Feb 19

FTCE vs Praxis: Which Certification Path is Right for You in 2025?

FTCE and Praxis exams are a series of tests designed to assess the skills and knowledge of teacher candidates seeking full certification or licensure. Educators select the tests in the series that apply to their:

  •    State requirements. 
  •    The grade level they intend to teach. 
  •    The subject areas they intend to teach. 
  •    Any specialized skills. 


The primary difference between the two exams is:

  •    FTCE is used in Florida.
  •    Praxis is used in 46 states, the District of Columbia, and some territories. 

Overview of the FTCE

The FTCE is for Florida teaching candidates seeking certification and licensure to work in public education. Tests in the series fall into three categories:

  •    General Knowledge Test (GK)
  •    Subject Area Examinations (SAE)
  •    Professional Education Test (PEd)


The test questions comprise of:

  •    Multiple-choice 
  •    Essays
  •    Oral performance


Depending on the exam, the FTCE tests cost between 130 and 200 dollars. Testing time also depends on the specific exam. They can take as little as 55 minutes to as long as 4 hours and 30 minutes. 

Florida is part of NASDTEC and has reciprocal agreements with other states. Thus, certified teachers in Florida can follow the reciprocal agreement pathway to work in those states. In addition, teachers working in those states can follow one of the two Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) Reciprocity pathways. 

Overview of the Praxis

The Praxis exams are required in almost every US state to some capacity, with the exception of four:

  •    Arizona
  •    Florida
  •    Illinois
  •    Michigan


Like the FTCE, there are many tests within categories, including:

  •    Core Academic Skills for Educator Tests
  •    Elementary Education: Multiple Subject Tests
  •    Elementary Education: Content Knowledge for Teaching (CKT) Assessment
  •    Subject Tests


However, not every state requires the same tests in the Praxis series to be taken. Candidates must check their own state's certification requirements by either:



Praxis test questions comprise one or a combination of the following:

  •    Selected-response (multiple-choice)
  •    Constructed-response (essays)


Praxis tests vary from 50 to 199 dollars as of 2024. Testing times are also exam-dependent, ranging from 1-4 hours. 

Key Differences Between FTCE and Praxis 

Key Differences Exam structure and format Content focus and depth Cost Comparison State acceptance
FTCE
  •  Multiplechoice 
  • Essays
  • Oral performance
  • General Knowledge 
  • Subject Area 
  • Professional Education
$130-$200 Florida
Praxis
  • Selected-response (multiple-choice)
  • Constructed-response (essays)
  • Core Academic Skills for Educator Tests
  • Elementary Education: Multiple Subject Tests
  • Elementary Education: Content Knowledge for Teaching 
  • Subject Tests
 $50-199 46 US States, the District of Colombia, and various US territories. 

Choosing the Right Path

Teaching candidates deciding between the FTCE and Praxis tests must consider their state's requirements. Those in the military or living abroad should consider the flexibility of the test and their long-term teaching goals. 

For anyone planning to live and work in Florida, the FTCE is the perfect choice. In addition, the state has excellent reciprocal agreements, especially for teachers who work a few years in Florida before moving to another state. 

Those living in other states should take the Praxis exams required by their state Department of Education. However, reciprocal agreements are on a case-by-case basis. Also, remember that each state has its own requirements for which tests are needed, and passing scores vary across the country.

Resources for Each Exam

Gathering resources in preparation for an upcoming exam is an essential part of preparation. To help you get started, we have some links.

Study Guides and Practice Tests for FTCE

Tips for Preparing Effectively

Whether you are preparing for the FTCE or the Praxis, we have tips to help you on your way. The sooner you pass, the faster you can progress in your career and meet your goals. 

  •    Gather Study Materials. Research and hunt down the study materials that work for your preparation needs. Consider online courses, webinars, YouTube videos, online study groups, flashcards, study guides, and using your local library. 
  •    Outline the exam's content areas. Each exam has an overall focus, content areas, and subgroups. Use these to create a study plan and use it as a road map for your exam preparation.  
  •    Schedule your study time. Take your study plan and break it down into study periods. Mark them into your calendar or organization app like you would a meeting with your boss. Doing this will ensure the exam date doesn't sneak up on you and catch you underprepared.
  •    Mix it up. Study sessions should attack the material from different angles. From podcasts to flashcards to webinars, embrace variety to keep your mind from wandering off or simply going through the motions. You want your study time to count. 
  •    Take many practice tests. Quizzes and mock tests serve many purposes, including familiarizing you with the exam format, helping zero in on strengths and weaknesses, and teaching you test-taking time management. 
  •    Keep track of progress. Take notes or use an app to help you see where you are improving and what needs more work. Quizzes and practice tests are an excellent method of evaluating your current retention of knowledge, strategies, and skills. 
  •    A sharp mind needs a healthy body. It's easier to reach for success when the mind is focused and thinking clearly. Up your odds by eating healthy, getting plenty of sleep, laying off the alcohol, and exercising, even if only a 20-minute walk. 

FAQ Section

How do I know which teacher certification exams I need to take?

Teacher candidates can find out which teacher certification exams they need to take, such as the FTCE or Praxis, by:

  •    Visiting their state's Department of Education website.
  •    Talking to their university or college.
  •    Discussing the exams with their mentor or coach.
  •    Asking their teacher preparation course.
  •    Going to the FTCE or Praxis websites.

FTCE vs Praxis: Which is harder?

FTCE and Praxis exams all require preparation. Which exam is harder depends on the individual. However, because the Praxis exam is more popular, finding resources and assistance when preparing for those exams is easier.

Can I take both exams?

Teaching candidates can take the FTCE and Praxis. It is easier for a person in Florida to do both exams, as they have testing centers for each in the state.

What happens if I move to a different state?

Teachers who move states must get new certifications. How straightforward it is for teachers to change states depends on the new state's Department of Education regulations. Florida has made an effort to put reciprocity agreements in place to make the process smoother.

Conclusion

The FTCE and Praxis exams serve the same general purpose: testing teaching candidates' skills and knowledge needed to be successful in the classroom. The right exam for you depends on the state you are currently in and where you see your career going. Please reach out to The Learning Liaisons if you have further questions about the FTCE or Praxis exam. We're always happy to help.