FTCE Social Science 6-12 (037)

The Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) Social Science 6–12 (037) is the subject area examination for Florida certification in social science for grades 6–12. It measures whether you have the content knowledge in geography, economics, political science, world history and U.S. history, plus the methodology and teaching knowledge, needed to teach social science in middle and high school.

• The Florida Department of Education (FDOE) owns the FTCE program and sets the passing standards
• Evaluation Systems (Pearson) develops and delivers the tests; registration is through the FTCE/FELE website (fl.nesinc.com)
• Computer-based testing year-round, by appointment, at Pearson test centers

Every question is a selected-response item with four answer choices. Some questions are unscored pilot items being tried out for future tests; you cannot tell which ones, so treat every question as if it counts. Questions range from direct knowledge to analysis of maps, charts, data tables, primary-source excerpts and classroom scenarios.

The test is built on six competencies. Each competency's approximate share of the test tells you where to spend your study time: world history and U.S. history together make up half of the exam.

You have 2 hours and 30 minutes of testing time. Your total appointment is longer because it includes check-in and a short tutorial, and any break you take counts against your testing time. With about 80 questions, plan on just under 2 minutes per question, which leaves time to return to flagged items.

• Results are reported as a scaled score; a scaled score of at least 200 passes
• Your score is based on the number of scored questions you answer correctly; there is no penalty for a wrong answer, so answer every question
• If you do not pass, your score report shows your numeric scaled score and your performance in each competency
• Unofficial results are usually available right after testing; official score reports are released within four weeks

If you do not pass, you may retake the test after waiting 31 calendar days. Each attempt requires a new registration and the full test fee. Retaking before the waiting period ends invalidates the score. Fees and policies can change, so confirm every detail on the official FTCE/FELE website (fl.nesinc.com) before you register.