How2Day: Tips on Taking the FTCE Exam

Potential Florida teachers must pass the FCTE exam to be certified. Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images
If you plan to teach in Florida, you need to pass the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE). It consists of three exams: a professional education test; a general knowledge test; and subject area exams that test knowledge in your chosen subject. The Department of Education's Bureau of Educational Certification determines each individual's certification requirements. Following simple tips can make a difference on FTCE exam day.

Test guides are study manuals for the FCTE. They contain descriptions of the exams, skill lists and sample questions. Order and download the guides at the FCTE website. As of 2010, the cost is less than $6 per guide, including tax. Becoming familiar with the test format will increase your confidence.

Find FCTE practice tests online at websites such as Test Prep Review. Along with practice exams for different subject areas, you will find self-assessment modules on topics such as grammar and mathematics. Some material will be familiar, but some may not. Concentrate on what you consider to be your weaknesses.

Essay writing requires you to organize your thoughts. Familiarize yourself with the scoring rubric that will be used. It is included in the FTCE Test Preparation Guide.

Follow the FCTE guidelines for testing day. You may not take food or drink into the exam area. Personal items such as cell phones, scratch paper and calculators are also off-limits. Infractions invalidate your score and are reported to the Florida Department of Education. You will need your admission ticket and two forms of identification. If the test is in written format, take No. 2 pencils and a ballpoint pen for essays.

Begin the exam on an even keel. Visit the testing site beforehand to evaluate driving time. You're required to be at the site 30 minutes before exam time for identification, photographing and general information. Arriving sooner will ensure that you are not stressed. Get a good night's sleep and eat a healthy meal on test day.

Wear a watch. Remain aware of the time frame. Don't spend too much time on any question. Answer the easier questions to boost your confidence and then go back to the tougher ones. Don't panic if you don't know an answer. Put a light mark by that question and return to it later. Stay focused.

The majority of the exam is multiple-choice. Before making a decision, read each answer option. Eliminate obvious wrong choices. Some answers will be very similar. Read them carefully, but trust your instincts. In many cases, one of the like answers will be correct.

Use all allotted time. Periodically check your coding, as inadvertently skipping one number can throw off the match of questions and answers. Make sure you have answered every question, even if it's just your best guess. Erase stray marks on written tests. Go back over your answer choices, but don't second-guess yourself.

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