Scoring · FTCE General Knowledge

FTCE General Knowledge passing score and pass rates

Each of the four subtests is passed on its own: a scaled score of 200 on the three multiple-choice subtests, 6 of 8 points on the essay. Here is what that takes in correct answers, how many candidates pass, and how retakes work.

Passing score: 200; scaled, on each multiple-choice subtest
Correct answers: 63–70%; at most, on current forms
Essay: 6 of 8; two raters, 1 to 4 points each
Retake: 31 days; later, the subtest alone, $32.50

Part 1 · The pass line

Four subtests, four pass lines.

The General Knowledge Test is four subtests, each scored and passed on its own. On English Language Skills, Reading and Mathematics, your correct answers are converted to a scaled score, and 200 passes the subtest. The essay passes at 6 of 8 points. You pass the General Knowledge Test once all four are passed: a strong score on one subtest cannot make up for another.

How many correct answers make 200 varies slightly from one form to another, so the Florida Department of Education publishes the most a current form can require. As of February 2, 2026, that is 63% on English Language Skills, 70% on Reading and 63% on Mathematics.

You can take all four subtests in one appointment ($130, with a 15-minute break) or split them across several ($32.50 per subtest). A subtest you fail is reported with its score (for a multiple-choice subtest, with the questions you got right on each competency); one you pass reads only as a pass, with no number.

The four subtests
Subtest	Questions	Time	To pass
Essay (825)	1 essay	50 min	6 of 8 points
English Language Skills (826)	about 30	40 min	200 (at most 63% correct)
Reading (827)	about 30	55 min	200 (at most 70% correct)
Mathematics (828)	about 35	1 h 40 min	200 (at most 63% correct)

Part 2 · The essay

Two readers, 8 points, 6 to pass.

You get one topic and 50 minutes to plan, write and proofread an original essay that introduces the topic, then explains it and/or takes a position on it and supports that position. It has to address the whole topic to be scored.

Two raters each score it from 1 to 4 for its overall effectiveness, weighing five criteria: focus; organization; support; vocabulary and sentence structure; grammar and conventions. Their scores are added, for a total of 2 to 8, and 6 passes: two 3s, for instance. If the two raters differ by more than one point, a chief rater resolves it. The position you take is not scored.

Part 3 · Pass rates

Mathematics is the subtest candidates miss most.

Statewide figures for 2024, from the Florida Department of Education's annual report of June 2025. About 5,600 candidates took each subtest for the first time.

Passed in 2024
Subtest	First attempts	Passed	Retakes	Retakes passed
Essay (825)	5,530	81%	1,367	47%
English Language Skills (826)	5,754	79%	2,152	56%
Reading (827)	5,696	80%	2,363	56%
Mathematics (828)	5,608	77%	2,247	53%

Calendar year 2024. A candidate who retook a subtest more than once counts once per retake. These rates predate the passing scores in force since January 1, 2025: the essay was then scored out of 12, with 8 to pass. The lowest first-attempt rate is in red.

Part 4 · Retakes

Missed one? Retake only that one.

Wait 31 calendar days after your attempt, then register for the subtests you did not pass.
A subtest you have passed stays passed: you retake only the ones you missed.
$32.50 per subtest, the same as a first attempt; $130 for all four.
Missed a multiple-choice subtest by 10 points or less? You can ask for a score verification session ($75) to review the questions you got wrong. It does not show the right answers, and the 31 days before a retake then count from the session.
Official score reports come within 4 weeks of the test date.

Part 5 · Your estimate

Your own estimate, before test day.

Passing Line turns your accuracy on each competency, weighted toward your latest answers, into an estimated scaled score for every subtest, drawn against the 200 line. It is an estimate, not an official result: only the testing program reports scores.

The free 30-question diagnostic gives you a first estimate in about 35 minutes, with no account. Start the free diagnostic.

Part 6 · Practice

More free FTCE General Knowledge help.

Practice testEnglish Language Skills (826)Practice testReading (827)Practice testMath (828)The appFree diagnostic and study plan

Part 7 · FAQ

Questions candidates ask.

What is the passing score for the FTCE General Knowledge Test?

A scaled score of 200 on each multiple-choice subtest (English Language Skills, Reading and Mathematics), and at least 6 of 8 points on the essay. You pass the General Knowledge Test once all four subtests are passed.

How many questions do you need to get right?

On current forms, at most 63% on English Language Skills, 70% on Reading and 63% on Mathematics. Forms vary a little in difficulty, so a harder one can take slightly fewer correct answers.

How is the essay scored?

Two raters each give it a score from 1 to 4 for its overall effectiveness. The two scores are added, for a total of 2 to 8, and 6 passes. If the raters differ by more than one point, a chief rater resolves it. The position you take is not scored.

Which subtest do candidates miss most?

Mathematics: in 2024, 77% of first-time candidates passed it, the lowest of the four subtests, and retakes of it passed 53% of the time.

How soon can you retake a subtest?

31 calendar days after your attempt, and only the subtests you did not pass. Each subtest costs $32.50, first attempt or retake, or $130 for all four.

Sources

Facts checked October 3, 2026. Passing Line is not affiliated with the exam makers.

Your own number

Where do you stand against the line?

30 questions across the multiple-choice subtests, an estimated score on each against 200. Free, no account needed.

Start the free diagnostic