FTCE General Knowledge Test Exam Guide
At a glance
- Time limit
- 4h 5m
- Passing score
- 200 scaled score on each of the ELS…
- Exam fee
- $130
- Governing body
- Florida Department of Education / FTCE-FELE
The FTCE General Knowledge Test (GK) is one of the certification exams required of aspiring Florida teachers, administered by the Florida Department of Education through the FTCE-FELE testing program (Pearson). Most candidates take it before entering a teacher preparation program or applying for a Florida teaching certificate.
Overview
The GK measures foundational academic skills across four separate subtests rather than a single mixed-topic test:
- Essay Subtest (825) — 1 essay
- English Language Skills (ELS) Subtest (826) — about 30 multiple-choice questions
- Reading Subtest (827) — about 30 multiple-choice questions
- Mathematics Subtest (828) — about 35 multiple-choice questions
Each subtest is scored on its own and must be passed individually — there is no combined score that averages out a weak subtest.
Cost and registration
Candidates can register for all four subtests together for $130, or pay per subtest: $32.50 for one subtest, $65 for two, and $97.50 for three. Fees are set by the FTCE-FELE testing program and can change, so confirm current pricing against the official fee schedule before you register.
Exam format
The GK is a computer-based test. Time limits vary by subtest: 50 minutes for the Essay, 40 minutes for English Language Skills, 55 minutes for Reading, and 1 hour 40 minutes for Mathematics; candidates who sit for all four subtests in one session get a 15-minute break. To pass, you need a scaled score of at least 200 on each multiple-choice subtest and at least 6 out of 8 points on the Essay subtest, and you must pass all four subtests to pass the GK overall.
Frequently asked questions
How many subtests make up the FTCE General Knowledge Test, and what does each cover?
The GK has four subtests: the Essay Subtest (825), the English Language Skills (ELS) Subtest (826), the Reading Subtest (827), and the Mathematics Subtest (828).
What is the passing score on the multiple-choice subtests?
You need a scaled score of at least 200 on each of the ELS, Reading, and Mathematics subtests to pass them.
What score do I need to pass the Essay subtest?
You need at least 6 out of 8 total points to pass the Essay subtest. Test takers who sat for the essay on or before December 31, 2024 needed at least 8 out of 12 points under the prior scoring scale.
How much does the FTCE General Knowledge Test cost?
Taking all four subtests together costs $130. Individually, one subtest costs $32.50, two subtests cost $65, and three subtests cost $97.50.
How long do I have to wait to retake a subtest I didn't pass?
You must wait 31 calendar days before retaking a subtest you didn't pass, and you must pass all four subtests to pass the GK overall.
How is the FTCE General Knowledge Test administered, and when will I get my scores?
The GK is a computer-based test, and official score reports are released within 4 weeks of testing.
Sources
- 1.General Knowledge Test (GK) (082) - FTCE — Florida Department of Education / FTCE-FELE (Pearson) (accessed Aug 9, 2026)
- 2.Retaking Tests or Subtests - FTCE — Florida Department of Education / FTCE-FELE (Pearson) (accessed Aug 9, 2026)
- 3.FTCE/FELE Score Interpretation Guide — Florida Department of Education / FTCE-FELE (Pearson) (accessed Aug 9, 2026)
Official sources
Every exam fact on this page traces to a primary document published by the body that administers the exam.
- General Knowledge Test (GK) (082) - FTCEFlorida Department of Education / FTCE-FELE (Pearson)fl.nesinc.com
- FTCE/FELE Score Interpretation GuideFlorida Department of Education / FTCE-FELE (Pearson)fl.nesinc.com
- Understanding Your Scores - FTCEFlorida Department of Education / FTCE-FELE (Pearson)fl.nesinc.com
- Retaking Tests or Subtests - FTCEFlorida Department of Education / FTCE-FELE (Pearson)fl.nesinc.com
Last verified against the official exam content outline: