Are you planning to teach Social Science in grades 6-12 in Florida? Have you completed an approved teacher preparatory program in the state? If so, the Florida Department of Education requires that you pass the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) including your subject area, Social Science. A committee of experts, including college faculty, public school teachers, and school district supervisors, developed the test of knowledge in the field, the FTCE Social Sciences 6-12 Exam, to ensure that teachers are qualified to educate Florida’s youth.
What is the Format and Content of the Exam?
On the exam, you’ll use what you’ve learned in your studies and in student teaching opportunities to answers knowledge-based questions and questions on behaviors that demonstrate skills. Reviewing your materials takes understanding the test itself. Here’s an overview of the topics and the percentage of questions in the test for each one:
- 10% of geography questions
- 15% of economics questions
- 15% of political science questions
- 25% of world history questions
- 25% of U.S. history questions
- 10% of social science and methodology questions
The FTCE exam contains approximately 120 multiple choice questions and may include an essay. You must complete the exam within 2 hours and 30 minutes. To increase your knowledge of the exam, find a sample test to practice.
How do I Register for the FTCE Social Studies 6-12 Exam?
Do you know approximately when you want to take the exam? Go to the FTCE/FELE website to register and to find the schedule and locations offered. The current registration cost is $150. First, create an account for the site, then click on the registration link. Select the correct test name. The site requires background information and policy agreements. Next, select the location and schedule from openings in your desired area in Florida and pay for exam registration. You’ll receive an email confirmation of your registration details.
How Do I Know if I Passed?
The exam requires a scaled score of 200 to pass, based on the number of questions that you answered correctly. When you complete your test at the site, you’ll receive a report indicating whether you’ve passed or failed. An official score report will be sent to your address within several weeks.
For those who don’t pass the FTCE, the state allows you to retake the test as many times as desired. You’ll be required to wait 31 days from the previous attempt, register as before, and pay the retest fee, usually $20 higher than the original fee.
What are the Guidelines for Test Day?
Test administrators recommend that you report to the testing site 30 minutes prior to the scheduled exam time. If you are late, you may be refused admission and will not be offered a refund. Here are a few other tips for test day:
- Wear a pullover sweater or sweatshirt in case the room is cold; hats, jackets, hoodies, and cardigans may not be allowed in the test site.
- Be ready to submit to a security screening, photo, and palm scan.
- Leave behind personal items, including cell phones, mp3 players, dictionaries, calculators, wallets, purses, jewelry, watches, food, and drink. Otherwise, you’ll be asked to place them in secured storage at the site.
The proctor will provide a pen and notepad. Initially, you’ll complete a test tutorial and acknowledge agreements online. Once the test begins, you may take a break per the guidelines, although the break time is counted as part of the total allotted to complete the exam. Check the website for additional information on guidelines.
What next?
If you’ve completed a teacher preparatory program and obtained a Bachelor’s Degree or completed a state-approved alternative teacher certification program in Florida, the FTCE Social Science 6-12 exam completes your certification. Once you’ve passed the exam, you are qualified to teach social science to 6-12 graders in Florida.
How Can I Prepare for the FTCE Social Science Test?
That’s a great question. We’ve broken down the answer into three parts.
- Do yourself a favor and study. Do not walk in unprepared. We have recommended prep materials below, but that only helps if you actually try. Plus, studying is actually proven to be the best antidote to test anxiety.
- Take care of yourself. Make sure you’re eating well, exercising, and sleeping. All of these things are scientifically linked to brain performance. If you take care of your body, you’ll be helping your grades.
- Get a study guide or set of flashcards. Some people study better a certain way. Find your study strengths and make the most of them. We’ve tried to make it easy for you by tracking down the best study guide and flashcard set for your exam. Below you’ll see links to both!