Sep 6 / DR. JASON AMPEL

FTCE Test Cost - How Much Does the FTCE Test Cost in 2023

The Florida Teacher Certification Exam (FTCE) is a test that assesses the knowledge and skills of aspiring teachers in Florida. The FTCE test aims to ensure that individuals seeking to become teachers in Florida meet the state's standards for teaching competence.

If you plan to take the FTCE exam, knowing the costs and any additional fees you may need to pay is important. The cost of the FTCE exam varies depending on the specific test you are taking. In addition to the test fees, there may be additional fees you need to pay. For example, if you need to reschedule your test or change your test center, there is a fee for that.

This article will cover all relevant information about the FTCE exam, especially its costs and any additional fees you'd need to consider. Remember, the cost varies depending on the test.

What Is the FTCE Test?

To become a teacher in Florida, you need to pass the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE). The FTCE is a group of exams designed to test the knowledge and skills of individuals seeking certification as teachers in the state of Florida.

The FTCE comprises several exams, each testing knowledge and competency areas. These exams include General Knowledge, Professional Education, and Subject Area Examinations.

The General Knowledge Test covers math, reading, writing, and English language skills. The Professional Education Test evaluates pedagogical knowledge and skills, while the Subject Area Examinations test subject-specific knowledge.

Passing the FTCE is a crucial step in obtaining your teaching certification in Florida. By successfully passing the exams, you'll demonstrate your ability to instruct students and meet the necessary requirements for certification effectively. However, it's important to note that passing the FTCE is just one part of the certification process. You'll also need to meet other requirements, such as completing a state-approved teacher preparation program and undergoing a background check.

To take the FTCE, visit the Florida Department of Education website for more information on exam registration, study materials, and test dates.

The FTCE suite includes several exams, including the General Knowledge Test, the Professional Education Test, and 39 Subject Area Examinations. These tests cover a wide range of subjects and skills, from math and reading to subject-specific knowledge like biology or history.

Each test is designed to assess an individual's knowledge and skills in a specific area related to education. The General Knowledge Test is a four-part exam that assesses an individual's basic skills in English language skills, mathematics, reading, and essay writing.

The four subtests of the General Knowledge Test are:

  •   The Essay Subtest (825)- Requires a well-organized and coherent essay on a topic.
  •   The English Language Skills (ELS) Subtest (826)- Tests your knowledge of grammar, punctuation, spelling, capitalization, sentence structure, and word usage.
  •   The Reading Subtest (827)- Tests your ability to comprehend and analyze various texts, such as literary, informational, and persuasive texts.
  •   The Mathematics Subtest (828)- Tests your arithmetic, algebra, geometry, statistics, and problem-solving skills.
 
If you hold a Master's Degree, you may be exempt from taking the General Knowledge Test (GKT) as part of the FTCE. However, it's important to note that this exemption only applies to the GKT and not to other exams in the FTCE suite. You'll still need to take and pass other required exams to become certified, which include:

  •   The Professional Education Test- This assesses your knowledge and skills related to professional teaching practices and the Florida Educator Accomplished Practices (FEAPs). This test is required for all individuals seeking initial teacher certification in Florida.
  •   The Subject Area Examinations- This assesses your knowledge and skills in a specific subject area, such as biology, chemistry, or music. These tests are required for individuals seeking certification in specific subject areas.

FTCE Registration Process

You can register for the FTCE exam online anytime, day or night. But signing up as early as possible is important because seats are limited and assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Note:
This exam is computer-based unless you have a physical or mental impairment that requires alternate arrangements.

Here are factors you should consider before registering for the FTCE test:

  •   Which test to take: Depending on your subject area and grade level, you may need to take one or more of the following tests: General Knowledge Test, Professional Education Test, Subject Area Examination, or Florida Educational Leadership Examination. You can find out which tests you must take by visiting the Bureau of Educator Certification website or contacting your educator preparation program.
  •   When to take the test: You should choose an FTCE exam date that allows ample study time and aligns with your program completion and employment goals. You can register for the FTCE up to one year in advance, but you should also check the availability of test centers and seats before registering. The test dates and locations are on the FTCE/FELE contractor's website.

  •   Format of the exam: The FTCE exams are computer-based and consist of multiple-choice questions, written performance assignments, or both. Some exams also have listening or speaking components that require headphones and a microphone. You can learn more about each exam's format and content by reviewing the test information guides and the competencies and skills on the FTCE/FELE contractor's website.


 To register for the FTCE test, create an account on the FTCE website and select your test, test date, test center, and payment method. After you've completed the registration process, you'll receive a confirmation email with your admission ticket. You must bring this ticket with you on the day of the test.

It's important to note that payment must be made using a credit or debit card. Additional fees may apply if you must reschedule or change your test center.

Overview of FTCE Test Costs

If you plan to take an FTCE test, you should know the costs associated with the testing process. The FTCE test fees can vary significantly depending on the type and number of tests you must take.

Here are the main test costs you should consider when budgeting for your FTCE test.

  •   Examination fee: This is the fee you pay when registering for your selected exam(s). The amount depends on the type of FTCE test and whether it is your first attempt or a retake. You can pay this fee online with a credit, debit, or check card.

  •   Score verification fee: This is an optional fee you can pay if you request a score verification session for your test. This session allows you to review your test questions and answers and challenge scoring errors. The fee for this service is $75, which can be paid the same way as the examination fee.

  •   Additional fees: These are fees that may apply in some situations, such as requesting a duplicate score report ($10), clearing an account ($20), or rescheduling or canceling a test appointment ($10-$60). These fees are non-refundable and must be paid by check or money order.


Here is a breakdown of what you can expect to pay
 for your FTCE exam.

  •   Examination - $130
  •   First Attempt - $97.50
  •   Retake - $65.00
  •   General Knowledge Test - $32.50
  •   All four subtests - $130
  •   Three subtests - $97.50
  •   Two subtests - $65.00
  •   One subtest - $32.50
  •   Professional Education Test - $150

FTCE Registration Fees

The registration fee is one of the main costs of taking an FTCE test. This fee covers the cost of administering and scoring your test, and it must be paid at the time of registration using a credit, debit, or check card.

Each type of FTCE test has its registration fee, and some tests have different fees based on whether it is your first attempt or a retake.

 Here is a list of the registration fees for the most common FTCE tests: 

  •   FTCE General Knowledge Test: This test consists of four subtests: Essay, English Language Skills, Reading, and Mathematics. You can take one or more subtests simultaneously, and the fee varies accordingly. The fee for one subtest is $32.50; for two subtests is $65; for three subtests is $97.50; and for all four subtests is $130. The same fee applies whether it is your first attempt or a retake.

  •   FTCE Professional Education Test: The test assesses your pedagogy and professional practices knowledge. The fee for this test is $150, regardless of whether it is your first attempt or a retake.

  •   FTCE Subject Area Examinations: These tests measure your content knowledge in specific subject areas. There are over 40 subject area exams available, and the fee for each exam is $150, whether it is your first attempt or a retake.


You may not have to pay registration fees if they qualify for the Military Certification Fee Waiver. This waiver applies to military personnel, veterans, and their spouses or surviving spouses who meet certain eligibility criteria.

FTCE Vouchers


One way to save money on your FTCE test is to use vouchers. Vouchers are prepaid exam fees offered by state education agencies and educator preparation programs to prospective teachers preparing to take an FTCE exam. 

These vouchers can cover your test registration fee's full or partial cost.

Some of the benefits of using vouchers are:

  •   They can help you avoid paying out-of-pocket expenses for your test.

  •   They can be applied to the first attempt at an FTCE exam or on a retake.
  •   They are valid for up to one year after their issuance date.

  •   They can be transferred to another person if you do not use them.


You can use only the voucher number during the online registration. To get a voucher, find preparation programs that offer vouchers to assist test-takers whose test fees were added to tuition on the Florida Department of Education website.

 You can also contact your state education agency or educator preparation program to inquire about voucher availability and eligibility.

FTCE Payment Methods

FTCE test payment must be made during registration using a credit card (VISA or MasterCard only) or a debit or check card that can be used without entering a personal identification number (PIN).

The amount you must pay depends on the test and the number of subtests you take. For example, FTCE subject area examinations cost $200, Professional Education Tests cost $150, and General Knowledge Tests $130.

The testing time for FTCE tests ranges from 1 hour and 30 minutes to 4 hours and 30 minutes.

For tests with subtests, such as Elementary Education K–6 and Prekindergarten/Primary PK–3, your first-attempt fee only applies to the subtest(s) taken on your initial test appointment.

Subtests taken at subsequent appointments are considered retakes and have different fees.

Here is a table that summarizes the fees for some common FTCE tests:
Test First Attempt Retake
General knowledge Test $130(for all four subtests) $130(for all the four subtests)
Professional Education Test $150 $150
English 6-12 and MG English 5-9 $150(both sections) $150(both sections) or $75(single section)
Elementary Education K-6 and Pre-kindergarten/Primary PK-3 $150(all four subtests) $150(all subtests) or $37.50(single subtests)
All other Subject Area Examinations $200 $200

FTCE Exam Taking Tips

The FTCE is a set of exams designed to assess your content, pedagogical knowledge, and general skills in English, math, reading, and writing. 

You must pass the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) for your desired subject area and grade level to obtain your teaching certification in Florida.

Note:
You won't receive your scores by telephone or fax, nor will you be able to obtain unofficial results at the FTCE test website.

Here are a few tips for taking the FTCE exams:


  1.   Ensure you learn everything you can about the exam(s) you must take. And one of the best ways to do this is by finding an FTCE study guide, whether online or in print, for your required exam(s). These guides typically explain the exam format with information about the number of questions, time limit, and details about the types of questions found on the exam. 
  2.   Once you are familiar with the exam's format and content, begin to plan your course of study. Focus your studies on areas of weakness and areas that make up a larger proportion of the exam. For example, if you are taking the General Knowledge Test, you should pay more attention to the essay subtest, which accounts for 40% of your total score, than to the reading subtest, which accounts for 20%. You should also review the relevant standards and curriculum frameworks for your subject area and grade level.
  3.   Use practice questions that simulate the exam to prepare for your test. You can find practice questions in FTCE study guides, online resources, or official practice tests from the Learning Liaisons website or the FTCE website. Practice questions can familiarize you with the question formats, test your knowledge and skills, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and improve your time management and test-taking strategies.
  4.   Get enough rest and take care of yourself before the exam day. You should arrive at the test center early, bring your identification and admission ticket, and follow the instructions from the test administrator. You should also wear comfortable clothing, bring snacks and water, and avoid distractions during the exam. You should read each question carefully, eliminate wrong answers, check your work, and pace yourself throughout the exam.

Start Preparing for the FTCE Test

The Florida Teacher Certification Examinations(FTCE) is a series of computer-based tests that measure your knowledge and skills in basic subjects and the subject area you wish to teach. 

The FTCE consists of three basic tests: the General Knowledge Test, the Professional Education Test, and the Subject Area Examinations. Depending on your certification goals, you may need to take one or more of these tests.

The FTCE is one of the requirements for obtaining a teaching certificate in Florida– making it a crucial test for aspiring teachers in Florida. Passing the FTCE test demonstrates that you have the necessary content mastery and teaching ability to be an effective educator in Florida public schools.

 We can help you prepare and pass your FTCE on your first attempt. Get study guides, flashcards, and practice tests conveniently to make you ready for the test. Are you ready to start preparing for the FTCE test?