Florida Civics Literacy Exam: Who Must Take It and Passing Score

The Florida Civic Literacy Exam is an 80-question, multiple-choice test that measures knowledge of American government, the Constitution, founding documents, and landmark Supreme Court cases. You pass by answering at least 48 questions correctly, a score of 60 percent. It is required for Florida high school students enrolled in U.S. Government and for most students pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree at a Florida public college or university.¹

Who Has to Take It

Two groups face the requirement. Florida high school students taking the U.S. Government course sit for the FCLE as part of that class. A student who passes in high school is exempt from the postsecondary civic literacy assessment later, which removes a step if they go on to a Florida public college or university.²

Students pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree at a Florida College System or State University System institution must demonstrate civic literacy, with the specifics tied to when they first enrolled:

Before fall 2018: no civic literacy requirement.
2018–2019 through 2020–2021: either an approved course or a passing assessment score.
2021–2022 through 2023–2024: both an approved course and a passing assessment score.
Fall 2024 and later: both a course and an assessment, same as the prior cohort.

These rules are set in Section 1007.25, Florida Statutes, and apply even if you transfer in from an out-of-state or private school. A fall 2024 transfer student has to satisfy both components regardless of what the previous institution required.³

The requirement covers degree-seeking undergraduates only. Students enrolled exclusively in career certificate or clock-hour programs are not subject to it.³

Course and Assessment: Both Required

If you entered a Florida public college or university in 2021–2022 or later, passing the FCLE alone will not satisfy the requirement. You also have to complete an approved civic literacy course with a grade of C or higher, and your institution cannot waive either piece.⁴

Approved courses are American Federal Government (POS 2041), United States History from 1877 to Present (AMH 2020), and, starting in fall 2024, United States History to 1877 (AMH 2010). A fourth option, Civil Discourse and the American Political Order (AMS 2010), is accepted but not offered everywhere. Taking AMH 2010 before fall 2024 does not count, because the state-mandated civic literacy competencies were not added to the course until then.³

Order does not matter. You can take the course first or the exam first. Both must be done before your degree can be conferred, and that timing is where students who put the exam off until their final semester sometimes get stuck.

What the Exam Covers

The FCLE tests four broad areas:¹

American democracy and republican government, including separation of powers, checks and balances, and the three branches.
The U.S. Constitution, its core principles, the amendment process, and individual rights such as free speech, due process, and the right to counsel.
Founding documents and institutions of self-governance, including the Declaration of Independence and the Federalist Papers.
Landmark Supreme Court cases, legislation, and executive actions and their effects on law and society.

The case list is where most of the studying goes. Expect questions on Marbury v. Madison, McCulloch v. Maryland, Dred Scott v. Sandford, Plessy v. Ferguson, Schenck v. United States, Korematsu v. United States, Brown v. Board of Education, Mapp v. Ohio, Baker v. Carr, Engel v. Vitale, Gideon v. Wainwright, Miranda v. Arizona, Tinker v. Des Moines, New York Times v. United States, Wisconsin v. Yoder, Roe v. Wade, United States v. Nixon, and Regents of the University of California v. Bakke. You need to know the constitutional question each case addressed, not just the name. Practice tests and study guides are available through the Florida Department of Education, and many colleges run review workshops through their testing centers.

Alternatives to the FCLE

Several standardized exams can take the place of the FCLE on the assessment side, each with its own minimum score:⁴

AP U.S. Government and Politics: 3 or higher.
AP United States History: 4 or higher.
CLEP American Government: 50 or higher.
CLEP History of the United States I: 50 or higher.
CLEP History of the United States II: 50 or higher.

One detail trips people up. If your college awards you credit from an AP or CLEP exam listed in Board of Governors Regulation 8.006, that single exam satisfies both the course and the assessment requirement. A student who scores a 3 on AP U.S. Government and receives course credit for it is done, with no FCLE and no separate course needed.

Cambridge AICE and International Baccalaureate exams work differently. A passing grade on Cambridge AICE History (U.S. History, c.1840–1990, A-Level), A through E, or on IB History: History of the Americas, 5 through 7, satisfies only the course component. Students using these exams for course credit still have to pass the FCLE or another approved assessment separately.⁴

Format, Registration, and Remote Testing

The exam is 80 multiple-choice questions on a computer-based platform, delivered at proctored testing centers at Florida colleges and universities. Remote testing is also available for postsecondary students.¹ Registration varies by institution. Most schools require an online appointment, and some require that you have already enrolled in or completed an approved civic literacy course before you can test. Check your college’s testing services page for the specific steps.

For in-person testing, bring a valid, unexpired photo ID: a driver’s license, state ID, passport, military ID, or college student ID is typically accepted. The testing software lets you flag questions for review before submitting.⁵

Remote testing uses the Cambium Secure Browser, which locks down your device for the duration of the exam. You need a working camera and microphone so the proctor can verify your identity and monitor the session. Run the network diagnostics tool before your scheduled time to confirm your internet, speakers, and webcam are working. If something goes wrong during the test, you can chat with or video-call your proctor through the platform.⁶

Passing Score and Retakes

A passing score is 48 out of 80, or 60 percent. The result is recorded on your transcript and satisfies the assessment component.⁵

If you do not pass, the retake rules depend on your level. High school students must wait 30 calendar days between attempts and are limited to two attempts per testing window.⁷ Postsecondary institutions set their own policies. Waiting periods, attempt limits, and fees vary. Some schools allow a retake within days; others impose longer waits. Many give the first two attempts free and charge for additional tries.⁴ Your school’s testing services page has the policy that applies to you.

Because your degree cannot be conferred until both pieces are complete, leaving the exam for your final semester is risky. Building in time for at least one retake before your expected graduation date is the simplest safeguard.

Testing Accommodations

Students with documented disabilities can request accommodations. Under the ADA, testing entities including public colleges and state agencies must provide adjustments such as extended time, screen-reading technology, large-print materials, distraction-free rooms, and wheelchair-accessible stations.⁸ Contact your institution’s disability services office well before your test date, since documentation and approval can take several weeks.

English Language Learners and recently exited ELL students are eligible for specific accommodations outlined in the Florida Department of Education’s statewide assessments accommodations guide. Students with disabilities who cannot take any approved assessment due to the nature of the disability may satisfy the assessment component by completing a second approved civic literacy course instead.⁴

1
Florida Department of Education. Florida Civic Literacy Exam
2
Florida Senate. Florida Code 1003.4282 – Requirements for a Standard High School Diploma
3
Florida Senate. Florida Code 1007.25 – General Education Courses; Common Prerequisites; Other Degree Requirements
4
State University System of Florida Board of Governors. Civic Literacy Guidance
5
Valencia College. Florida Civic Literacy Exam
6
FLFAST.org. FCLE Remote Testing Guide for Students
7
Florida Department of Education. 2025-26 FCLE Fact Sheet for High School Students
8
ADA.gov. ADA Requirements: Testing Accommodations