Civic Literacy Resources

Students Entering in Fall 2024

Students entering FSU in Fall 2024 who have not fulfilled the Civic Literacy assessment requirement in high school or through other acceleration methods must complete the Florida Civic Literacy Exam (FCLE). The FCLE must be taken in person and will be administered in the Testing Center. Specific information regarding the testing process will be made available soon. This information will be posted on the CoreFSU website when it becomes available. 

Students Who Entered Prior to Fall 2024

Students who entered FSU prior to Fall 2024 still have the option to take the Citizenship and Naturalization Exam online. However, these students will need to complete the online exam by August 2025. After August 2025, students failing to complete the Citizenship and Naturalization Exam online will have to sit in person for the FCLE exam at the Testing Center. Details regarding the process for taking the online examination will be sent to students via email. Information on how to access the Citizenship and Naturalization Exam online will be posted on the CoreFSU website as well.


Below you will find some resources, study tips, and test preparation strategies for students seeking to fulfill this requirement through the Florida Civic Literacy Exam:
 

Resources

 

Test Preparation

Preparation Before Taking the Test

  • Use the free government websites and study guide resources listed above to prepare for the test.
    • Creating your own study aides should include flash cards, mnemonic devices, visual nonlinear organization templates (e.g., concept maps, flow charts, etc.), and sample quiz items.
    • More information on study strategies and templates is available at https://ace.fsu.edu/study-tools-and-tips.
  • Eat at least 30 minutes before you take the test.
  • Get a full night's rest the night before the test.

On Testing Day
[testing strategies recommended by Saundra Yancy McGuire's Teach Yourself How to Learn (2018)]

  • Read the directions very carefully, listen for additional directions provided by the FSU Testing Center staff.
  • Survey the exam and budget your time. You will have 2 hours to take the test.
  • You will be able to scroll through the entire test; begin with the easiest questions and work your way up to the harder ones. This builds confidence and brings more information to your mind.
  • Carefully read through all answer choices before making your selection.
  • Expect memory blocks and recognize that the information will come back to you if you move on to other questions.
  • Perform deep-breathing exercises to relax; use positive self-talk.
  • Remain confident that if you have prepared well, you will do well.
  • Before submitting your test, review the entire test one last time to confirm all questions are answered. It is best to make an educated guess even if you don't know the correct answer.