The State of Florida Rule: 6A-10.02413 states that students initially entering a Florida College System institution or state university in 2018-19 and thereafter must demonstrate competency in civic literacy to earn their degree.
Depending on when you entered the Florida College System or State University System, you must satisfy this graduation requirement in one of the following ways:
(a) Successfully pass (with a grade of C or higher) either POS 2041 American Government or AMH 2020 Modern American History
OR
(b) Achieve the standard score on one of the following assessments:
| Assessment |
|---|
| AP Government and Politics: United States Satisfies the course and assessment requirement with a score of 3 or higher |
| AP United States History Satisfies the course and assessment requirement with a score of 4 or higher |
| CLEP: American Government Satisfies the course and assessment requirement with a score of 50 or higher |
| CLEP: History of the United States 1 Satisfies the course and assessment requirement with a score of 50 or higher |
| Florida Civic Literacy Exam - Pass with a 60% or higher |
(a) Successfully pass (with a grade of C or higher) either POS 2041 American Government or AMH 2020 Modern American History
AND
(b) Achieve the standard score on one of the following assessments:
| Assessment |
|---|
| AP Government and Politics: United States Satisfies the course and assessment requirement with a score of 3 or higher |
| AP United States History Satisfies the course and assessment requirement with a score of 4 or higher |
| CLEP: American Government Satisfies the course and assessment requirement with a score of 50 or higher |
| CLEP: History of the United States 1 Satisfies the course and assessment requirement with a score of 50 or higher |
| Florida Civic Literacy Exam - Pass with a 60% or higher |
(a) Successfully pass (with a grade of C or higher) either POS 2041 American Government or AMH 2020 Modern American History. AMH 2010 Early American History will apply if taken Fall 2024 or later.
AND
(b) Achieve the standard score on one of the following assessments:
| Assessment |
|---|
| AP Government and Politics: United States Satisfies the course and assessment requirement with a score of 3 or higher |
| AP United States History Satisfies the course and assessment requirement with a score of 4 or higher |
| CLEP: American Government Satisfies the course and assessment requirement with a score of 50 or higher |
| CLEP: History of the United States 1 Satisfies the course and assessment requirement with a score of 50 or higher |
| Florida Civic Literacy Exam - Pass with a score of 60% or higher |
Note: Beginning with the 2021-22 school year, students who earned a passing score on the Florida Civic Literacy Examination while in high school are exempt from the post-secondary civic literacy assessment requirement.
Note: Beginning with the 2021-22 school year, credits earned through authorized acceleration mechanisms in s. 1007.27, F.S., will count toward the civic literacy competency requirement.
How to take the Florida Civic Literacy Exam (FCLE)
Course Information:
Successful completion (grade of C or higher) of one of these classes will satisfy the course portion of this requirement:
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Civic Engagement Opportunities
To prepare for the FCLE, the following study materials are recommended for review:
When should I take the Florida Civics Literacy Exam (FCLE)?
Passing the FCLE is a graduation requirement. We recommend you complete it in your first year. If you are registered in either POS 2041, AMH 2020 or AMH 2010, we recommend taking the exam directly after completing the course.
What is a passing score on the FCLE?
You must correctly answer 48 out of the 80 questions (60%) to satisfy this graduation requirement.
Is there a charge for the FCLE?
No, the exam is offered free of charge.
Can I retake the exam if I do not pass?
Yes, you may. You must wait at least 72 hours before retaking the exam to allow for appointment setting and to prepare for your retake.
I was previously enrolled as a dual enrollment student. Do I need to take the FCLE?
The new civic literacy requirement applies to students who are entered into the AA. program during fall 2018 and this includes dual enrolled students. Depending on when you enrolled in Dual Enrollment you may need to take only the course or the course and the exam. See the information at the top of this page for more details.
I am a transfer student, do I need to take the FCLE?
The new civic literacy requirement applies to students who are entering into A.A. and baccalaureate programs under the 2021-22 catalog year and students entering into A.S. programs during the 2022-23 catalog year, regardless of prior postsecondary coursework. This includes transfer students.
I am an out-of-state or international student, do I need to take the FCLE?
Yes, this graduation requirement includes students from out-of-state and international students.
I passed the FCLE prior to graduating from a Florida public high school or while enrolled at another Florida public university or college. How do I notify HCC of my scores?
If you have completed the FCLE at a Florida public high school, college or university, it will be reflected on your official transcript. Make sure to have your transcript sent to HCC electronically via FASTER to update your records with us. More transcript information is available here.