The Civic Literacy Competency requirement will vary depending on the college catalog year that a student enters a Florida College System institution for their degree program.
In accordance with Florida State Board of Education Administrative Rule 6A-10.02413, Civic Literacy Competency, first-time-in-college baccalaureate and Associate in Arts students entering a Florida College System institution between the Fall 2018 and Summer 2021 academic terms must demonstrate competency in civic literacy by completing option (a) or option (b) prior to graduation.
(a) Successfully passing either POS1041 or AMH2020
OR
(b) Achieving the standard score on one of the following assessments:
| Approved Assessments | Standard Score |
| AP Government and Politics: United States |
3 |
| AP United States History |
4 |
| CLEP: American Government |
50 |
Rule 6A-10.02413, Civic Literacy Competency, was amended on October 21, 2021, and again on April 6, 2022, as follows:
Baccalaureate and Associate in Arts students initially entering a Florida College System institution in the Fall 2021 academic term and thereafter, and Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science students initially entering a Florida College System institution in the Fall 2022 academic term and thereafter, must demonstrate competency in civic literacy by completing option (a) or option (b) prior to graduation.
(a) Successfully passing either POS1041 or AMH2020 AND passing the Florida Civic Literacy Examination (passing score is 60%)
OR
(b) Achieving the standard score on one of the following assessments:
| Approved Assessments | Standard Score |
| AP Government and Politics: United States |
3 |
| AP United States History |
4 |
| CLEP: American Government |
50 |
Beginning with the 2021-22 school year, Florida College System institutions must ensure they provide opportunities for students to engage synchronously in political discussions and civil debate with multiple points of view and to master the ability to synthesize information that informs civic decision-making. Credit received by examination under subsection 6A-10.024(8) F.A.C. for courses listed in section (a) will count toward meeting the course requirement. Students who earn a passing score on the Florida Civic Literacy Examination while in high school are exempt from the postsecondary civic literacy assessment requirement.
Source: Palm Beach State College 2022-2023 Catalog > General Education > Civic Literacy Competency Requirement
What to Expect When Taking the Examination
Who should take it?
Prior to the award of an Associate in Arts (A.A.) or baccalaureate degree any student entering a Florida College System institution in the 2018-19 school year, and thereafter must demonstrate competency in civic literacy prior to graduation. In Fall of 2022, and thereafter, student receiving an Associate in Science (A.S.)/ Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) must also demonstrate civic literacy competency.
Do I need an appointment?
Yes. Students should speak with an academic advisor before contacting the testing center to schedule an appointment.
Is there a fee?
For PBSC students, the first exam is free. Should you need to retake the FCLE exam, a $10 fee would apply. For non PBSC students, a fee of $10 will apply and thereafter. View testing fees.
What else do I need to know?
Students who need to demonstrate competency in civic literacy must complete one of the following Civic Literacy Requirement.
1. Students who pass the FCLE in HS will still be required to pass an approved course once they enter the Florida College System.
2. Students entering the Florida college system Fall 2018 through Summer 2021 seeking an Associate in Arts (A.A.) or baccalaureate degree:
a. Are not required to take the FCLE.
b. Must complete one of the following:
3. Students entering the Florida college system Fall 2021 or beyond seeking an Associate in Arts (A.A.) or baccalaureate degree:
a. Are required to take the FCLE if they are currently enrolled in or have passed a required course.
b. Must complete both of the following:
4. Students entering the Florida college system Fall 2022 or beyond seeking an Associate in Science (A.S.)/ Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.):
a. Are required to take the FCLE if they are currently enrolled in or have passed a required course.
b. Must complete both of the following:
Approved Courses:
Approved Assessments
About the test
The FCLE assesses students' civic literacy competency. It includes 80 multiple-choice questions and four domains with 20 questions in each section (American Democracy, United States Constitution, Founding Documents, and Landmark Impact on Law and Society).
The passing score for the FCLE is 48 out of 80 (60%); Retesting requires testing candidates to wait 30 days between attempts (unless a waiver is provided), but they can attempt an unlimited number of exams. Students cannot retest on the same day of taking the exam. The first test is free for PBSC students. All students will pay $10 per re-take.
