Teacher certification tests in Florida
Florida uses its own Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE), delivered by Pearson. For a Professional Certificate you pass three: the General Knowledge test, the Professional Education test and a Subject Area Exam in your field. Florida also offers several ways to satisfy them without testing.
From the Florida Department of Education’s FTCE requirements as published by Florida school districts and educator preparation programs. Checked October 12, 2026. Confirm what you need on your Statement of Status of Eligibility from the FLDOE.
The three FTCE exams
| Exam | What it tests | Ways to satisfy it without testing |
|---|---|---|
| General Knowledge (GK) | Essay, English language skills, reading and math | A master’s degree or higher in any subject, or qualifying GRE, SAT, ACT or CLT scores |
| Professional Education (PEd) | Pedagogy and professional practice, built on Florida’s Educator Accomplished Practices | Three years of effective or highly effective evaluations during your temporary certificate |
| Subject Area Exam (SAE) | Content knowledge in your certification field | A master’s degree in the exact subject of your certification |
The path
Apply to the Florida Department of Education for a Statement of Status of Eligibility, which lists what you still need.
Many teachers start on a temporary certificate while they complete the exams and other requirements.
Register on the FTCE/FELE site and pass GK, PEd and your SAE, or use an exemption.
Once your requirements are on file, the FLDOE issues the Professional Certificate.
Common questions
Does Florida use Praxis?
No. Florida uses its own FTCE program, delivered by Pearson.
Can I skip the General Knowledge test?
A master’s degree in any subject satisfies the General Knowledge requirement. Qualifying GRE, SAT, ACT or CLT scores can too. Check the FLDOE’s current minimum scores.