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Exam Overview
The FTCE Spanish K–12 test (test code 039) is the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations subject area test for Spanish teachers. It measures whether you can communicate in Spanish at the level a classroom teacher needs, understand Spanish-speaking cultures and the structure of the language, and use research-based strategies to teach Spanish to students from kindergarten through grade 12.
Exam at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Program | Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE), Florida Department of Education |
| Test administrator | Pearson, on behalf of the Florida Department of Education |
| Format | Computer-based test: about 75 multiple-choice questions, 5 speaking assignments, and 1 written assignment |
| Testing time | 2 hours and 30 minutes for the whole test; there is no scheduled break |
| Order | The speaking assignments come first; you record your answers through a headset microphone |
| On-screen help | A special character chart is provided for typing accented letters and ñ, ¿, ¡ |
| Passing score | Scaled score of at least 200 |
| Fee | $150 for a first attempt (subject area test fee set by the Florida Department of Education) |
| Retakes | Allowed after 31 calendar days; the retake fee is paid again |
How the Score Is Built
The test has three parts. The speaking section counts for 25% of your total score and the written assignment for 15%, so the multiple-choice section carries the remaining 60%. Speaking and writing therefore matter as much as many candidates' favorite topics in the multiple-choice section.
The Seven Competencies
The official framework lists seven competencies. Competencies 1 and 2 are measured by the speaking and written assignments; competencies 3 to 7 are measured by the multiple-choice questions.
| Competency | Measured By | Weight | Study In This Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Presentational and interpersonal communication: speaking | 5 speaking assignments | 25% of total score | Topics 1.2 and 1.5 |
| 2. Presentational and interpersonal communication: writing | 1 written assignment | 15% of total score | Topics 1.4 and 1.5 |
| 3. Interpretive listening | Multiple choice | 25% of MC | Topic 1.1 |
| 4. Interpretive reading | Multiple choice | 25% of MC | Topic 1.3 |
| 5. Knowledge of Spanish-speaking cultures | Multiple choice | 12% of MC | Section 2 |
| 6. Knowledge of language structure | Multiple choice | 13% of MC | Topics 3.1–3.3 |
| 7. Effective teaching and learning strategies | Multiple choice | 25% of MC | Topic 3.4 and Section 4 |
What Each Part Looks Like
How Speaking and Writing Are Scored
Each speaking response is scored holistically by two raters on a 1–6 scale. Raters consider grammar, vocabulary (accuracy, range, and register), pronunciation, and fluency. The written assignment is scored on a 1–5 scale for organization, development, register, and control of spelling, structure, and punctuation. Topic 1.5 shows the assignment types, timing, and model answers.
Who Takes This Test
Candidates seeking Florida certification in Spanish (grades K–12), including graduates of state-approved teacher preparation programs, teachers adding Spanish to an existing certificate, and candidates on a temporary certificate who must show subject area mastery. The certificate allows you to teach Spanish at any grade level in Florida public schools.
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