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The FTCE Elementary Education K-6 examination (060) is required for those seeking certification to teach elementary school in Florida. Unlike specialized exams, the K-6 exam is a multi-subject test consisting of four distinct subtests: Language Arts and Reading, Social Science, Science, and Mathematics. It is administered by the Florida Department of Education through its contractor, Pearson. Each subtest must be passed independently with a scaled score of 200 or higher to earn your certification.

Exam Format

The exam is entirely computer-based and utilizes multiple-choice questions. Because it is composed of four subtests, you are given a specific amount of time to complete each individual section. You can choose to take all four subtests in a single sitting, or register to take them in separate appointments.

The 4 Subtests

Subtest 1: Language Arts and Reading — You have 1 hour and 5 minutes to answer approximately 50 multiple-choice questions. This subtest covers the reading process, literary analysis, the writing process, literacy instruction, communication, and information literacy. You'll need to know instructional strategies for foundational reading skills like phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.

Subtest 2: Social Science — You have 1 hour and 5 minutes to answer approximately 45 multiple-choice questions. This subtest assesses knowledge of effective instructional practices for social sciences, time (history), place (geography), government and the citizen (civics), and economics.

Subtest 3: Science — You have 1 hour and 10 minutes to answer approximately 45 multiple-choice questions. This section covers effective science instruction, the nature of science, earth and space science, physical science, and life science. It focuses not only on scientific facts but also on how to safely and effectively teach inquiry-based science in the elementary classroom.

Subtest 4: Mathematics — You have 1 hour and 10 minutes to answer approximately 35 multiple-choice questions. Topics include mathematical concepts and instruction, operations and algebraic thinking, numbers in base ten, fractions, measurement, data, and geometry. You will also be tested on the pedagogical practices required to build mathematical understanding.

Scoring

Each of the four subtests is scored separately, and you must achieve a scaled score of 200 or higher on every subtest to pass the overall FTCE Elementary Education K-6 examination. If you pass some subtests but fail others, you only need to retake the subtests you failed. Your score report will indicate either "Pass" or "Not Pass" for each section.

The Florida Department of Education provides general guidance indicating that candidates typically need to answer roughly 70% of questions correctly slightly varying by the difficulty curve of the individual subtest version.

Registration and Cost

All registration is handled through the FTCE/FELE website. Testing parameters depend on how many subtests you take:

• First Attempt (Any Combination): $150
• Retake (One Subtest): $37.50
• Retake (Two Subtests): $75.00
• Retake (Three Subtests): $112.50
• Retake (All Four Subtests): $150.00

Exams are given at approved CBT testing centers worldwide. You must wait 31 days before retaking any non-passing subtest.

How to Prepare

The K-6 test is notoriously broad. Relying entirely on memory from your own elementary education is rarely sufficient, as the exam heavily targets pedagogical knowledge—how to teach the specific subjects, identify student misconceptions, and utilize the correct instructional strategies.

Target your weaknesses. Science and Mathematics are typically the sections that give teacher candidates the most trouble due to the depth of conceptual knowledge required. Because the test is split into distinct categories, your best preparation tactic is simulating each individual subtest under timed conditions to gauge your pacing and familiarity.

Disclaimer

This guide is an independent resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Florida Department of Education. FTCE® is a program of the Florida Department of Education. Information in this guide is based on publicly available exam descriptions and may change. Always verify current exam details at fl.nesinc.com.