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Subject Area Examination (SAE) - These exams measure content area knowledge, usually in a multiple-choice format. On July 1, 2002, a statute was passed that allowed for teachers to establish eligibility for an initial Temporary Certificate by taking and passing bachelor-level subject area exams in lieu of taking college coursework. Certification subjects excluded are Guidance, Reading, Speech Language Impaired, Educational Leadership and School Psychologist. These areas also require coursework in addition to the subject area exam.

If you were placed out-of-field, you can also take a bachelor's level area exam to meet your mandated training requirement. (Please review the study tips at the end of this section - you may find them helpful in preparing for future subject area exams.) Note that you must add the subject area to your Florida educator certificate to no longer be considered out-of-field.

Professional Education (PED) - This multiple-choice test assesses general knowledge of five content bases: personal development, appropriate student behavior, planning instruction, implementing instruction, and evaluating instruction.

General Knowledge Test (GK) - The GK is a basic skills achievement test containing four subtests: Math (multiple-choice items), Reading (multiple-choice, passage-based items), English Language Skills (multiple-choice items) and Essay. Per Florida State Statute 1012.56, the General Knowledge exam requirement must be met within the first 12 months of your employment in a full-time instructional position for which your temporary certificate was issued.

Below are the options for satisfying the General Knowledge exam requirement:

Pass all subtests (Math, Reading, English, Essay) of the General Knowledge exam. This exam is currently offered through Pearson testing.

If you have passed one or more subtests of the General Knowledge exam but have not passed all four subtests please note you must pass the remaining subtests in order to comply with state statute requirements. The General Knowledge exam is offered in a computer-based exam administration format. Registration, exam information, and study preparation can be found at: www.fl.nesinc.com.

OR

Pass all subtests (Quantitative Reasoning, Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning) of the Graduate Records Examination (GRE). The exam is currently offered through Educational Testing Services. The date of the exam must be on or after July 1, 2015, and the exam must be the 2011 version titled "GRE General Test".

Submit an original score report indicating the score(s) and test date(s) for each of the subtests completed to the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE). Make certain to include your certificate number or FLDOE record number when submitting the score report. The GRE is offered in a computer-based exam administration format. Registration, exam information, and study preparation can be found through Educational Testing Service (ETS). Effective July 2016, ETS will no longer provide mailed copies of official score reports for the GRE. To obtain a score report access your "myGRE" account and print out a copy.

For test preparation resources, please click General Knowledge Exam Test Prep.

Additional methods for satisfying the General Knowledge requirement are:

• A valid, standard certificate from another US state or territory
• A valid National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certificate
• A valid Passport to Teaching Certificate from ABCTE
• Documentation of two semesters full-time, faculty position, college teaching experience