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What is the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT)?
 The FCAT has two parts, the FCAT SSS and the FCAT NRT. The FCAT SSS is designed to measure students' knowledge of writing, reading, mathematics, and science benchmarks from the Sunshine State Standards (SSS). The FCAT NRT is a norm referenced test (NRT) used to compare Florida student performance in reading and mathematics with the performance of students nationwide.

Who takes the FCAT?
All Florida public school students in Grades 3 through 11 are required to take the FCAT. Only a few students are exempt.

When is the FCAT given?
In February, students take the FCAT Writing test. In March, students take the FCAT Reading, FCAT Mathematics, and FCAT Science tests. The norm referenced portions of the FCAT (NRT Reading and NRT Mathematics) are also given in March.
http://www.firn.edu/doe/sas/pdf/fcat-schedule.pdf 

How can students prepare for the FCAT?
The best preparation for the FCAT is the teaching and learning of the Sunshine State Standards.

How can I find out more information about the FCAT?
There are helpful publications available through Florida public schools to provide more detailed FCAT information. These include Sample Test Materials provided to students each year and a brochure for parents and guardians.

The Internet provides pertinent information about the FCAT including test results for all Florida public schools and districts at http://www.firn.edu/doe/sas/fcat.htm

What Internet sites provide information and practice for the FCAT?
Several of the following sites provide actual online practice for the FCAT. Other sites listed provide valuable information

Students can succeed on the FCAT with these clues

1. Learn how to answer each kind of question -- multiple choice, gridded response, short answer, and extended response.
2. Answer the questions you are sure about first; then go back to the harder questions.
3. Read each question carefully and think about the answer before writing a response.
4. Relax and think positively -- some questions may seem hard, but you may be able to figure out what to do after you read the question carefully.
5. Don't leave blanks -- there is no penalty for guessing or for wrong answers.
6. If you solve a multiple choice problem and your answer is not among the choices, re-read the question to be sure you understand what is being asked, and then check your work.
7. For each short response, plan to take about 5 minutes on your answer.
8. For each extended response, plan to spend about 10-15 minutes on your answer.
9. Attempt to answer all writing tasks. Partially correct answers may earn some points.