Feb 19

FTCE Professional Education Test (PEd): 2025 Study Guide

Introduction

The FTCE Professional Education Test (PEd), a.k.a FTCE PET, is a Florida teaching certification exam. It is a necessary step to becoming a teacher in the Sunshine State. 

Passing the Professional Education Test (083) is possible with the right preparation. In our guide, The Learning Liaisons will review the exam blueprint and provide actionable tips and resources to help you reach your Florida teaching career goals.

What is the FTCE Professional Education Test (PEd)?

Test Purpose and Audience

The FTCE Professional Education Test (083) is a Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) teacher certification requirement. The test allows candidates to demonstrate to the FLDOE a mastery of Professional Preparation and Education Competencies.  

The PEd is designed to measure a teaching candidate’s professional knowledge and pedagogical skills necessary for success in a Florida classroom.

Test Format and Structure

The FTCE Professional Education Test (083) format and structure is as follows:

  •    Format: Computer-based test (CBT).
  •    Number of questions: Approximately 80 multiple-choice questions.
  •    Time limit: 2.5 hours.
  •    Question types: Scenario-based and knowledge-based.

Content Breakdown

The FTCE Professional Education Test (083) is broken down into eight competencies and skills:

  •    Instructional Design and Planning (18%)
          -     Standards-based instruction and lesson planning.
  •    Student-Centered Learning Environment (15%)
          -     Classroom management and creating inclusive learning spaces.
  •    Instructional Delivery and Facilitation (18%)
          -     Differentiated instruction, strategies for diverse learners, and technology integration.
  •    Assessment Strategies for Determining Impact on Student Learning (12%)
         -     Types of assessments, data analysis, and student progress monitoring.
  •    Educator Professional Development (12%)
         -     Determining measurable goals and opportunities to improve teacher performance and impact student learning.
  •    Principles of Professional Conduct of the Florida Education Profession (9%)
         -     Statutory grounds and procedures for disciplinary action, rights, legal responsibilities, ethical use of technologies, and appropriate use and maintenance of students’ information and records.
  •    Research-based practices for teaching English Language Learners (ELLS) (7%)
         -     Teaching students from diverse backgrounds, analyzing student development, understanding second language literacy acquisition stages, and interpreting the Consent Decree.
  •    Effective Literacy Strategies (7%)
         -     Instructional practices to develop various skills, including text reading, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and critical thinking. 

Scoring and Passing Requirements

The passing score on the FTCE Professional Education Test (083) is 200 out of 300. PEd scores are determined by converting a candidate’s raw score (total correct answers) into a scaled score. 

Candidates who pass will receive a “PASS” on their score report. 

Those who don’t pass will receive a “NOT PASS” on their score report, a numeric score, and a detailed performance analysis report detailing the number and percentage of questions answered correctly per competency. The analysis report aims to help candidates better prepare for their next test attempt. 

Candidates who don’t pass can retake the test in 31 days. It is a candidate’s responsibility to schedule their next attempt and pay the fees.  

Learn more on the FTCE/FELE Understanding Your Scores page.

Preparation Tips for the FTCE PEd

Step 1: Understand the Test Blueprint

Begin preparing for the FTCE Professional Education Test (083) by understanding the test competencies, skills, and blueprint. Next, read the official FTCE Test and Test Information Guide Development. 

Step 2: Create a Study Plan

Haul out your calendar, scheduling app, or whiteboard, and create a study plan. Mark out blocks time for preparation so other commitments can’t sneak in. 

Divide your time blocks into the content areas, using their exam percentages as a guide. For example, Instructional Design and Planning should make up 18% of your study time, whereas Effective Literacy Strategies should take up only 7%. 

Next, insert goals into your study reparation plan. Some should be short-term, stating your objective for each preparation session. Other goals should be long-term, like establishing weekly benchmarks.  

Lastly, keep track of your progress. Areas that are mastered quickly should be cut back on while additional time should be put towards weaker areas. The FTCE Professional Education Test Competencies and Skills Worksheet is a helpful tracking tool.

Step 3: Practice with Sample Questions

Practice quizzes and full-length exams are an essential element of a successful preparation plan. These tools reveal what areas you’ve mastered and which need more attention. 

Once you’ve taken a practice quiz or test, adjust your study blocks in response to your results. For example, if you are strong in Instructional Design and Planning, then you should reduce the time you spend on the content area, even it makes up 18% of the test. 

It is essential to use a mix of quizzes and full-length practice tests.

Quizzes are excellent ways to quickly assess your competency in a content area or subarea. 

Full-length practice tests recreate the exam experience, allowing candidates to practice working under pressure and using test-taking strategies. They also provide a big-picture assessment of a candidate's preparation progress. 

Practice questions, quizzes, and full-length tests can be found online and in resource libraries. Some examples include:

Step 4: Focus on Key Topics

Focus on key Professional Education Test (083) topics during preparation. Examples include the following:

  •    Classroom management strategies.
  •    Effective use of assessments and data interpretation.
  •    Understanding Florida-specific education standards and laws.

Step 5: Use Proven Study Strategies

Study sessions should use a variety of proven preparation strategies. Only using one method will create boredom and reduce focus. 

Examples of proven study strategies:

  •    Active recall through flashcards.
  •    Spaced repetition for better retention.
  •    Group study sessions or peer discussions.
  •    Watch webinars and videos.
  •    Listen to podcasts.
  •    Take quizzes and full-length practice exams.
  •    Read through relevant material.
  •    Take a preparation course.

Best Study Materials for th
e FTCE PEd

Official FTCE Resources

Study Guides and Books

Recommended reads for the FTCE Professional Education Test (083):

Online Resources

Online courses can help you jump-start your preparation and keep you focused:

Tutoring and Study Groups

Look for local and online tutoring opportunities and study groups. 

Exam Day Tips

What to Bring

Before arriving on exam day, familiarize yourself with the test center rules. You will need to bring your test admission ticket and two valid forms of ID printed in English. Your name on the IDs must match your test admission ticket exactly. 

One ID must be government-issued and contain a photograph and signature. Examples include:

  •    US driver’s license. 
  •    US state-issued ID card.
  •    US military ID with signature.
  •    US Permanent Resident card with signature.


The second ID has to have a photograph OR signature but does not have to have both. Examples include:

  •    US social security card. 
  •    Student ID.
  •    Work ID.


Lastly, take note of prohibited items. These items may be allowed on the testing site but will have to be stored in a locker and will not be permitted in the exam area. Examples include:

  •    Cell phones and other electronic devices, including watches.
  •    Eyeglasses that can record or communicate.
  •    Dictionaries.
  •    Jewelry.
  •    Food and drink. 

Time Management

Use your time wisely while taking the FTCE Professional Education Test (083). Try not to spend more than 1.5 minutes per question. If you don’t know the answer, flag it and move on. You can come back to it at the end. 

Once you have completed the test, use extra time to answer any skipped questions and review your answers. 

Stay Calm and Confident

Remember to breathe to stay calm and confident during the exam. Slow, even breaths are best. When you feel tight, take a long, deep breath to clear your head and relax. 

Read each question carefully. Mentally answer it as best you can before looking at the multiple-choice options. If your answer is there, select it. If not, eliminate the answers that are obviously wrong. Reread the question. Choose the answer that best fits.

What Happens After the FTCE PEd?

Understanding Your Scores

FTCE Professional Education Test (083) scores are released around 4 weeks post-exam day. 

Don’t panic if you don’t pass on the first attempt. Examine your detailed performance report and assess how much preparation will be required to improve your weakest areas. Next, reschedule based on your new preparation schedule. Remember, you must wait at least 31 days, but depending on your preparation needs, it may be wise to schedule it slightly later. 

Learn more on the FTCE/FELE Understanding Your Scores page.

Next Steps for Certification

Once a candidate has passed the FTCE Professional Education Test (083), they can move to the next steps for obtaining certification and additional endorsements. 

FLDOE has 4 main steps for initial certification:

  1.    Completing the initial application package.
  2.    The Official Statement of Status of Eligibility. 
  3.    Employment in a Florida school.
  4.    Submitting fingerprints.

Conclusion

Passing the FTCE Professional Education Test is necessary to become a Florida-certified teacher. Don’t stress. Reaching your teaching career goals is possible using our tips and recommended resources in your test preparation. Additionally, The Learning Liaisons is always ready to assist through courses, tutoring, and our online resources.