Civic Literacy Requirement

The State of Florida requires that all students graduating from Florida Atlantic University and other institutions in the State University System (SUS), as well as from any Florida College System (FCS) institution, fulfill a Civic Literacy Competency requirement.  Beginning in Fall 2018, students entering a Florida public institution as a degree-seeking student for the first time needed to demonstrate civic literacy through either taking a certain course or passing an exam.  The 2021 Florida Legislature amended the statute and now requires students to complete both a civic literacy course  and   exam.  Thus, there are three cohorts of students currently matriculated at Florida public institutions subject to varying requirements.  As shown in Table 1, the exact civic literacy requirements are based on the academic term in which a student first enrolled in a Florida public institution.

Table 1: Civic Literacy Requirements by Cohorts of Students

*There are two exceptions for Cohort 3 students only. High school students who pass the Florida Civic Literacy Exam in high school, which will be in place beginning Fall 2021, are exempt from the postsecondary exam requirement. They are still required, however, to take the course. Also, certain accelerated mechanisms meet the course requirement (see Table 2).

Table 2: Current Options for Cohorts 2 & 3

*  FREE  workshops to prepare for the SUS Civic Literacy Test - Civics are offered throughout the year through the Center for Learning And Student Success (CLASS).  This 3-part workshop series covers the founding of the U.S. and the U.S. Constitution and Amendments, structure of U.S. government, and landmark Supreme Court Cases.  For more information on these  FREE  workshops and for specific dates/times, visit  https://www.fau.edu/class/civicliteracy.php. 

** Additional information and updates will be provided when the FCLE becomes available.

Effective June 1, 2024, a significant update has been made regarding the accessibility and administration of the Civic Literacy Test (FCLT) for students enrolled at the university prior to Fall 2024. Please carefully review the following information:

• The Civic Literacy Test (FCLT) will now be accessible through the Canvas portal. This means that students can conveniently access the exam platform through their Canvas accounts.
• Enroll here: https://lmsapps.fau.edu/civicliteracy/enroll/
• There will be no fee associated with taking the Civic Literacy Test (FCLT) exam. Students can enroll and take the exam without any financial burden.
• Students will have the flexibility to enroll and take the exam anytime and anywhere at their convenience.
• It is important to note that the Civic Literacy Test (FCLT) exam is specifically for students who enrolled at the university prior to Fall 2024. Students who fall under this category are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity.
• The Florida Atlantic University Student Academic Integrity Code will apply to any student taking the Civic Literacy Test.
• Find the honor code here: https://www.fau.edu/regulations/documents/chapter4/reg4-001-6-7-22.pdf

Please ensure to familiarize yourself with the updated procedures and take advantage of the convenience offered by accessing the Civic Literacy Test (FCLT) through the Canvas portal. For any questions, please contact your academic advisor.

Please contact FAU Testing and Certification Center. 

CIVIC LITERACY TEST