FTCE Test- What You Need to Know
May-10-2018
FTCE Exams
Passing the FTCE exam is one of the steps towards becoming a licensed teacher in Florida. The test is developed and administered by The Office of Postsecondary Assessment at the Florida Department of Education. The purpose of the exam is to ensure that prospective teachers have the necessary knowledge and skills to teach in Florida.
If you are planning to take the test, or you just want more information about the FTCE, this article will be a handy resource for you. Below are some facts about the FTCE.
Contents of the test
The FTCE consists of three exams; the General Knowledge Test (GKT), the Professional Education (PEd) test, and subject area exams(SAE). After you submit an application for certification, The Bureau of Educator Certification (BEC) determines the tests you will take.
The General Knowledge Test
This tests whether the candidates possess the skills needed to start their career as teachers. The test includes a multiple-choice format with sections in English language skills, mathematics, and reading, as well as a written essay.
The Professional Education Test
This test assesses pedagogy and professional practices. The exam is a Computer Based Test(CBT). The candidate is given 2 hours and 30 minutes to attempt about 120 multiple-choice questions.
Subject Area Examinations(SAEs)
The raw marks attained are converted to a scaled score. That process is known as equating. It ensures that multiple exams have the same level of difficulty. The equating formula is set by a standard-setting committee.
Numeric scores in the FTCE are not reported. The FTCE is a "Pass/Fail" exam. To attain a "pass," the examinee must attain the minimum passing scaled score of 200.
The raw score in multiple-choice tests is the number of correctly answered questions. The Florida Department of Education regularly gives candidates general information about the scoring procedure. The information includes an estimate of the number of correct answers needed to attain the minimum passing score. Two independent graders score the General Knowledge essay. Each grader awards a score between 1 and 6. The scores from the two examiners are then added to give the candidate’s score in the essay.
When are score reports released?
Candidates taking multiple-choice exams get their provisional scores at the end of the tests. The score report indicates whether the examinee has passed or failed. Those taking performance tests do not get their unofficial scores at the end of the test session. Instead, they receive a certificate of completion.
Official scores are released within 4-6 weeks of the test date. Candidates who fail receive a detailed performance analysis report. The report indicates the percentage and number of questions answered correctly.
Score verification
Candidates whose scores in the multiple-choice tests are within 10 points of the passing score can request an appointment for score verification. Score verification sessions give candidates an opportunity to identify the mistakes that might have occurred during the marking process. Score verification attracts an extra fee of $75.
Can I retake a test?
Yes. If you fail any test, you can request a retake. There is no limit to how many times you can retake a test. However, you have to wait 30 calendar days after completing a test before retesting.
Lets get started on preparing now for your FTCE certifacation exam by checking out our FTCE practice exams.
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