Certification

The General Knowledge Test (GK) is composed of four subtests (Essay, English Language Skills (ELS), Reading, and Mathematics) and must be passed before being admitted into the Educator Preparation Institute (EPI) program. Applicants must submit a copy of the official FTCE Score Report of passing scores.

Note: Completion of a master’s degree or higher from an accredited post-secondary institution recognized by the Florida Department of Education will satisfy the General Knowledge requirement. 

The Subject Area Examinations (SAEs) are designed to test for knowledge of a specific subject matter. The SAEs students choose to take are determined by their desired teaching focus/concentration. There are more than 39 different  SAEs. At least one SAE must be passed before being admitted into the Educator Preparation Institute (EPI) program. It must be the same subject area in which you are seeking certification as listed on either your statement of status of eligibility or temporary teaching certificate. Applicants must submit a copy of the official FTCE Score Report of passing scores.

The Professional Education Test (PEd) is built on the Florida Educators Accomplished Practices (FEAPs). It is meant to test education specific to pedagogy and professional practices and is related to knowledge based on eight competencies:

• Instructional Design and Planning
• Learning Environment
• Teaching Strategies
• Assessment Strategies
• Professional Improvement
• Ethics and Professional Conduct
• English-Language-Learners
• Reading and Literacy

This Professional Education Test must be passed before graduating from the EPI program. In the final semester of the program, students should register to take the test and must submit a copy of the official FTCE Score Report of passing scores.

Note: Full-time Florida public school teachers who have earned a highly effective rating per their most recent performance evaluation under s. 1012.34 F.S., may use it to satisfy the Professional Education Test requirement.