest after 31 days if they fail. The FTCE retake policy sets no limits to retest attempts.

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Passing the FTCE General Knowledge Test

The FTCE General Knowledge Test covers a wide variety of topics. For example, test takers should be prepared to address the following throughout the exam:

  • Reading comprehension questions or understanding the main logic of a piece of writing. This is relevant for both the reading and essay sections.
  • Critical-thinking challenges, whether applied to solving mathematical problems or crafting the best sentence structure for English language skills.
  • Focusing on relevant data, which involves omitting non-important facts to arrive at the proper answer. This can be found in all areas of the exam.

Given this wide variety of topics, students are highly encouraged to prepare for this FTCE test in advance. Fortunately, there are a variety of resources to help those who are seeking study material.

For example, students may choose to utilize online GK preparation materials, including FTCE General Knowledge practice tests. Test prep materials could include videos, slideshows, and tools to obtain actionable feedback. Test takers might also have access to free test prep materials. The FTCE website offers Florida General Knowledge practice test sample questions, tutorials, and test blueprints. Test takers should take an FTCE practice test to help them prepare for the exam.

Expert Contributor

Mary Bechtel

Mary Bechtel, M.A. is a middle school math teacher with over 5 years of teaching experience. She has 2 publications on middle school math teaching strategies and has presented at numerous local, state, and national conferences. She passed the PAPA, VCLA, and Praxis exams as part of her teacher preparation. Mary graduated with an M.A. in Curriculum & Instruction from Grand Canyon University and a B.S. in Mathematics from Lebanon Valley College.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How hard is the FTCE General Knowledge Test?

    As the FTCE General Knowledge Test measures basic academic skills, students are unlikely to find the test's content particularly difficult. However, the length and format of the test may be unfamiliar to some students. Test takers are thus encouraged to prepare for the test using FTCE General Knowledge practice tests.

  • How do you pass the FTCE General Knowledge Math?

    Students can greatly increase their odds of passing the Math section of the FTCE General Knowledge Test by adequately preparing. This may include an independent review of the subject material by using an FTCE General Knowledge practice test.

  • How many questions are on the FTCE General Knowledge Test?

    There are 125 multiple-choice questions and 1 essay question on the FTCE General Knowledge Test. Of the 125 multiple-choice questions, 45 cover math, 40 cover reading, and 40 cover English language skills.

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