1. Tips for taking the FCAT 2.0
For Grades 3 – 10 paper-based tests/accommodations

2. It’s almost time to take the FCAT 2
It’s almost time to take the FCAT 2.0! Here are some important explanations and reminders to help you do your very best.

3. FCAT 2.0 Tests Students in Grades 3-10 will take FCAT 2.0 Reading
There are two sessions of FCAT 2.0 Reading given over two days
You will have 70 minutes to complete each session of FCAT 2.0 Reading

4. FCAT 2.0 Tests Students in Grades 3-8 will take FCAT 2.0 Mathematics
There are two sessions of FCAT 2.0 Mathematics
Grades 3-5 complete sessions over two days
Grades 6-8 complete both sessions in one day
You will have 70 minutes to complete each session of FCAT 2.0 Mathematics

5. FCAT 2.0 Tests Students in Grades 5 and 8 will take FCAT 2.0 Science
There are two sessions of FCAT 2.0 Science
Grade 5 completes sessions over two days
Grade 8 completes both sessions in one day
You will have 80 minutes to complete each session of FCAT 2.0 Science

6. Test Invalidation
Let’s talk about the term test invalidation. If your test is invalidated, it means that your test will not be scored, and you will not be able to retake the same test.

7. To make sure your test is scored. . .
Remove all electronic devices.
If you have an electronic device at your desk, in your pocket, or ANYWHERE you can reach it during testing or during a break within a session, your test will not be scored.

8. Electronic Devices Some examples of electronic devices are:
Cell phones or smart phones
Handheld video games
MP3 players
Calculators (unless you are allowed to have an approved calculator)

9. All electronic devices must be turned off before the test
All electronic devices must be turned off before the test. Your teacher may collect them or instruct you to put them away (in a locker or backpack away from your desk).
If you aren’t sure if something is an electronic device, please ask your teacher before the test.

10. To make sure your test is scored. . .
Do your own work. If you are caught looking at another student’s answers, talking about the test with other students during breaks, or using any kind of unauthorized aid during the test, your test will not be scored.

11. To make sure your test is scored. . .
Don’t be disruptive. If you are disruptive during a test, you may be dismissed from the room and your test may not be scored. It is very important for you to remain quiet, respect other students, and pay attention to and follow the instructions.

12. To make sure your test is scored…
Don’t leave school. If you leave the school’s campus for lunch or an appointment before you complete a test session, you will not be allowed to finish taking the test when you return.

13. Testing Rules During the test, you must not:
Talk to other students or make any disturbance
Look at another student’s test materials
Allow another student to look at your test materials
Ask for help answering any test questions
Have notes or scratch paper
Have any electronic or recording devices in your possession at any time, including breaks, even if you do not use them
Fail to follow any other instructions given

14. Testing Rules
Before the test, your test administrator will read the testing rules aloud and ask you to read the Testing Rules Acknowledgment. You will be asked to sign your name below the Testing Rules Acknowledgment to show that you understand the rules.

15. Marking Your Answers
You are allowed to circle or underline words in the reading passages, make notes, or work mathematics problems in the blank space in your test book or test and answer book.

16. Rulers
Students in grades 3 and 4 will use a ruler during Session 2 of the mathematics test.
If a test item requires use of a ruler, it will say so in the directions for that item.

17. Reference Sheets Grades 5, 6, 7, 8, and Retake students will receive
a reference sheet to use
during the Mathematics
sessions.
Reference sheets contain
formulas and conversions
that may be needed to answer
questions.

18. Remember…
When you have finished a session, check through your answers for that session to make sure you have filled in only one bubble for each question and that you have answered every question.

19. Remember… You may not ask for help in answering any test questions.
Your teacher or test administrator is not allowed to discuss the test or help you read, understand, or answer test questions.
Try to answer every question.

20. Remember… PAY ATTENTION!
This may not be your first time taking the FCAT 2.0, but test books, answer forms, and instructions can change at each grade level, so be sure to
PAY ATTENTION!

21. Most importantly:
Get a good night’s sleep and eat a good breakfast before the test.
Relax and do your best!