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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  1. ''Because the criminals covered their faces with hoods and scarves, so it was impossible for the police to identify them.'' How would you improve the clarity and structure of this sentence?

    • Correct Answer
  2. Which sentence below shows correct subject-verb agreement?

    • Correct Answer
  3. Use this material to answer question #3

    The urban revolution would have sweeping implications for European history. The clearest change was economic. Before the urban revolution, each lord's manor was designed for self-sufficiency. They made their own food, forged their own iron, and wove their own fabric. By trying to do everything, these feudal manors ended up doing everything rather poorly.


    By contrast, as the European economy expanded, cities began to specialize and carve out their respective niches on the international market. University towns, like Paris and Bologna, became centers of science and scholarship. London, Genoa, Venice and Cologne became the long distance trade centers of their respective regions. And, manufacturing cities like Milan, Ghent and Bruges began laying the foundations for the large scale factories of the Industrial Revolution.


    With specialization came sweeping advances as like-minded scholars, merchants and craftsmen worked together to explore new questions, open new markets and develop new products and tools. Cities became the intellectual hearts of their regions. With all these great minds together, intellectual experimentation expanded at a rate not seen in Europe since classical Athens.


    With the growth of cities and revitalization of trade, a wealthy middle class of merchants and craftsmen began to emerge. Though these profit-minded individuals at first received the scorn of both nobles and the clergy, they soon demonstrated the incredible potential of free enterprise. Some of these merchants became even richer than the aristocrats who scorned them. In certain Italian cities, it became almost impossible to distinguish a lord from a merchant, as both lived in town in opulent palaces.


    These political shifts brought about new forms of government as cities experimented with ruling themselves. Even the Church, which for so long had condemned the behavior of this middle class as detestable, shameful and insatiably greedy, began to sing a new tune and acknowledge that the necessary evils of merchants and money-lenders were, perhaps, more necessary than evil.

  4. In this context, the word insatiably most nearly means

    • Correct Answer
  5. In a coaching center of 20 students, the following heights (in cm) are recorded:

    {eq}160, 165, 160, 170, 175, 165, 160, 170, 175, 160, 165, 170, 175, 180, 165, 160, 170, 175, 160, 170. {/eq}

    Find the mode height of the students.

    • Correct Answer
  6. Given: {eq}13\times 2 - 15\div 5 {/eq}

    Which of the following represents the result of the given arithmetic operation?

    • Correct Answer
  7. Which word or phrase gives the following sentence a grammatically correct parallel structure?

    John studied for his test, completed his homework, finished all his chores, and ( ) a video game before he went to bed.

    • Correct Answer
  8. An _____ modifies or describes a verb.

    • Correct Answer
  9. Use this material to answer question #8

    Use the diagram below to answer the questions that follow.

    The diagram above is the layout of the houses (red squares) of a low-cost housing program of the government. The blue regions represent the man-made lakes within the planned village. The grey strips represent the roads within the village. Each house has an area of 120 square feet.

  10. Which of the following is a logical approximation of the largest lake's area?

    • Correct Answer
  11. Which of the following sentences is a run-on?

    • Correct Answer
  12. The heights in centimeters of several kindergarten children are 110, 121, 113, 110, 110, 115, 110, 119. Which of the following represents the mode of the heights of kindergarten children?

    • Correct Answer
  13. Which set of pronouns below are relative pronouns?

    • Correct Answer
  14. The tree diagram below shows the outcomes of an unbalanced coin when it is tossed two times.

    Using the tree diagram above, find the probability of obtaining a tail followed by a head?

    • Correct Answer
  15. An apple orchid sells their apples by weight. If they sold a five pound basket of apples for $7.25, how much would they sell 24 pounds of apples?

    • Correct Answer
  16. Select the statement that represents continuous quantitative data.

    • Correct Answer
  17. Use this material to answer question #15

    Della had only $1.87 with which to buy Jim a present.

    Now, there were two possessions of the James Dillingham Youngs in which they both took a mighty pride. One was Jim's gold watch. The other was Della's hair.

    Della cluttered out of the door and down the stairs to the street. Where she stopped the sign read: ''Mme Sofronie. Hair Goods of All Kinds.'' One Eight up Della ran, and collected herself, panting. Madame, large, too white, chilly, hardly looked the ''Sofronie.''

    ''Will you buy my hair?'' asked Della.

    ''I buy hair, '' said Madame.

    ''Twenty dollars,'' said Madame.

    ''Give it to me quick'' said Della.

    Oh, and the next two hours tripped by on rosy wings. She was ransacking the stores for Jim's present.

    As soon as she saw it she knew that it must be Jim's. Twenty-one dollars they took from her for it. With that chain on his watch Jim might be properly anxious about the time in any company.

    When Della reached home her intoxication gave way a little to prudence and reason.

    The door opened and Jim stepped in and closed it.

    ''Jim, darling,'' she cried, ''don't look at me that way. I had my hair cut off and sold it because I couldn't have lived through Christmas without giving you a present. Say Merry Christmas! Jim, and let's be happy. You don't know what a nice-what a beautiful, nice gift I've got for you. ''

    ''You've cut off your hair?'' asked Jim, laboriously.

    ''Cut it off and sold it. Shall I put the chops on, Jim?''

    Out of his trance Jim seemed quickly to wake. He enfolded his Della. Jim drew a package from his overcoat pocket and threw it upon the table.

    ''Don't make any mistake, Dell,'' he said, ''about me. I don't think there's anything in the way of a haircut or a shave or a shampoo that could make me like my girl any less. But if you'll unwrap that package you may see why you had me going a while at first.''

    White fingers and nimble tore at the string and paper. And then an ecstatic scream of joy; and then, alas! a quick feminine change to hysterical tears and wails.

    For there lay The Combs—the set of combs that Della had worshipped for long in a Broadway window. And now, they were hers, but the tresses that should have adorned the coveted adornments were gone.

    ''My hair grows so fast, Jim!''

    Jim had not yet seen his beautiful present. She held it out to him eagerly upon her open palm.

    ''Isn't it a dandy, Jim? ''

    ''Dell,'' said he, ''let's put our Christmas presents away and keep 'em a while. I sold the watch to get the money to buy your combs. And now suppose you put the chops on.''

  18. Read the passage and answer the question that follows.

    What point of view did the author use in writing the story?
    • Correct Answer

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