The FTCE exams are designed to ensure that all teacher candidates possess the necessary content knowledge and pedagogical skills to effectively educate students in Florida.

Types of FTCE Exams: There are typically three main types of FTCE exams you might need to take, depending on your background and the certification you're seeking:

1. General Knowledge Test (GKT): This exam assesses basic skills and knowledge essential for all educators. It typically has four subtests:
   
   

   • Essay

   • English Language Skills (ELS)

   • Reading

   • Mathematics

2. Professional Education Test (PEd): This test focuses on pedagogical knowledge and professional practices. It covers competencies like instructional design, learning environments, teaching strategies, assessment, and professional conduct.
   
   

3. Subject Area Examinations (SAEs): These tests assess your knowledge in the specific subject(s) you intend to teach (e.g., Elementary Education, Biology 6-12, English 6-12, etc.). There are many different SAEs available.
   
   

Key Information:

• Registration: You can register for the FTCE exams online through the official FTCE/FELE website (often administered by Pearson VUE). You'll typically need to create an account, select your test(s), answer background questions, and agree to testing policies.

• Test Dates and Locations: Many FTCE exams are offered year-round by appointment, Monday through Saturday, at computer-based testing (CBT) sites throughout Florida and nationwide. Some specific subject area exams might have limited availability or locations.

• Fees: Fees vary by test or subtest.

• Score Reporting: Unofficial scores for some tests might be available immediately after testing. For multiple choice tests you almost always get the results before leaving test site. Official score reports are typically released within three weeks.

• Study Resources: The Florida Department of Education and the official testing service provide Test Information Guides for each exam, which include descriptions, competencies, sample items, and practice tests. Take the practice tests. 

Important Considerations:

• Certification Application: The Bureau of Educator Certification at the Florida Department of Education advises that teacher candidates should submit an application for certification before applying to take the certification examinations.

• Passing Scores: You generally need to achieve a scaled score of at least 200 on most subtests, and a specific point total for the GKT Essay subtest.

• Retakes: If you don't pass an exam, you typically need to wait 30 days before retaking it.

• Waivers: Florida offers fee waivers for initial certification and examination fees for military personnel, veterans, spouses, surviving spouses, and retired first responders. There are also specific waivers for certain ESE teachers.