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Civic Literacy Competency

This guide helps students study for the Florida Civic Literacy Examination

About the Exam

Civic Literacy Competency Requirement

The State of Florida requires that all students graduating from St. Petersburg College and other institutions in the Florida College System (FCS), as well as from any State University System (SUS) institution, fulfill a Civic Literacy Competency requirement prior to graduating.  Beginning in Fall 2018, students entering a Florida public institution as an Associate in Arts and bachelor’s degree- student needed to demonstrate civic literacy through either taking a certain course or passing an exam.  The 2021 Florida Legislature amended Florida Rule 6A-10.02413, Civic Literacy Competency, and now requires students entering a Florida public institution in Fall 2021 to complete both a civic literacy course and exam.

Exam Exemption

Students who have previously achieved a passing score on an approved assessment or previously passed the Florida Civic Literacy Exam will not need to retake it.

You do NOT need to take the FCLE if you meet any of the following criteria:

  • You have passed on of the following exams:
    • CLEP American Government Minimum score: 50
    • AP Government & Politics: United States Minimum score: 3
    • AP United States History Minimum score: 4

It is your responsibility to have your official scores sent to the college. Official CLEP and AP score reports can be ordered from the College Board website.

  • You completed the FCLE before graduating from a Florid public high school. This will apply to students graduating in 2022 and beyond.