FTCE General Knowledge Test (GK) Mathematics Subtest (828) Study Guide and Exam Prep

About the FTCE General Knowledge Mathematics Subtest and Study Guide

The FTCE General Knowledge Mathematics Subtest (828) is one of four sections that make up Florida's General Knowledge Test, which is required for most teacher certification paths in the state. This subtest measures your understanding of key math concepts you'll need as an educator, from analyzing data and solving algebraic equations to working with geometry, ratios, and real-world quantitative reasoning.

Study.com's prep course takes the stress out of math review by guiding you through each concept step by step. You'll get clear video explanations, interactive practice problems, and detailed answer feedback that shows you how to improve. The course covers topics such as:

• Numbers, operations, and algebraic thinking
• Geometry and measurement
• Data interpretation, probability, and statistics
• Word problems and applied quantitative reasoning

Our test prep includes full-length practice tests that are just like the real exam. You can get comfortable with the format, timing, and questions so you can walk in feeling confident and ready. We'll even use your practice test results to fine-tune your study plan as you go. Plus, our test prep courses include large question banks for extra practice in the areas where you need it most.

This study guide was last updated in 2025.

Preparing for the FTCE General Knowledge Mathematics Subtest

The FTCE 828 tests your ability to apply mathematical reasoning, interpret data, and solve real-world problems, not just memorize formulas. It's designed to measure how well you can think quantitatively under time pressure, so balancing accuracy with pacing is key.

Here are a few smart strategies to help you prepare:

• Start with a diagnostic test: Take an FTCE GK Math practice test to identify the topics that need the most attention.
• Review concepts in small chunks: Break your study sessions into focused segments (like tackling 2-3 lessons, then taking a break). This helps you retain concepts without burnout.
• Learn formulas by application: Instead of memorizing, practice using formulas in multiple problem types so you can recognize when and how to apply them on test day.
• Use Study.com's learning tools strategically: Watch video lessons for a refresher, read the lessons to dive deeper, take quick quizzes to check comprehension, and use the flashcards in the last chapter to memorize key formulas and conversions.

You'll need a scaled score of at least 200 to pass the FTCE General Knowledge Mathematics Subtest (828).

For more exam details, take a look at our FTCE overview page or check out the FTCE scoring information guide to learn how your exam is scored.

FTCE General Knowledge Mathematics Subtest Exam Information

Before test day, it helps to understand how the FTCE GK Math Subtest is structured and what to expect. Here's an at-a-glance review of the test's details.

Exam Details:

• Number of questions: 35
• Question type: Multiple-choice
• Time limit: 1 hour and 40 minutes
• Exam cost: $32.50 (if taken as a single subtest; $130 total for all four GK subtests)

Additional Information:

• FTCE Retake Policy: You must wait at least 31 days before retaking the FTCE exam.
• FTCE Test Centers: The FTCE General Knowledge Test is offered year-round at approved FTCE testing centers, and you can choose to take one or more subtests per session.
• FTCE Registration: Candidates register online through their FTCE/FELE account to select a testing date and pay subtest fees.

FTCE General Knowledge Mathematics Subtest Breakdown

The FTCE GK Math Subtest (828) covers four key competencies that reflect the core mathematical reasoning and problem-solving skills needed by educators in Florida.

Learn more about FTCE exam topics, costs, and registration.

How to Pass the FTCE General Knowledge Math Subtest

Passing the FTCE GK Math Subtest requires balancing accuracy with pacing. Because many questions involve applied problem-solving, it's important to show flexibility in how you approach unfamiliar question types.

Test-Day Success Tips:

• Pace yourself: You'll have 100 minutes for 35 questions; roughly 3 minutes per problem. Skip and flag tricky ones to revisit later.
• Double-check calculations: Use your scratch paper wisely and confirm answers, especially for multi-step problems involving decimals, fractions, or exponents.
• Know what's provided: An on-screen four-function calculator and reference sheet with select formulas are available during the test. Be sure you're familiar with their layout before exam day.
• Look for estimation shortcuts: Estimation and reasoning can often help you eliminate wrong answers quickly.
• Stay calm under pressure: If a question seems long, break it into smaller steps and focus on what's being asked -- not on every number in the problem.

FTCE General Knowledge Mathematics Subtest Course Syllabus

Study.com's FTCE GK Mathematics Subtest (828) study guide aligns directly with the four competencies tested on the Florida certification exam. Each section below summarizes the content focus for that competency and lists the corresponding Study.com chapters. These lessons help you review essential math concepts, strengthen your problem-solving ability, and build test-day confidence through practical examples and guided practice.

Competency 1: Knowledge of Number Sense, Concepts, and Operations

This competency covers the foundations of arithmetic, including integers, fractions, decimals, ratios, and proportions, as well as order of operations and estimation.

• Study.com Course Chapter 2: Strengthen your understanding of number properties, mathematical operations, and relationships between rational and irrational numbers through practice with real-world problem types.

Competency 2: Knowledge of Geometry and Measurement

You'll review geometric reasoning, spatial relationships, and measurement concepts such as area, perimeter, volume, and angles.

• Study.com Course Chapter 3: Explore shapes, symmetry, coordinate geometry, and transformations, along with strategies for visualizing geometric relationships.
• Study.com Course Chapter 6: Review units, conversions, and key measurement formulas for calculating length, surface area, and volume in both 2D and 3D figures.

Competency 3: Knowledge of Algebraic Thinking and the Coordinate Plane

This section emphasizes algebraic reasoning, patterns, and functions. You'll practice interpreting equations, inequalities, and coordinate plane relationships.

• Study.com Course Chapter 4: Learn how to identify and extend patterns, work with linear and nonlinear functions, and model relationships using variables and expressions.
• Study.com Course Chapter 5: Review solving equations and inequalities, simplifying expressions, and interpreting graphs on the coordinate plane.

Competency 4: Knowledge of Probability, Statistics, and Data Interpretation

You'll study how to analyze data, calculate probabilities, and draw conclusions from graphs, charts, and tables.

• Study.com Course Chapter 7: Review the fundamentals of probability, including independent and dependent events, combinations, and permutations.
• Study.com Course Chapter 8: Explore data displays such as histograms, scatter plots, and box plots, and learn to visualize and summarize quantitative information.
• Study.com Course Chapter 9: Practice interpreting real-world data sets, identifying trends, and drawing logical conclusions using statistical reasoning.

By completing these chapters, you'll develop the mathematical fluency and critical reasoning skills needed to pass the FTCE 828 and feel confident tackling every question on test day.

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