FTCE Madness

So you want to study for the FTCE.  But where to begin?  There are lots of good options out there for FTCE study guides.  Here are some things that you should consider with a FTCE practice test program:

• Class, Book or Web: One of the first major decisions involves the actual format of the FTCE review program.  Many schools offer class based review programs.  Most are actually free.  Definitely take advantage of these programs if your schedule permits.  You’d be crazy not to.  The only problem with class based reviews is that they are usually short-lived, and cannot dramatically improve scores on their own.  They are good reviews, but you still need to do the work elsewhere when it comes to studying, especially if you’re not 100% confident in your ability to pass the test.  The classic choice for studying is books, and they are certainly worthwhile.  After all, they are portable, convenient, and you don’t even need power or web access to use them.  The downside to books is that they are tedious to go through, and they don’t simulate the test environment very well.  Web tools are gaining in popularity, and many people consider these applications to be the very best at preparing students.  While they aren’t as personal as classes, and they don’t have classic appeal like books, the web programs are updated frequently, and they do a good job of simulating the actual computer versions of the FTCE.
• Web Considerations: If you read the previous bullet point, you’re probably thinking that web tools are a good place to start.  So what do you look for?  What are the features for FTCE review that are most important?  First, make sure the site looks reputable.  If it sounds like a scam, it just might be.  Reputable sites will have clear terms, secure checkout, and guarantees.  The best programs offer money-back guarantees that you’ll pass.  Next, look for an actual Learning Mangement System.  Some programs, like TeachRite, offer these LMS systems that track your progress and allow you to pickup where you left off. 
• Study Timing: So how much time do you need to study?  This depends on how confident you are with the various subjects.  If you go to the official FTCE website, you’ll see some areas for consideration.  Also, the web is littered with some free sample questions that at least allow you to identify your level of preparedness for the FTCE.  Many of the FTCE Practice Test systems have different subscription lengths depending on how long you want to study for. 

To close, there are several excellent solutions for studying for the FTCE.  Shop around and you just might find the perfect solution for your needs.

A lot of people have questions about which FTCE test is right for them.  Most people use the term FTCE interchangebly with the FTCE General Knowledge exam, or “GK” for short.  In fact, this is by far and away the most popular of the FTCE exams because it’s a requirement for new Florida teachers to prove their grasp of basic knowledge in the areas of reading, writing, and mathematics.  Below is a summary straight from the official FTCE test site.