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Exam Overview
FELE 4.0 is a computer-based test given by appointment, year-round, at Pearson VUE testing centers. It has four separately timed subtests: two multiple-choice subtests and two written performance assessments that mirror real tasks of a school building administrator. You must pass all four, but you may register for any combination in one session and retake only the subtests you still need.
Key Facts About FELE 4.0
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Florida Educational Leadership Examination (FELE), New Generation (FELE 4.0) |
| Test code | 084 |
| Program | Florida Teacher Certification Examinations, Florida Department of Education |
| Subtest 1 | Foundational Policies & Practices of School Leadership: about 50 multiple-choice questions, 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Subtest 2 | Leadership Practices for Student Learning: about 50 multiple-choice questions, 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Subtest 3 | Leadership Development: 1 written performance assessment, 1 hour 15 minutes, about 300 to 600 words |
| Subtest 4 | Leadership Communication: 1 written performance assessment, 1 hour, about 200 to 400 words |
| Answer choices | Four (A to D) on every multiple-choice question |
| Fees | $53.75 per subtest; $215 for all four |
| Reference materials | None provided |
Competencies and Weights
Subtest 1 Competencies
| Competency | Weight | Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Laws, regulations and best practices for a safe learning environment | 25% | 1.1 |
| 2. Resources and fiscal management | 25% | 1.2 |
| 3. Organizational theory, research and management | 30% | 1.3 |
| 4. Data-driven decision-making for school improvement | 20% | 1.4 |
Subtest 2 Competencies
| Competency | Weight | Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Student achievement aligned with goals and accountability measures | 20% | 2.1 |
| 2. Prioritizing student learning through a learning organization | 20% | 2.2 |
| 3. Instructional framework and alignment | 20% | 2.3 |
| 4. A learning environment for all students | 20% | 2.4 |
| 5. Recruitment, induction and retention | 20% | 2.5 |
Subtests 3 and 4 each measure a single competency: developing emerging leaders (Subtest 3) and reciprocal communication with stakeholders (Subtest 4).
How the Test Is Scored
Subtests 1 and 2 are reported as scaled scores, and the passing standard on the official test page is a scaled score of at least 200 on each. Only correct answers count, so answer every question.
Each written response is scored holistically by two trained raters on a scale of 1 to 4, and the two scores are added for a total from 2 to 8. The current standard is at least 4 points on Subtest 3 and at least 5 points on Subtest 4. Raters look at four criteria: completion of every part of the task, alignment between the data and your plan, accurate application of leadership knowledge for the stated audience, and support through evidence, examples and explanations. A response that is off-topic, not in English, too short or not original is unscorable, and memorized or pre-prepared passages invalidate a response.
The passing standards for FELE 4.0 were introduced for a transition period and were scheduled for review after a statewide standard-setting process. Check the official test page for the standard in effect on your test date.
What Kinds of Questions to Expect
- Scenario questions that describe a school situation, often with a small data table, and ask what the principal or assistant principal should do first, the best response or the highest priority
- Sentence-completion questions whose answer choices finish a statement about law, finance, instruction or leadership practice
- Direct questions about federal and Florida requirements, such as student rights, accommodations, internal accounts and the Florida Education Finance Program
- Written tasks with three exhibits in which you act as a new assistant principal and write an action plan (Subtest 3) or a letter to stakeholders (Subtest 4)
What Happens After the Test
- For the multiple-choice subtests, an unofficial pass or not-pass result is usually shown at the testing center right after you finish.
- Official score reports are released within about four weeks and posted to your account.
- Your report lists each subtest separately; passed subtests do not need to be retaken.
- When all four subtests are passed, your results go to the Florida Department of Education for your certification file.
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