Fla. Admin. Code R. 6A-4.0021

Current through Reg. 50, No. 244; December 17, 2024

Section 6A-4.0021 - [Effective until 12/24/2024] Florida Teacher Certification Examinations

(1) Scope. This rule governs the written examinations for teacher certification. Additional requirements for certification are specified in Chapter 6A-4, F.A.C.

(2) Description of the examinations and competencies to be demonstrated.

(a) The Florida Teacher Certification Examinations shall be developed by the Commissioner of Education.

(b) The written examinations shall include subtests of English language skills, reading, writing, mathematics, professional skills, and subject area specialty. These examinations may contain multiple-choice questions and questions requiring the examinee to write an answer or demonstrate a proficiency.

(c) The following competencies are to be demonstrated by means of the written examinations:

1. Between June 1, 2022, and December 31, 2022, the general knowledge competencies and skills contained in the publication "Competencies and Skills Required for Teacher Certification in Florida, Twenty-Sixth Edition," (http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-14164), which is incorporated by reference and made part of this rule effective June 1, 2022. Beginning January 1, 2023, the general knowledge competencies and skills contained in the publication "Competencies and Skills Required for Teacher Certification in Florida, Twenty-Seventh Edition," (http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-14906), which is incorporated by reference and made part of this rule effective January 1, 2023. These publications may be obtained by contacting the Division of Accountability, Research and Measurement, Department of Education, 325 West Gaines Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0400.

2. Between June 1, 2022, and December 31, 2022, the professional education competencies and skills contained in the publication "Competencies and Skills Required for Teacher Certification in Florida, Twenty-Sixth Edition," (http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-14164), which is incorporated by reference and made part of this rule effective June 1, 2022. Beginning January 1, 2023, the professional education competencies and skills contained in the publication "Competencies and Skills Required for Teacher Certification in Florida, Twenty-Seventh Edition," (http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-14906), which is incorporated by reference and made part of this rule effective January 1, 2023. These publications may be obtained by contacting the Division of Accountability, Research and Measurement, Department of Education, 325 West Gaines Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0400.

3. Between June 1, 2022, and December 31, 2022, the subject area competencies and skills contained in the publication "Competencies and Skills Required for Teacher Certification in Florida, Twenty-Sixth Edition," (http://www.rules.org/Gateway/reference/asp?No=Ref-14164), which is incporated by reference and made part of this rule effective June 1, 2022. Beginning January 1, 2023, the subject area competencies and skills contained in the publication "Competencies and Skills Required for Teacher Certification in Florida, Twenty-Seventh Edition," (http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-14906), which is incorporated by reference and made part of this rule effective January 1, 2023. These publications may be obtained by contacting the Division of Accountability, Research and Measurement, Department of Education, 325 West Gaines Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0400.

(3) Administration of the examinations.

(a) The examinations shall be administered by a test administration agency or agencies under contract with the Florida Department of Education.

(b) The examinations shall be administered at least four (4) times each year. The Commissioner of Education shall designate the registration deadlines, administration sites, and examination dates.

(c) The examinations shall be administered at sites designated by the Commissioner of Education.

(d) An examinee may retake a failed examination provided at least thirty (30) days have elapsed since the previous administration of the failed examination.

(e) An examinee may not retake a passed examination, subtest, or section unless:

1. At least three (3) years have elapsed since the previous administration of the passed examination, subtest, or section;

2. The State Board of Education has adopted new competencies and skills for the field; or

3. The examinee has applied for reinstatement of an expired professional certification, pursuant to subsection 6A-4.0051(8), F.A.C.

(4) Registration, fees, and refunds.

(a) Registration for the examinations shall be for the initial examinations or for one (1) or more examinations not previously passed. To register to take the examinations, an applicant shall register online with the test administration agency at: http://www.fldoe.org/accountability/assessments/postsecondary-assessment/ftce/. The Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE)/Florida Educational Leadership Examination (FELE) Registration Form, PS 2015 (http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-05900) (Effective October 2015) is incorporated by reference herein.

(b) Beginning April 22, 2019, registration fees shall be as follows:

Examination	Fee
General Knowledge Test, First-Time Registration (Full Battery)	$130.00
General Knowledge Test, Single Subtest Retake Registration	$32.50
General Knowledge Test, Two Subtests Retake Registration	$65.00
General Knowledge Test, Three Subtests Retake Registration	$97.50
General Knowledge Test, Full Battery Retake Registration	$130.00
Professional Education Test, First-Time Registration	$150.00
Professional Education Test, Retake Registration	$150.00
Subject Area Examination, First-Time Registration	$150.00
Subject Area Examination, Retake Registration	$150.00

(c) Beginning April 22, 2019, registration fees for Prekindergarten/Primary PK-3 shall be as follows:

Prekindergarten/Primary PK-3	Fee
First-Time Registration (Full Battery)	$150.00
Single Subtest Retake Registration	$37.50
Two Subtests Retake Registration	$75.00
Three Subtests Retake Registration	$112.50
Full Battery Retake Registration	$150.00

(d) Beginning April 22, 2019, registration fees for Elementary Education K-6 shall be as follows:

Elementary Education K-6	Fee
First-Time Registration (Full Battery)	$150.00
Single Subtest Retake Registration	$37.50
Two Subtests Retake Registration	$75.00
Three Subtests Retake Registration	$112.50
Full Battery Retake Registration	$150.00

(e) Beginning April 22, 2019, registration fees for English 6-12 and Middle Grades English 5-9 shall be as follows:

First-Time Registration (Full Battery)	$150.00
Single Section Retake Registration	$75.00
Full Battery Retake Registration	$150.00

(f) Refunds. Fees may be refunded provided written requests for refunds are received by the test administration agency at least twenty-four (24) hours preceding the examination date. Failure to appear for or to complete an examination shall result in forfeiture of fees.

(5) Admission. The test administration agency shall provide each applicant with electronic communication specifying the examination site, date, and the time of the examination. This communication will also stipulate identification required for entrance into the examination site. An applicant who arrives after the examination has begun shall not be admitted. An applicant, who has registered for multiple examinations or subtests for the same day and arrives late, shall only be admitted at the start of the next examination or subtest.

(6) Examinee with a disability. An applicant who is unable to complete the examinations under standard testing conditions because of a disability may request special arrangements. Such a request shall be made when the examination application is submitted. Lack of proficiency in the English language alone shall not be acceptable as a justifiable reason for requesting a reader or extra time for an examinee. Special arrangements shall be provided for applicants with disabilities.

(a) Definition of terms.

1. A person with a disability means any person who:

a. Has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one (1) or more major life activities;

b. Has a record of such an impairment; or

c. Is regarded as having such an impairment.

2. The definitions for the phrases used in paragraph (6)(a) of this rule - physical or mental impairment, major life activities, has a record of such an impairment and regarded as having an impairment - are the same as in the definition of disability included in the Americans With Disabilities Act, 28 C.F.R. §§ 35.104(1), (2), (3) and (4).

(b) Persons requesting special arrangements must be certified as having a disability by a licensed psychologist or physician. Such documentation shall have been completed within the previous three (3) years and must be received on official letterhead stationery. In the absence of such certification, the applicant may submit documentation of accommodations provided for a disability during the applicant's baccalaureate or graduate degree program. Any documentation submitted must describe the disability and the accommodations made necessary by the disability.

(c) Special test arrangements may include but are not limited to the following:

1. Flexible scheduling. The person may be administered an examination during several brief sessions, as long as that examination is completed on the test administration date. Up to double time may be allowed.

2. Flexible setting. The person may be administered an examination individually or in a small group setting by a proctor rather than in a classroom or auditorium setting.

3. Recording of answers. The person may mark answers in a test booklet, type the answers by machine, or indicate selected answers to a test proctor. The proctor may then transcribe the person's responses onto a machine-scorable answer sheet or onto a computer. In instances where the proctor is required to mark the responses on behalf of the examinee, there will be a tape recording of the examinee's selected responses. A large-block answer sheet may be provided. The person may use a word processor or typewriter to prepare any required essay or other written response. Technical support to operate the word processor or typewriter may be provided.

4. Revised format. The person may use a large-print booklet, a Braille test booklet, or a magnifying device.

5. Auditory aids. A recorded version of the examination may be provided, the examination may be read by a narrator, or the examination may be provided via video with a narrator using oral language or sign language.

6. Assistive personnel. Test personnel may be provided by the test administrator to record answers, sign test instructions, or read instructions and test items.

7. Accommodations not covered by this rule may be requested through the Department of Education and will be provided, as appropriate, upon approval by the Department of Education.

(d) Appropriate special arrangements for testing shall be provided, where necessary, to afford an individual with a disability an equal opportunity to participate. In determining the type of special arrangement to be provided, primary consideration shall be given to the requests of the individual with the disability. However, if it can be demonstrated that special arrangements that are equally effective as those requested are available at less cost or are more readily available, the Department may provide the less expensive or more readily available means of special arrangements for testing.

(e) In no case shall the modifications authorized herein be interpreted or construed as an authorization to provide a person with assistance in determining the answer to any examination item.

(f) Nothing in this rule shall be construed to require an individual with a disability to accept an accommodation, aid, service, opportunity, or benefit provided under this rule which the individual chooses not to accept.

(g) This rule does not require the Department to provide individuals with disabilities with personal devices, such as wheelchairs; individually prescribed devices, such as prescription eyeglasses or hearing aids; readers for personal use for study; or services of a personal nature including assistance in eating, toiletry, or dressing.

(h) Appeals procedure. An examinee who is denied test accommodations may appeal the denial to the Commissioner of Education. Such appeal may necessitate a later test date.

(7) Scoring the general knowledge subtests.

(a) Effective January 1, 2004, the passing scores for the general knowledge subtests listed below shall be a scaled score of at least two hundred (200) for multiple-choice sections. The passing score for the Essay subtest shall be a total raw score of at least six (6). This scaled score shall be equivalent to the following raw scores on the July 2002 test administration:

SUBTEST	SCORE
General Knowledge Subtest 1: Essay	A total raw score of at least six (6)
General Knowledge Subtest 2: English Language Skills	29 correct items
General Knowledge Subtest 3: Reading	25 correct items
General Knowledge Subtest 4: Mathematics	26 correct items

(b) Effective January 1, 2015, the passing scores for the general knowledge subtests listed below shall be a scaled score of at least two hundred (200) for multiple-choice sections. The passing score for the Essay subtest shall be a total raw score of at least eight (8). This scaled score shall be equivalent to the following raw scores on the test forms used for standard setting and administered in May 2014:

SUBTEST	SCORE
General Knowledge Subtest 1: Essay	A total raw score of at least eight (8)
General Knowledge Subtest 2: English Language Skills	27 correct items
General Knowledge Subtest 3: Reading	26 correct items
General Knowledge Subtest 4: Mathematics	31 correct items

(8) Scoring the professional education test.

(a) Effective July 1, 2003, the passing score for the professional education test shall be a scaled score of at least two hundred (200). This scaled score shall be equivalent to an examination raw score that results in an examinee passing rate of ninety-one (91) percent, which was the passing rate of teacher candidates who took the professional education test for the first time during the 2001-2002 examination administration year. In the event that fewer than fifty (50) examinees are tested in the July 2003 administration, the passing score shall be sixty (60) percent of the items.

(b) Effective July 1, 2005, the passing score for the professional education test shall be a scaled score of at least two hundred (200). This scaled passing score will be equivalent to eighty (80) correct items on the July and October 2003 test administrations.

(c) Effective March 1, 2014, the passing score for the Professional Education examination shall be a scaled score of at least two hundred (200). This scaled score shall be equivalent to a raw score of eighty-five (85) correct items on the test form used for standard setting and administered in May 2013.

(9) Scoring of the subject area specialty examinations.

(a) The Commissioner of Education shall recommend to the Florida State Board of Education for its approval a passing score or scores required for each subject area specialty examination. Such required scores shall take effect when designated by the State Board.

(b) For subject area specialty examinations listed below, a score earned prior to May 1, 1990, shall be considered a passing score and shall be valid for certification in that subject area for a period of two (2) years from the test administration date. Effective August 1, 1990, a passing score for these subject area examinations will be a scaled score of at least two hundred (200). This scaled passing score will be equivalent to the following scores on the October 1988 test administration:

SUBJECT	SCORE
Biology 6-12	70 correct items
Computer Science K-12	72 correct items
Earth-Space Science 6-12	70 correct items
Emotionally Handicapped K-12	87 correct items
Geography 6-12	105 correct items
School Counseling PK-12	83 correct items
History 6-12	89 correct items
Journalism 6-12	89 correct items
Mentally Handicapped K-12	63 correct items
Physical Education K-8	66 correct items
Physical Education 6-12	72 correct items
Physically Impaired K-12	79 correct items
Political Science 6-12	84 correct items
Reading K-12	69 correct items
School Psychologist PK-12	61 correct items
Specific Learning Disabilities K-12	78 correct items
Speech-Language Impaired K-12	79 correct items
Varying Exceptionalities K-12	80 correct items

(c) For subject area specialty examinations listed below, a score earned prior to October 1, 1990, shall be considered a passing score and shall be valid for certification in that subject area for a period of two (2) years from the test administration date. Effective October 1, 1990, a passing score for these subject area examinations will be a scaled score of at least two hundred (200). This scaled passing score will be equivalent to the following scores on the April 1989 test administration:

SUBJECT	SCORE
Art K-12	63 correct items
Elementary Education 1-6	84 correct items
English 6-12	71 on a scale that weights the multiple choice section eighty (80) percent and the essay section twenty (20) percent
Deaf or Hard of Hearing K-12	66 correct items
Mathematics 6-12	60 correct items
Music K-12	64 correct items
Primary Education K-3	88 correct items
Social Science 6-12	102 correct items

(d) For subject area specialty examinations listed below, a score earned prior to May 1, 1991, shall be considered a passing score and shall be valid for certification in that subject area for a period of two (2) years from the test administration date. After May 1, 1991, a passing score for these subject area examinations will be a scaled score of at least two hundred (200). The scaled score shall be equivalent to the following scores on the October 1989 test administration:

SUBJECT	SCORE
Chemistry 6-12	57 correct items
Drama 6-12	96 correct items
Economics 6-12	70 correct items
Educational/Media Specialist PK-12	102 correct items
Health K-12	71 correct items
Latin K-12	70 correct items
Middle Grades General Science 5-9	70 correct items
Middle Grades Mathematics 5-9	59 correct items
Middle Grades Social Science 5-9	87 correct items
Physics 6-12	51 correct items
French K-12	87 on a scale that weights the multiple choice section fifty (50) percent, the speaking section forty (40) percent, and the writing section ten (10) percent.
German K-12	A score of Intermediate High or more on the oral interview and a score of 82 on a scale that weights the multiple choice section eighty (80) percent and the writing section twenty (20) percent.
Middle Grades English 5-9	57 on a scale that weights the multiple choice section seventy (70) percent and the essay section thirty (30) percent.
Speech 6-12	Prior to October 1, 1996, 119 on a scale that weights the multiple choice section fifty (50) percent and the speech section fifty (50) percent. Beginning October 1, 1996, a score of fifty-six (56) on the multiple choice section and a score of four (4) or more on the speech section based on the summed ratings of two (2) trained judges using a scale of one (1) low to four (4) high.

(e) For subject area specialty examinations listed below, a score earned prior to January 1, 1992, shall be considered a passing score and shall be valid for certification in that subject area for a period of two (2) years from the test administration date. Effective January 1, 1992, a passing score for these subject area examinations will be a scaled score of at least two hundred (200). This scaled passing score will be equivalent to the following scores on the April 1990 test administration:

SUBJECT	SCORE
Humanities K-12	88 correct items
Psychology 6-12	94 correct items
Sociology 6-12	95 correct items
Visually Impaired K-12	99 correct items

(f) For the subject area specialty examination listed below, a score earned prior to January 1, 1992, shall be considered a passing score and shall be valid for certification in the subject area for a period of two (2) years from the test administration date. Effective January 1, 1992, through September 30, 1993, a passing score for this subject area examination will be a scaled score of at least two hundred (200). This scaled passing score will be equivalent to the following score on the April 1990 test administration:

SUBJECT	SCORE
Preschool Education N-PK	94 correct items

(g) For subject area specialty examinations listed below, a score earned prior to April 1, 1992, shall be considered a passing score and shall be valid for certification in that subject area for a period of two (2) years from the test administration date. Effective September 1, 1992, a passing score for these subject area examinations will be a scaled score of at least two hundred (200). This scaled passing score will be equivalent to the following scores on the October 1990 test administration:

SUBJECT	SCORE
Business Education 6-12	69 correct items
Home Economics 6-12	83 correct items
Occupational Specialist	87 on a scale that weights the multiple choice section forty-five (45) percent and the short answer section fifty-five (55) percent.

(h) For the subject area specialty examinations listed below, a score earned prior to April 1, 1995, shall be considered a passing score and shall be valid for certification in that subject area for a period of two (2) years from the test administration date. Effective April 1, 1995, a passing score for these subject area examinations will be a scaled score of at least two hundred (200).

English to Speakers of Other Languages K-12

Prekindergarten/Primary PK-3

For the subject area specialty examination listed below, this scaled passing score will be equivalent to the following score on the October 1992 test administration:

SUBJECT	SCORE
English to Speakers of Other Languages K-12	54 correct items

For the subject area specialty examination listed below, this scaled passing score will be equivalent to the following score on the October 1993 test administration:

SUBJECT	SCORE
Prekindergarten/Primary PK-3	73 correct items

(i) For the subject area specialty examinations listed below, a score earned prior to October 1, 1996, shall be considered a passing score and shall be valid for certification in that subject area for a period of two (2) years from the test administration date. Effective October 1, 1996, a passing score for these subject area examinations will be a scaled score of at least two hundred (200). This scaled passing score will be equivalent to the following scores on the April 1995 test administration:

SUBJECT	SCORE
Agriculture 6-12	83 correct items
Industrial Arts-Technology Education 6-12	83 correct items
Marketing 6-12	72 correct items
Preschool Education Birth - Age 4	81 correct items

(j) For the subject area specialty examination listed below, passing for a score earned prior to August 1, 2000, shall be a scaled score of at least two hundred (200). This scaled passing score shall be equivalent to the following score on the October 1989 test administration:

SUBJECT	SCORE
Spanish K-12	87 on a scale that weights the multiple choice section seventy-five (75) percent and the speaking section twenty-five (25) percent.

Effective August 1, 2000, a passing score for this examination will be a scaled score of at least two hundred (200). This scaled passing score will be equivalent to the following score on the October 1998 and January 1999 test administrations:

SUBJECT	SCORE
Spanish K-12	88 on a scale that weights the multiple choice section sixty (60) percent, the speaking section twenty-five (25) percent, and the writing section fifteen (15) percent.

(k) Effective January 1, 2004, the passing scores for the subject area specialty examinations listed below shall be a scaled score of at least two hundred (200). This scaled score shall be equivalent to the following raw scores on the July 2002 test administration:

SUBJECT	SCORE
Exceptional Student Education K-12	72 correct items
Kindergarten-Grade Six	138 correct items

(l) Effective July 1, 2005, the passing score for the Exceptional Student Education K-12 Examination shall be a scaled score of at least two hundred (200). This scaled passing score will be equivalent to seventy-seven (77) correct items on the July and October 2002 test administrations.

(m) Effective July 1, 2003, the passing scores for the subject area specialty examinations listed below shall be a scaled score of at least two hundred (200). This scaled score shall be equivalent to the raw scores on the July 2003 test administration as defined below:

1. Middle Grades Integrated Curriculum 5-9 Examination. An examination raw score that results in an examinee passing rate of sixty-eight (68) percent, which was the average of the passing rates of teacher candidates who took the Middle Grades English 5-9, Middle Grades General Science 5-9, Middle Grades Mathematics 5-9, and Middle Grades Social Science 5-9 specialty examinations for the first time during the 2001-2002 examination administration year. In the event that fewer than fifty (50) examinees are tested in the July 2003 administration, the passing score shall be fifty-nine (59) percent of the items.

2. Physical Education K-12 Examination. An examination raw score that results in an examinee passing rate of seventy-five (75) percent, which was the average of the passing rates of teacher candidates who took the Physical Education K-8 and Physical Education 6-12 specialty examinations for the first time during the 2001-2002 examination administration year. In the event fewer than fifty (50) examinees are tested in the July 2003 administration, the passing score shall be sixty (60) percent of the items.

3. After sufficient data have been collected, the Commissioner of Education shall review examinee performance levels for the Middle Grades Integrated Curriculum 5-9 Examination, and the Physical Education K-12 Examination and determine whether to recommend to the State Board of Education to maintain or change the existing passing scores.

(n) Effective July 1, 2004, the passing score for the subject area specialty examination listed below shall be a scaled score of at least two hundred (200). This scaled score shall be equivalent to the raw score on the July 2004 test administration as defined below.

1. Computer Science K-12 Examination. An examination raw score that results in an examinee passing rate of eighty-three (83) percent, which was the passing rate of teacher candidates who took the Computer Science K-12 specialty examination for the first time during the 2002-2003 examination administration year. In the event that fewer than fifty (50) examinees are tested in the July 2004 administration, the passing score shall be sixty-three (63) percent of the items.

2. After sufficient data have been collected, the Commissioner of Education shall review examinee performance levels for the Computer Science K-12 Examination and determine whether to recommend to the State Board of Education to maintain or change the existing passing scores.

(o) Effective July 1, 2005, the passing scores for the English 6-12 subject area specialty examination shall be a scaled score of at least two hundred (200). This scaled score shall be equivalent to the composite score of seventy one (71) on a scale that weights the multiple choice section seventy (70) percent and the essay section thirty (30) percent on the April 1989 test administration.

(p) Effective January 1, 2012, the passing score for the subject area specialty examinations listed below shall be a scaled score of at least two hundred (200). This scaled score shall be equivalent to the following raw scores on the test forms used for standard setting and administered between March and April 2011:

SUBJECT	SCORE
Educational Media Specialist PK-12	85 correct items
Exceptional Student Education K-12	81 correct items
Social Science 6-12	87 correct items

(q) Effective September 1, 2012, the passing score for the subject area specialty examinations listed below shall be a scaled score of at least two hundred (200). This scaled score shall be equivalent to the following raw scores on the test forms used for standard setting and administered between January 2011 and April 2012:

SUBJECT	SCORE
Biology 6-12	83 correct items
Chemistry 6-12	71 correct items
Earth-Space Science 6-12	83 correct items
Middle Grades General Science 5-9	84 correct items
Physics 6-12	60 correct items

(r) Effective September 1, 2012, the passing score for the subject area specialty examinations listed below shall be a scaled score of at least two hundred (200). This scaled score shall be equivalent to the following raw scores on the test forms used for standard setting and administered between January and March 2012:

SUBJECT	SCORE
Health K-12	83 correct items
Physical Education K-12	85 correct items

(s) Effective March 1, 2014, the passing score for the subject area specialty examinations listed below shall be a scaled score of at least two hundred (200). This scaled score shall be equivalent to the following raw scores on the test forms used for standard setting and administered between May and August 2013:

SUBJECT	SCORE
English for Speakers of Other Languages K-12	81 correct items
Mathematics 6-12	48 correct items
Middle Grades Mathematics 5-9	52 correct items

(t) Effective March 1, 2014, the passing score for the new Prekindergarten/Primary PK-3 subtests listed below shall be a scaled score of at least two hundred (200). This scaled score shall be equivalent to the following raw scores on the test forms used for standard setting and administered in July and August 2013:

SUBTEST	SCORE
PK-3 Subtest 1: Developmental Knowledge	38 correct items
PK-3 Subtest 2: Language Arts and Reading	41 correct items
PK-3 Subtest 3: Mathematics	32 correct items
PK-3 Subtest 4: Science	30 correct items

(u) Effective January 1, 2015, the passing score for the new Elementary Education K-6 subtests listed below shall be a scaled score of at least two hundred (200). This scaled score shall be equivalent to the following raw scores on the test forms used for standard setting and administered in May 2014:

SUBTEST	SCORE
K-6 Subtest 1: Language Arts and Reading	42 correct items
K-6 Subtest 2: Social Science	37 correct items
K-6 Subtest 3: Science	36 correct items
K-6 Subtest 4: Mathematics	35 correct items

(v) Effective January 1, 2015, the passing score for the new English 6-12 and Middle Grades English 5-9 multiple-choice sections shall be a scaled score of at least two hundred (200). The passing score for the writing sections shall be a total raw score of at least eight (8). This scaled score shall be equivalent to the following raw scores on the test forms used for standard setting and administered between March and June 2014:

SUBJECT	SCORE
English 6-12	56 correct items on the multiple-choice section and a total raw score of at least eight (8) on the writing section
Middle Grades English 5-9	58 correct items on the multiple-choice section and a total raw score of at least eight (8) on the writing section

(w) Effective January 1, 2015, the passing score for the subject area specialty examinations listed below shall be a scaled score of at least two hundred (200). This scaled score shall be equivalent to the following raw scores on the test forms used for standard setting and administered between April and June 2014:

SUBJECT	SCORE
Computer Science K-12	85 correct items
Engineering and Technology Education 6-12	89 correct items

(x) Effective September 1, 2016, the passing score for the subject area specialty examination listed below shall be a scaled score of at least two hundred (200). This scaled score shall be equivalent to the following raw score on the test forms used for standard setting and administered between January and March 2016:

SUBJECT	SCORE
Business Education 6-12	81 correct items

(y) Effective September 1, 2016, the passing score for the subject area specialty examination listed below shall be a scaled score of at least two hundred (200). This scaled score shall be equivalent to the following composite score on the test forms used for standard setting and administered between January and March 2016:

SUBJECT	SCORE
Spanish K-12	93 on a scale that weights the multiple choice sixty (60) percent, the speaking section twenty-five (25) percent, and the writing section fifteen (15) percent.

(z) Effective March 1, 2017, the passing score for the subject area specialty examinations listed below shall be a scaled score of at least two hundred (200). This scaled score shall be equivalent to the following raw scores on the test forms used for standard setting and administered between May and July 2016:

SUBJECT	SCORE
Preschool Education (Birth-Age 4)	85 correct items
Reading K-12	85 correct items

(aa) Effective July 1, 2018, the passing score for the subject area specialty examinations listed below shall be a scaled score of at least two hundred (200). This scaled score shall be equivalent to the following raw scores on the test forms used for standard setting and administered between September and December 2017:

SUBJECT	SCORE
Art K-12	75 correct items
Exceptional Student Education K-12	80 correct items

(bb) Effective January 1, 2023, the passing score for the subject area specialty examinations listed below shall be a scaled score of at least two hundred (200). This scaled score shall be equivalent to the following raw scores on the test forms used for standard setting and administered between September 2021 and March 2022:

SUBJECT	SCORE
Deaf or Hard of Hearing K-12	60 correct items
School Counseling PK-12	66 correct items
School Psychologist PK-12	70 correct items
Visually Impaired K-12	71 correct items

(cc) The Commissioner of Education shall review the passing score for each of the General Knowledge Subtests, each of the subject area specialty examinations, and the professional education test not less than once every five (5) years and determine whether to recommend to the State Board of Education to maintain or change the existing passing scores.

(10) Score reports for the general knowledge essay, english language skills, reading, and mathematics subtests, professional education test, and subject area examinations.

(a) A properly authenticated score report is defined as the original score report issued directly by the test administration agency without any qualification, reservation, or irregularity.

(b) The examinee shall be sent an authenticated score reports as described in paragraph 6A-4.0021(10)(a), F.A.C. In addition, a copy of the score report may be issued by the test administration agency without a fee to one (1) Florida institution (i.e., college, university, or professional district certification program provided the examinee identifies the recipient or recipients of the score report at the time of registration.

(c) Official documentation of scores earned on each examination for a temporary or for a professional certificate shall be the original authenticated score report as described in paragraph 6A-4.0021(10)(a), F.A.C., or a duplicate authenticated score report as described in paragraph 6A-4.0021(10)(e), F.A.C.

(d) Scores shall be reported as Pass or Fail for each subtest of the examination. The Commissioner of Education may provide additional score information to the examinee.

(e) An examinee may obtain a duplicate authenticated score report for a test administration by filing a written request and a fee. A fee is required for each duplicate score report that is requested. The fee shall be that amount necessary for the test administration agency to perform the service as agreed in the contract between the agency and the Florida Department of Education.

(11) Review.

(a) Requests for Verification. An examinee who fails one (1) or more examination(s) within ten (10) scale score points of the passing scale score (200) for failed examinations, including essays, short answer sections, and verbal responses, may file a written request with the test administration agency to verify that the examinations were scored accurately. An examinee may review their failed responses for performance only subtests (i.e., English 6-12 Writing Component, General Knowledge Essay, German K-12 oral interview, Middle Grades English 5-9 Writing Component, Speech 6-12 oral component). The request shall be filed within thirty (30) days of the date the score report was released by the test administration agency. The fee for verification shall be seventy-five ($75.00) dollars. The test administration agency shall notify the examinee of the results of the request within thirty (30) days of receipt of the request and fee.

(b) Score Verification Sessions. An examinee who fails one (1) or more examination(s) within ten (10) scale score points of the passing scale score (200) may review only those incorrect test items and/or performance component(s) contained within each examination meeting these criteria and bring to the Florida Department of Education's attention, via the test administration agency, any scoring errors. The procedures for test review are listed below:

1. The examinee shall register for a score verification session within thirty (30) days of the date the score report was released by the test administration agency. At least thirty (30) days shall have elapsed from the administration of the failed examination before an examinee may attend a score verification session.

2. A processing fee is required for each score verification session. The fee shall be that amount necessary for the test administration agency to perform the services as agreed in the contract between the agency and the Florida Department of Education.

3. The examinee shall be provided electronic communication that contains the location, date and time for the examinee's score verification session.

4. During the score verification session, the examinee shall file with the Florida Department of Education via the test administration agency a statement of specific scoring errors which may result in a scoring change.

5. The Florida Department of Education shall review test items, verify examination keys, and consult with field-specific subject matter experts as needed.

6. The Commissioner of Education shall notify the individual of the action on the statement of scoring errors not later than thirty (30) days from receipt of the statement.

7. An examinee may retake a failed examination that was reviewed provided at least thirty (30) days have elapsed since the date of the review. If an examinee takes any examination that was reviewed within thirty (30) days of the test date, the examination will be invalidated.

(12) Alternative Assessments: Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) Revised General Test, SAT, ACT, and Classic Learning Test (CLT). GRE test administrations conducted on or after July 1, 2015, and SAT, ACT, and CLT test administrations on or after March 1, 2016, may be used as an acceptable means of demonstrating a mastery of general knowledge. In all cases, the minimum required score on the GRE, SAT, ACT, and CLT must have been earned during the ten (10) years immediately preceding application and qualification for a certificate, unless otherwise stipulated in law or rule. The scores listed below shall be considered the minimum passing scores that may be used to satisfy the demonstration of mastery of general knowledge requirements. Passing scores are required in each of the general knowledge content areas assessed on the General Knowledge Test, which include writing (essay), English language skills, reading, and mathematics. The table below provides the content area subtests for GRE, SAT, ACT, and CLT, followed by the minimum required scores to satisfy the General Knowledge requirements.

GK SUBTEST	ALTERNATIVE ASSESSMENT	MINIMUM REQUIRED ALTERNATIVE ASSESSMENT SCORE
GK Essay
	GRE Analytical Writing	A combined score of 4 out of 6
	SAT Evidence-Based Reading & Writing	A score of 560
	ACT English	A score of 22
	CLT Verbal Reasoning & Grammar/Writing	A combined score of 49
GK English Language Skills
	GRE Verbal Reasoning	A score of 151
	SAT Evidence-Based Reading & Writing	A score of 560
	ACT English	A score of 22
	CLT Verbal Reasoning & Grammar/Writing	A combined score of 49
GK Reading
	GRE Verbal Reasoning	A score of 151
	SAT Evidence-Based Reading & Writing	A score of 560
	ACT Reading	A score of 23
	CLT Verbal Reasoning & Grammar/Writing	A combined score of 49
GK Mathematics
	GRE Quantitative Reasoning	A score of 147
	SAT Mathematics	A score of 540
	ACT Mathematics	A score of 22
	CLT Quantitative Reasoning	A score of 20

(13) Military Testing Fee Waivers.

(a) An individual is eligible for a military testing fee waiver from the Department for the first-time testing fees prescribed in paragraphs (4)(a)-(e) of this rule if he or she:

1. Is a member of the U.S. Armed Forces or a reserve component thereof who is serving, or has served, on active duty or is the spouse of such a service member;

2. Is an honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces or an honorably discharged veteran of a reserve component thereof or is the spouse or surviving spouse of such a service member; or

3. Is the surviving spouse of a member of the U.S. Armed Forces or a reserve component thereof who was serving on active duty at the time of death.

(b) To apply for a military testing fee waiver, a request must be submitted via the Department of Education, Educator Certification website at https://web03.fldoe.org/TeacherCertFeeWaiver along with documentation establishing that the applicant meets the requirements for a military testing fee waiver per paragraph (13)(a) of this rule. The following chart lists the required documentation.

BASIS FOR WAIVER OF FEE	DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED
Member of Armed Forces	Military ID card
Spouse of member of Armed Forces	Military dependent ID card (DD Form 1173)
Member of reserves	Military ID card or NGB22 Form or DD 256A Form
Spouse of member of reserves	Military dependent ID card (DD Form 1173) or Military dependent ID card (DD Form 1173-1)
Honorably discharged veteran	Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214 Member 4)
Spouse or surviving spouse of honorably discharged veteran	DD Form 214 Member 4 of spouse and marriage certificate
Honorably discharged veteran of reserves	DD Form 214 Member 4, NGB22 Form or DD 256A Form
Spouse of honorably discharged veteran of reserves	DD Form 214 Member 4, NGB22 Form or DD 256A Form of spouse and marriage certificate
Surviving spouse of member of armed forces on active duty at time of death	Official documentation from Department of Defense
Surviving spouse of member of reserves at time of death	Official documentation from Department of Defense

(c) Additional documentation. Where the required documentation submitted does not establish eligibility, due to a name change or other circumstance, the applicant will be notified by the Department within ninety (90) days and afforded the opportunity to submit additional documentation to verify eligibility.

(d) All documents submitted to verify eligibility for military testing fee waivers will be retained in the certification record maintained by the Department and will not be returned to the applicant. Approval for military testing fee waivers remain valid for five (5) years from the date issued unless a document used to verify indicates an earlier expiration date or end date of its validity and in that case, validity of the military testing fee waiver expires when the verifying document expires. In no case shall a person use or attempt to use a military testing fee waiver if the person does not meet the eligibility criteria set forth in Section 1012.59(3), F.S.

(e) Fees for retake examinations under subsection (4) of this rule may not be waived. Subsequent registration for any examination under subsection (4) of this rule will be considered a retake and not eligible for a fee waiver under this section.

(14) Retired First Responder Testing Fee Waivers.

(a) An individual is eligible for a retired first responder testing fee waiver from the Department for the first-time testing fees prescribed in paragraphs (4)(a)-(e) of this rule if he or she:

1. Is a retired law enforcement officer as defined in Section 943.10(1), F.S.;

2. Is a retired firefighter as defined in Section 633.102(9), F.S.; or

3. Is a retired emergency medical technician or paramedic as defined in Section 401.23, F.S.

(b) To apply for a retired first responder testing fee waiver, a request must be submitted via the Department of Education, Educator Certification website at https://web03.fldoe.org/TeacherCertFeeWaiver along with documentation establishing that the applicant meets the requirements for a retired first responder testing fee waiver per paragraph (14)(a) of this rule.

(c) Where the required documentation submitted does not establish eligibility, due to a name change or other circumstance, the applicant will be notified by the Department within ninety (90) days and afforded the opportunity to submit additional documentation to verify eligibility.

(d) All documents submitted to verify eligibility for retired first responder testing fee waivers will be retained in the certification record maintained by the Department and will not be returned to the applicant. Approval for retired first responder testing fee waivers remain valid for five (5) years from the date issued unless a document used to verify eligibility indicates an earlier expiration date or end date of its validity and in that case, validity of the testing fee waiver expires when the verifying document expires. In no case, shall a person use or attempt to use a retired first responder testing fee waiver if the person does not meet the eligibility criteria set forth in Section 1012.59(3), F.S., and this rule.

(15) Exceptional Student Education K-12/Elementary Education K-6 Waivers.

(a) An individual is eligible for a waiver from the Department of Education for the first-time testing fees prescribed in paragraphs (4)(a)-(e) of this rule, if he or she:

1. Holds a valid active Temporary or Professional Certificate in Exceptional Student Education K-12 and applies to add a subject coverage in Elementary Education K-6; or

2. Holds a valid active Temporary or Professional Certificate in Elementary Education K-6 and applies to add a subject coverage in Exceptional Student Education K-12.

(b) To apply for a testing fee waiver, a request must be submitted via the Department of Education, Bureau of Educator Certification website at https://web03.fldoe.org/TeacherCertFeeWaiver along with documentation establishing that the applicant meets the requirements for a testing fee waiver per paragraph (15)(a) of this rule.

The following chart lists the required documentation:

BASIS FOR WAIVER OF FEE	DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED
Holds a Temporary or Professional Certificate in Exceptional Student Education K-12 and application to add a subject coverage in Elementary Education K-6	Valid active certificate in ESE K-12
Holds a Temporary or Professional Certificate in Elementary Education K-6 and application to add a subject coverage in Exceptional Student Education K-12	Valid active certificate in K-6

(d) All documents submitted to verify eligibility for the Exceptional Student Education K-12/Elementary Education K-6 fee waivers will be retained in the certification record maintained by the department and will not be returned to the applicant. Approval for testing fee waivers remains valid for five (5) years from the date issued unless a document used to verify indicates an earlier expiration date or end date of its validity and, in that case, validity of the testing fee waiver expires when the verifying document expires. In no case shall a person use or attempt to use a testing fee waiver if the person does not meet the eligibility criteria set forth in Section 1012.59(4), F.S.

Fla. Admin. Code Ann. R. 6A-4.0021

Rulemaking Authority 1012.55(1), 1012.56, 1012.59 FS. Law Implemented 1012.55, 1012.56, 1012.59 FS.

New 8-27-80, Amended 1-11-82, 1-6-83, 5-3-83, 10-5-83, 10-15-84, Formerly 6A-4.021, Amended 12-25-86, 4-26-89, 4-16-90, 7-10-90, 4-22-91, 10-3-91, 8-10-92, 11-28-93, 4-12-95, 7-1-96, 9-30-96, 10-1-99, 7-17-00, 7-16-01, 3-24-02, 7-16-02, 3-24-03, 7-21-03, 12-23-03, 7-13-04, 5-24-05, 5-23-06, 5-21-07, 5-19-08, 7-21-08, 7-9-09, 6-22-10, 6-21-11, 11-22-11, 8-23-12, 5-21-13, 10-22-13, 2-25-14, Amended by Florida Register Volume 40, Number 237, December 9, 2014 effective 12/23/2014, Amended by Florida Register Volume 41, Number 135, July 14, 2015 effective 7/28/2015, Amended by Florida Register Volume 41, Number 199, October 13, 2015 effective 10/26/2015, Amended by Florida Register Volume 42, Number 134, July 12, 2016 effective 7/26/2016, Amended by Florida Register Volume 43, Number 025, February 7, 2017 effective 2/20/2017, Amended by Florida Register Volume 43, Number 153, August 8, 2017 effective 8/20/2017, Amended by Florida Register Volume 44, Number 109, June 5, 2018 effective 6/19/2018, Amended by Florida Register Volume 44, Number 222, November 14, 2018 effective 11/28/2018, Amended by Florida Register Volume 45, Number 069, April 9, 2019 effective 4/22/2019, Amended by Florida Register Volume 48, Number 076, April 19, 2022 effective 5/3/2022, Amended by Florida Register Volume 48, Number 218, November 8, 2022 effective 11/23/2022, Amended by Florida Register Volume 49, Number 217, November 7, 2023 effective 11/21/2023, Amended by Florida Register Volume 50, Number 158, August 13, 2024 effective 8/27/2024.