Suggested Testing Schedule

In order to teach in Florida, the No Child Left Behind Legislation requires all teachers to be "highly qualified".  Part of this mandate involves passing three Florida Teacher Certification Examinations. To graduate from Florida Christian College, all Elementary and Music Education teacher candidates must receive passing scores on the General Knowledge Test, the Subject Area Exam, and the Professional Education Test. Students must provide copies of passing test scores on these exams to Mrs. Humphrey and the Registrar’s office. Please pick up a testing booklet to register for these examinations. More information about these tests can be found at Florida Department of Education.

Students must take the General Knowledge Test (GK) prior to their junior year (After Math and Comp Courses). The General Knowledge Test includes four subtests:

Students can register to take the subtests separately, if desired. No other tests can be taken on the same day as the General Knowledge Test. The only exception to this rule is when an examinee registers to take the essay subtest with the Professional Education test. The GK Test measures very basic skills in each of the above subtest areas. FCC recommends that students take this test before their 65th credit hour.

Students must “pass” the Subject Area Examination before their final internship takes place. Results must be available before applying for internship. (SAE)

There are 42 different subject areas of this exam. FCC students take the Elementary Education K-6 test or the Music K-12 test. The testing time for the Elementary Education exam takes all morning and most of the afternoon (with a lunch break in-between). It is the only SAE that cannot be combined with the Professional Education Test on the same test date. The Music K-12 exam usually takes 2 1/2 hours. FCC recommends that students take this test after completing most of the methods courses at the college because the content covers the information learned in these courses.

Students must take the Professional Education Exam (PEd) during their final internship.

The Professional Education Test is an afternoon exam and takes 2 1/2 hours to complete. The PEd covers pedagogy and professional practices. FCC recommends that students take this test while in the midst of the Certification Internship because of the practical nature of the test content.