FTCE
Exceptional Student Education K–12
(Test Code 061)
Comprehensive Study Outline
Aligned to the Current Six-Competency Framework
Format Computer-based • ~80 multiple-choice questions
Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Passing Score Scaled score of 200
Fee $150 (first attempt)
Official Site fl.nesinc.com
How to use this outline: Review each competency in order of weight. Focus extra time on Foundations (23%),
Instructional Practices (21%), and Multiple Literacies (21%). Pair this outline with the official Test Information Guide
and sample items from fl.nesinc.com.
, Competency Overview & Weighting
Competency Weight Focus Areas
1. Foundations of Exceptional Student 23% IDEA, Section 504, FAPE, LRE, IEP, eligibility, procedural
Education safeguards, ethics
2. Assessment and Evaluation 13% Norm- vs criterion-referenced, reliability/validity, progress
monitoring, data-based decisions
3. Instructional Practices in ESE 21% Evidence-based practices, MTSS, UDL, differentiation,
co-teaching, accommodations vs modifications
4. Positive Behavioral Interventions and 12% FBA, ABC model, BIP, reinforcement, schoolwide PBIS,
Supports manifestation determination
5. Multiple Literacies and Communication Skills 21% Assistive technology, AAC, five components of reading,
CRA math, communication supports
6. Transition Process 10% Transition IEPs, postsecondary goals, self-determination,
age-appropriate assessments, SOP
Competency 1 — Foundations of Exceptional Student Education (23%)
Key Federal Laws
IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) — Guarantees a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in
the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) to eligible students with disabilities. Six core principles:
• Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)
• Appropriate Evaluation
• Individualized Education Program (IEP)
• Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)
• Parent and Student Participation
• Procedural Safeguards
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act — Civil rights law protecting students whose physical or mental impairment
substantially limits one or more major life activities. Provides accommodations for access; does not require specially
designed instruction.
ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) — Broader civil rights protections against discrimination.
FERPA — Protects the privacy of student education records; limits disclosure without parental consent.
IEP Essentials
Required IEP components include:
• Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP)
• Measurable annual goals
• Special education and related services
• Accommodations and modifications
• Explanation of extent of non-participation with nondisabled peers
• Participation in state/district assessments
• Transition services (when age-appropriate)
• Progress reporting methods and schedule
LRE Continuum (from least to most restrictive)
Exceptional Student Education K–12
(Test Code 061)
Comprehensive Study Outline
Aligned to the Current Six-Competency Framework
Format Computer-based • ~80 multiple-choice questions
Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Passing Score Scaled score of 200
Fee $150 (first attempt)
Official Site fl.nesinc.com
How to use this outline: Review each competency in order of weight. Focus extra time on Foundations (23%),
Instructional Practices (21%), and Multiple Literacies (21%). Pair this outline with the official Test Information Guide
and sample items from fl.nesinc.com.
, Competency Overview & Weighting
Competency Weight Focus Areas
1. Foundations of Exceptional Student 23% IDEA, Section 504, FAPE, LRE, IEP, eligibility, procedural
Education safeguards, ethics
2. Assessment and Evaluation 13% Norm- vs criterion-referenced, reliability/validity, progress
monitoring, data-based decisions
3. Instructional Practices in ESE 21% Evidence-based practices, MTSS, UDL, differentiation,
co-teaching, accommodations vs modifications
4. Positive Behavioral Interventions and 12% FBA, ABC model, BIP, reinforcement, schoolwide PBIS,
Supports manifestation determination
5. Multiple Literacies and Communication Skills 21% Assistive technology, AAC, five components of reading,
CRA math, communication supports
6. Transition Process 10% Transition IEPs, postsecondary goals, self-determination,
age-appropriate assessments, SOP
Competency 1 — Foundations of Exceptional Student Education (23%)
Key Federal Laws
IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) — Guarantees a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in
the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) to eligible students with disabilities. Six core principles:
• Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)
• Appropriate Evaluation
• Individualized Education Program (IEP)
• Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)
• Parent and Student Participation
• Procedural Safeguards
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act — Civil rights law protecting students whose physical or mental impairment
substantially limits one or more major life activities. Provides accommodations for access; does not require specially
designed instruction.
ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) — Broader civil rights protections against discrimination.
FERPA — Protects the privacy of student education records; limits disclosure without parental consent.
IEP Essentials
Required IEP components include:
• Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP)
• Measurable annual goals
• Special education and related services
• Accommodations and modifications
• Explanation of extent of non-participation with nondisabled peers
• Participation in state/district assessments
• Transition services (when age-appropriate)
• Progress reporting methods and schedule
LRE Continuum (from least to most restrictive)
