Mastery of Professional Preparation and Education Competence

In the State of Florida, teachers must demonstrate mastery of professional preparation and education competence as one of the requirements for earning a professional teaching certificate. Candidates must meet one of the following requirements to demonstrate mastery of professional preparation and education competence:

  • Successful completion of an approved teacher preparation program at a postsecondary educational institution within this state and achievement of a passing score on the professional education competency examination
  • Successful completion of a teacher preparation program at a postsecondary educational institution outside Florida and achievement of a passing score on the professional education competency examination
  • Documentation of a valid professional standard teaching certificate issued by another state
  • Documentation of a valid certificate issued by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards or a national educator credentialing board approved by the State Board of Education
  • Documentation of two semesters of successful, full-time or part-time teaching in a Florida College System institution, state university, or private college or university that awards an associate or higher degree and is an accredited institution or an institution of higher education identified by the Department of Education as having a quality program and achievement of a passing score on the professional education competency examination
  • Successful completion of professional preparation courses as specified in state board rule, successful completion of a professional preparation and education competence program, and documentation of 3 years of being rated effective or highly effective under s.1012.34 while holding a temporary certificate
  • Successful completion of a professional development certification and education competency program
  • Successful completion of a competency-based certification program pursuant to s.1004.85 and achievement of a passing score on the professional education competency examination required by rule of the State Board of Education.

Professional Education Test

The Professional Education Test is a computer-based test with 100 multiple-choice questions that takes 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete. It is necessary to make an appointment to take the test, which is offered year-round.

Passing score: a scaled score of at least 200.

Test fee: $150

Score Reporting: Unofficial pass/non-pass is provided immediately, with the official score reports released within four weeks.

View an example of what you will need to understand in terms of the test's structure and content.

Click here to learn more about the test format and see sample questions.