Florida Teacher Certification Examination/General Knowledge Test (FTCE/GKT)

General Knowledge Test (GKT)

Prior to July 1, 2002, the required basic skills test for teacher certification was the College Level Academic Skills Test (CLAST). Beginning July 1, 2002, the required basic skills test for teacher certification is the General Knowledge Test. The General Knowledge is a basic skills achievement test containing four subtests: Essay, English Language Skills, Reading, and Mathematics.

Description of Subtests

Essay (testing time: 50 minutes)
This subtest requires the examinee to choose one of two topics and write an essay on that topic. The essay measures the ability to write a composition, providing ideas and information suitable to the purpose and audience and using effective language that conforms to the conventions of standard American English.

English Language Skills (testing time: 40 minutes)
English language skills contains 40 multiple-choice items in the areas of word choice, sentences structure, and grammar/spelling/punctuation/capitalization are measured by multiple-choice items. Word choice items measure the ability to choose words that convey the specific meaning required by context. Sentence structure items measure the ability to organize sentence parts so that the sentence clearly and effectively expresses the thought. Grammar, spelling, punctuation, and capitalization items measure knowledge of the conventions of standard American English grammar and usage.

Reading (testing time: 40 minutes)
The reading subtest contains 40 multiple-choice items that measure skills in the areas of literal comprehension and critical comprehension. Literal comprehension includes items that measure the ability to read for specific information contained in reading passages. Critical comprehension includes items that measure the ability to make inferences of judgments about what is read.

Mathematics (testing time: 100 minutes)
The mathematics subtest contains 45 multiple-choice items in the areas of arithmetic, algebra, geometry/measurement, statistics/probability, and logical reasoning. The skills measures are included in high school and lower-division college mathematics courses. Calculators are provided on the day of the exam.

Transition from CLAST to General Knowledge Test

A student who has questions about the General Knowledge Test should consult his or her academic advisor before registering for the test. An applicant for a Florida Educator's Certificate should consult his or her Official Statement of Status of Eligibility, local school district certification office, or the Bureau of Educator Certification, Florida Department of Education, to ensure registration for the appropriate test.

If a candidate failed one or more CLAST subtests and did not retake and pass the subtest(s) before July 1, 2002, the candidate must register for and pass the appropriate corresponding subtest(s) of the General Knowledge Test. Any section of the CLAST not passed before July 1, 2002 cannot be retaken for certification credit; the Bureau of Educator Certification has no authority to accept a CLAST subtest taken after that date.

Note: There is no double time for General Knowledge retakes or any other retakes.

Regular Administration

The FTCE/FELE is regularly administered statewide four times per year. You will be assigned to the location you choose, if possible. It may be necessary to assign you to another center (as close as possible to your first or second choice) if the number registered at your requested site(s) exceeds capacity or if the test center does not offer the test for which your are registered.

To meet the regular registration deadline, the completed and correct application must be received at the FTCE/FELE Tampa address at least 50 days preceding the examination date. The regular administration deadline is indicated on page 1 of the Registration Bulletin. It is to an applicant's advantage to submit application materials as early as possible. Applications received during the late registration period must include the appropriate additional late charge.

Examinees with a Disability

An applicant unable to complete an examination under standard testing conditions due to a disabling condition should request arrangement in writing. This letter should state the specific accommodations that would be helpful. In addition, the specific disability should be described and attested to on letterhead stationery by a medical doctor, a licensed psychologist, or a university official. Date of documentation cannot be older than 3 years. Special arrangements may be made for applicants who are visually impaired, hearing impaired, physically disabled, or specific learning disabled. You must request special testing conditions at the time you submit your registration application.

Religious Exceptions

Special examination dates may be arranged for persons whose religious convictions prohibit taking examinations on Saturday. Alternative examination dates may be arrange only for religious reasons. To request a special administration date, you must include with your completed registration application a letter on letterhead stationery from an official or your church or other religious institution stating you religious conflict. If the request is approved, you will be notified of an alternative examination date and site. You must request a special test date at the time you submit your registration application.

Retaking the GK

For the subtest(s) not passed, you may reapply to retake the exam on a subsequent testing date. Another completed registration form must be received at the FTCE/FELE Tampa address at least 50 days prior to the examination retake date. Retake applications received during the late registration period must include the appropriate additional late charge.

Score Reports

Applicants will be mailed two original score reports approximately one month after the date of testing. The applicant is responsible for sending one original score report to the Florida Department of Education, Bureau of Educator Certification, 201 Turlington Building, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0400, as part of the application process for a Florida Professional Educator's Certificate.

To obtain a duplicate score report, complete the form provided in the Score Interpretation Guide, sent with your score report. Provide all the information requested, including name, social security number, mailing address, test name(s), and test date(s), and send the form with $10.00 personal check, money order, or cashier's check made payable to:

FTCE/FELE-USF
University Center for Business
10500 University Center Drive
Suite 100
Tampa, Florida 33612

Computer-Based Tests (Register on the Internet)

As an alternative to paper-and-pencil test, certain computer-based tests are available. The tests are offered at flexible times and at certain locations on a semi-continuous basis throughout the year.

The computer-based tests are equivalent to the paper-and pencil tests in length and difficulty. Only examinations consisting of multiple-choice questions are available. Examinees will be able to preview the questions as well as review and change their answers while taking the test. Unofficial score reports will appear on the computer monitor at the conclusion of each test. Official score reports will be mailed approximately 2 weeks after the test.

All information regarding the tests offered on computer, including what tests are available, when and where tests are offered, what the fees and charges are, how to register, how to change or cancel a registration, how to request special accommodations, and how to receive a refund for a cancelled registration is available on the FTCE/FELE Web site .

On-line application for certification in Florida can be obtained by the Department of Education.

Additional information regarding the Florida Teacher Certification Examination (FTCE) can be obtained by visiting their Web site.