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Civic Literacy Requirement

About the Civic Literacy Requirement

All undergraduate degree-seeking students first enrolled in a Florida public institution in Summer B 2018 and thereafter must meet the  before graduation. The specific requirements differ depending on when you enrolled at 海角社区or another  or institution. Please talk to your academic advisor about what you need to do to fulfill this requirement. Due to the time commitments of upper-level coursework, 海角社区encourages undergraduates to satisfy the requirement before the end of their second year.

How do I satisfy my Civic Literacy Requirement?

Requirements differ based on when you first enrolled at 海角社区or at another institution within the State University System (SUS) or Florida College System (FCS). Find your cohort in the table below based on the term of your initial enrollment to see your specific requirements. 

Requirements by Initial Enrollment Cohort

Cohort 

Term you first enrolled at 海角社区or another SUS/FCS school

Requirements 

1

first enrolled during any term prior to Summer B 2018

No civic literacy requirement. 

2

first enrolled during Summer B 2018 through Summer A 2021

Complete a designated course OR pass an approved Civic Literacy assessment

3

first enrolled during Summer B 2021 through Summer A 2024

Complete BOTH a designated course AND pass an approved Civic Literacy assessment

4

first enrolled during Summer B 2024 through current term 

Complete BOTH a designated course AND pass the 


  • Cohort 1: first enrolled during any term prior to Summer B 2018
    No civic literacy requirement must be met to graduate.
  • Cohort 2: first enrolled during Summer B 2018 through Summer A 2021

    Satisfying Your Civic Literacy Requirement

    This table provides details on which options meet the course and/or test requirements. Please note that students who entered a Florida public institution between Summer B 2018 and Summer A 2021 only need to complete either the course or the test as noted above.

     

    Ways to Satisfy Your Civic Literacy Requirement

    Accepted Courses, Tests, and Alternative Pathways 

    Score/Grade Required

    Meets Course Requirement?

    Meets Test Requirement?

    Courses taken in 2018 or later*

     

     

     

    POS 2041 Introduction to American Government (or equivalent)

    C or better

    Yes

     

    AHM 2020 US History since 1877 (or equivalent)

    C or better

    Yes

     

    AMH 2010 US History till 1877 (or equivalent)

    C or better

    Yes

     

    Accelerated Mechanisms

     

     

     

    Advanced Placement Government and Politics: United States Exam

    3

    Yes

    Yes

    Advanced Placement United States History Exam

    4

    Yes

    Yes

    Cambridge AICE History, US History, c. 1840-1990 (A-Level)**

    A-E

    Yes

     

    CLEP American Government Exam

    50

    Yes

    Yes

    CLEP History of the United States II

    50

    Yes

    Yes

    IB History: History of America**

    5-7

    Yes

     

    Dual Enrollment versions of POSX041, AMHX020, or AMHX010 taken in 2018 or later

    C or better

    Yes

     

    Pass United States Government in High School AND pass Florida Civic Literacy Exam (starting in Fall 2021)

    C or better AND 60 on exam

     

    Yes

    U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Naturalization Test – Civics (U.S. history and government) with supplemental questions

    60

     

    Yes

    The Florida Civic Literacy Exam (FCLE)

    60%

     

    Yes

    * Speak with your academic advisor about getting coursework completed before 2018 reviewed to satisfy the Civic Literacy requirement. You must have the course syllabus available for review.

    ** The 2021 Legislature amended section 1007.25, Florida Statutes, allowing all accelerated mechanisms to count towards meeting civic literacy course requirements.

     

     

     

     

    The 海角社区Civic Literacy Test

     The 海角社区Civic Literacy Test is a 100-question, multiple-choice exam based upon the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Naturalization Test. It covers general questions about the institutions and functions of the U.S. government, principles of democratic governance, founding documents such as the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, and landmark Supreme Court decisions and their impacts.

    The 海角社区Civic Literacy Test is available online through . In-person examinations are offered several times each academic year. Students should reserve their seats for in-person examinations via the Canvas calendar.

    If you plan to satisfy the Civic Literacy requirement by taking the 海角社区Civic Literacy Test you must:

    • in the Civic Literacy course page on Canvas.

    • Prepare for the test by reading and studying the recommended resources.

    • Either: for an in-person administration of the test,or .

    Plan Carefully. You may only take the 海角社区Civic Literacy Test three times. If you do not achieve a passing score on any of the three attempts, you must register for and complete one of the approved courses. This is a pass/fail requirement. Do not take the exam again after achieving a passing score.

    Waiting too late to complete your Civic Literacy requirement may delay your graduation.


    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the Civic Literacy requirement?

     requires that students must demonstrate knowledge of key learning outcomes in civic literacy before graduating. These include:

    • Understanding of the basic principles of American democracy and how they are applied in our republican form of government;

    • Understanding of the U.S. Constitution;

    • Knowledge of the founding documents and how they have shaped the nature and functions of our institutions of self-governance; and

    • Understanding of landmark Supreme Court cases and their impact on law and society.

     specifies how students in the State University System may satisfy the requirement.

    Who must complete the Civic Literacy requirement?

    • Any student who initially entered a Florida State University System school (such as UNF), or a Florida College System school (such as FSCJ, SJRSC, etc.) Fall 2018 or thereafter must satisfy the requirement. Because 海角社区holds students entering in Summer B to the same catalog requirements as students admitted in fall, students who initially entered 海角社区during summer B 2018 are subject to this requirement.

    If I took a US History or American Government course at another institution, can that count?

    • Please speak with your Academic Advisor to find out about having courses from private or out-of-state institutions reviewed to satisfy the requirement. You must have the course syllabus available to complete the review. 

    • Courses from Florida SUS or FCS institutions that are not AMH X020 or POS X041 may not be used to satisfy this requirement.

    When should I take the Civic Literacy Test?

    • You should fulfill your Civic Literacy requirement as early in your college career as possible. Failure to complete your Civic Literacy requirement will delay your graduation. The online test is available throughout the regular fall, spring, and summer academic terms. In-person tests (also on computer) are scheduled several times each academic year and require advance registration.

    Can I take the exam online?

    • Yes. The online exam is available through Canvas. You must enroll in the  and complete the required 海角社区Academic Integrity Policy acknowledgment to access the test.

    Is there a fee for the online test?

    • No. The test is free to all 海角社区students.

    Is there a paper option? Must I take the test on computer?

    • The 海角社区Civic Literacy Test is available only on computer unless a student receives alternate test accommodations through the Student Accessibility Center.

    What if I do not have a computer or tablet? Can I take the test at UNF?

    • You may complete the requirement by taking an approved course or by taking the Florida Civic Literacy Test in person on a 海角社区computer. 

    • To take the in-person exam, you must reserve your seat on an announced test day through the Canvas calendar. You must bring a photo ID to enter the exam room. Cell phones, personal computers, headphones, and other electronics are prohibited. Late arrivals will not be admitted for the in-person test.

    Can I take the 海角社区Civic Literacy Test more than once?

    • You may take the test up to three times. If you do not receive a passing score on any test attempt, you must take one of the approved courses.

    • Do not take the test again after receiving a passing score.

    Are there study materials available for the 海角社区Civic Literacy Test?

    • Yes. The  has information about the Civic Literacy Test, a study plan, study materials, practice tests, and more. Students planning to take the Civic Literacy Test should  using their 海角社区email and n#. You may need to re-enroll each semester if you registered for the Canvas page but did not complete the requirement during the previous term.

    Who should I talk to if I have questions about exam accommodations?

    • Students with disabilities who seek reasonable accommodations on the 海角社区Civic Literacy Test or in their other coursework must first register with the 海角社区Student Accessibility Center (SAC) located in Tom and Betty Petway Hall (Building 57), Room 1500. SAC staff members work with students to obtain required documentation of disability and to identify appropriate accommodations as required by applicable disability laws including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

    • After receiving all necessary documentation, the SAC staff determines whether a student qualifies for services with the SAC and if so, the accommodations the student requires will be provided. SAC staff then prepares a letter for the student to provide faculty advising them of approved accommodations. For further information, contact the SAC by phone at (904) 620-2769 or visit the SAC website.

    What if I cannot access the Canvas page?

    • You  and may need to re-enroll each semester if you were previously registered but did not complete the requirement during the previous term.

    • If you cannot , or you encounter problems accessing the Canvas page content, please contact the Civic Literacy faculty. Include your name and N# in the request.

    Who should I talk to if I have further questions about the Civic Literacy requirement?

    • If you have questions about whether you need to complete this requirement, or about the best way to complete it given your course schedule and academic goals, talk to your Academic Advisor.

  • Cohort 3: first enrolled during Summer B 2021 through Summer A 2024

    Meeting Your Civic Literacy Requirement

    This table provides details on which options meet the course and/or test requirements. Please note that students who entered a Florida public institution between Summer B 2021 and Summer A 2024 need to complete both the course and the test as noted above.

    Ways to Satisfy Your Civic Literacy Requirement
    Accepted Courses, Tests, and Alternate Pathways

    Score/Grade Required

    Meets Course Requirement?

    Meets Test Requirement?

    Courses taken in 2018 or later*

     

     

     

    POS 2041 Introduction to American Government (or equivalent)

    C or better

    Yes

     

    AHM 2020 US History since 1877 (or equivalent)

    C or better

    Yes

     

    AMH 2010 US History till 1877 (or equivalent)

    C or better

    Yes

     

    Accelerated Mechanisms

     

     

     

    Advanced Placement Government and Politics: United States Exam

    3

    Yes

    Yes

    Advanced Placement United States History Exam

    4

    Yes

    Yes

    Cambridge AICE History, US History, c. 1840-1990 (A-Level)**

    A-E

    Yes

     

    CLEP American Government Exam

    50

    Yes

    Yes

    CLEP History of the United States II

    50

    Yes

    Yes

    IB History: History of America**

    5-7

    Yes

     

    Dual Enrollment versions of POSX041, AMHX020, or AMHX010 taken in 2018 or later

    C or better

    Yes

     

    Pass United States Government in High School AND pass Florida Civic Literacy Exam (starting in Fall 2021)

    C or better AND 60 on exam

     

    Yes

    U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Naturalization Test – Civics (U.S. history and government) with supplemental questions

    60

     

    Yes

    The Florida Civic Literacy Exam (FCLE)

    60%

     

    Yes

    * Speak with your academic advisor about getting coursework completed before 2018 reviewed to satisfy the Civic Literacy requirement. You must have the course syllabus available for review.

    ** The 2021 Legislature amended section 1007.25, Florida Statutes, allowing all accelerated mechanisms to count towards meeting civic literacy course requirements.

     

     

     

     

    The 海角社区Civic Literacy Test

     The 海角社区Civic Literacy Test is a 100-question, multiple-choice exam based upon the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Naturalization Test. It covers general questions about the institutions and functions of the U.S. government, principles of democratic governance, founding documents such as the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, and landmark Supreme Court decisions and their impacts.

    The 海角社区Civic Literacy Test is available online through . In-person examinations are offered several times each academic year. Students should reserve their seats for in-person examinations via the Canvas calendar.

    If you plan to satisfy the Civic Literacy requirement by taking the 海角社区Civic Literacy Test you must:

    • in the Civic Literacy course page on Canvas.

    • Prepare for the test by reading and studying the recommended resources.

    • Either: for an in-person administration of the test,or .

    Plan Carefully. You may only take the 海角社区Civic Literacy Test three times. If you do not achieve a passing score on any of the three attempts, you must register for and complete one of the approved courses. This is a pass/fail requirement. Do not take the exam again after achieving a passing score.

    Waiting too late to complete your Civic Literacy requirement may delay your graduation.


    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the Civic Literacy requirement?

     requires that students must demonstrate knowledge of key learning outcomes in civic literacy before graduating. These include:

    • Understanding of the basic principles of American democracy and how they are applied in our republican form of government;

    • Understanding of the U.S. Constitution;

    • Knowledge of the founding documents and how they have shaped the nature and functions of our institutions of self-governance; and

    • Understanding of landmark Supreme Court cases and their impact on law and society.

     specifies how students in the State University System may satisfy the requirement.

    Who must complete the Civic Literacy requirement?

    • Any student who initially entered a Florida State University System school (such as UNF), or a Florida College System school (such as FSCJ, SJRSC, etc.) Fall 2018 or thereafter must satisfy the requirement. Because 海角社区holds students entering in Summer B to the same catalog requirements as students admitted in fall, students who initially entered 海角社区during summer B 2018 are subject to this requirement.

    If I took a US History or American Government course at another institution, can that count?

    • Please speak with your Academic Advisor to find out about having courses from private or out-of-state institutions reviewed to satisfy the requirement. You must have the course syllabus available to complete the review. 

    • Courses from Florida SUS or FCS institutions that are not AMH X020 or POS X041 may not be used to satisfy this requirement.

    When should I take the Civic Literacy Test?

    • You should fulfill your Civic Literacy requirement as early in your college career as possible. Failure to complete your Civic Literacy requirement will delay your graduation. The online test is available throughout the regular fall, spring, and summer academic terms. In-person tests (also on computer) are scheduled several times each academic year and require advance registration.

    Can I take the exam online?

    • Yes. The online exam is available through Canvas. You must enroll in the  and complete the required 海角社区Academic Integrity Policy acknowledgment to access the test.

    Is there a fee for the online test?

    • No. The test is free to all 海角社区students.

    Is there a paper option? Must I take the test on computer?

    • The 海角社区Civic Literacy Test is available only on computer unless a student receives alternate test accommodations through the Student Accessibility Center.

    What if I do not have a computer or tablet? Can I take the test at UNF?

    • You may complete the requirement by taking an approved course or by taking the Florida Civic Literacy Test in person on a 海角社区computer. 

    • To take the in-person exam, you must reserve your seat on an announced test day through the Canvas calendar. You must bring a photo ID to enter the exam room. Cell phones, personal computers, headphones, and other electronics are prohibited. Late arrivals will not be admitted for the in-person test.

    Can I take the 海角社区Civic Literacy Test more than once?

    • You may take the test up to three times. If you do not receive a passing score on any test attempt, you must take one of the approved courses.

    • Do not take the test again after receiving a passing score.

    Are there study materials available for the 海角社区Civic Literacy Test?

    • Yes. The  has information about the Civic Literacy Test, a study plan, study materials, practice tests, and more. Students planning to take the Civic Literacy Test should  using their 海角社区email and n#. You may need to re-enroll each semester if you registered for the Canvas page but did not complete the requirement during the previous term.

    Who should I talk to if I have questions about exam accommodations?

    • Students with disabilities who seek reasonable accommodations on the 海角社区Civic Literacy Test or in their other coursework must first register with the 海角社区Student Accessibility Center (SAC) located in Tom and Betty Petway Hall (Building 57), Room 1500. SAC staff members work with students to obtain required documentation of disability and to identify appropriate accommodations as required by applicable disability laws including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

    • After receiving all necessary documentation, the SAC staff determines whether a student qualifies for services with the SAC and if so, the accommodations the student requires will be provided. SAC staff then prepares a letter for the student to provide faculty advising them of approved accommodations. For further information, contact the SAC by phone at (904) 620-2769 or visit the SAC website.

    What if I cannot access the Canvas page?

    • You  and may need to re-enroll each semester if you were previously registered but did not complete the requirement during the previous term.

    • If you cannot , or you encounter problems accessing the Canvas page content, please contact the Civic Literacy faculty. Include your name and N# in the request.

    Who should I talk to if I have further questions about the Civic Literacy requirement?

    • If you have questions about whether you need to complete this requirement, or about the best way to complete it given your course schedule and academic goals, talk to your Academic Advisor.

  • Cohort 4: first enrolled during Summer B 2024 through current term

    Meeting Your Civic Literacy Requirement

    This table provides details on which options meet the course and/or exam requirements. Please note that students who entered a Florida public institution between Summer B 2024 and thereafter need to complete both the course and the exam as noted above.

    Ways to Satisfy Your Civic Literacy Requirement

    Accepted Courses, Tests, and Alternate Pathways 

    Score/Grade Required 

    Meets Course Requirement?

    Meets Exam Requirement?

    Courses taken in 2018 or later*

     

     

     

    POS 2041 Introduction to American Government (or equivalent)

    C or better

    Yes

     

    AHM 2020 US History since 1877 (or equivalent)

    C or better

    Yes

     

    AMH 2010 US History till 1877 (or equivalent)

    C or better

    Yes

     

    Accelerated Mechanisms

     

     

     

    Advanced Placement Government and Politics: United States Exam

    3

    Yes

    Yes

    Advanced Placement United States History Exam

    4

    Yes

    Yes

    Cambridge AICE History, US History, c. 1840-1990 (A-Level)**

    A-E

    Yes

     

    CLEP American Government Exam

    50

    Yes

    Yes

    CLEP History of the United States II

    50

    Yes

    Yes

    IB History: History of America**

    5-7

    Yes

     

    Dual Enrollment versions of POSX041, AMHX020, or AMHX010 taken in 2018 or later

    C or better

    Yes

     

    Pass United States Government in High School AND pass Florida Civic Literacy Exam (starting in Fall 2021)

    C or better AND 60 on exam

     

    Yes

    The Florida Civic Literacy Exam (FCLE)

    60%

     

    Yes

    * Speak with your academic advisor about getting coursework completed before 2018 reviewed to satisfy the Civic Literacy requirement. You must have the course syllabus available for review.

    ** The 2021 Legislature amended section 1007.25, Florida Statutes, allowing all accelerated mechanisms to count towards meeting civic literacy course requirements

     

     

     

     


    The Florida Civic Literacy Exam (FCLE)

    The is a computer-based assessment that measures students’ civic literacy knowledge.

    The FCLE measures the following civic literacy competencies and outcomes:
    • Understanding of the basic principles and practices of American democracy and how they are applied in our republican form of government
    • Understanding of the United States Constitution and its application
    • Knowledge of the founding documents and how they have shaped the nature and functions of our institutions of self-government
    • Understanding of landmark Supreme Court cases, landmark legislation, and landmark executive actions and their impact on law and society

    How to Sign Up for the Florida Civic Literacy Exam (FCLE)

    海角社区students are currently able take the FCLE in-person at all Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) testing centers.

    To sign up for the FCLE at FSCJ visit and pick the campus you wish to test at on the “Select a campus” drop down.

    Once you’ve chosen your campus, you will be directed to that testing center’s registration page.

    1. Choose a Group: select “Florida Civic Literacy Exam”

    2. Choose an exam: select “海角社区Florida Civic Literacy Exam”

    3. Read the exam description

    4. Pick the date that works best for you

    5. Pick the time that works best that date

    6. Fill out the information about yourself and read and acknowledge the important information.

    7. Read the exam guidelines and agree to them

    8. Add to cart at the bottom of the page

    9. Click “Complete Registration” to sign up

    After you complete your registration, you will receive a test ticket to your 海角社区email. If you haven’t received your test ticket in your email prior to 24 hours before your exam time, please reach out to records@unf.edu to get your test ticket.
  • What is the Florida Civic Literacy Requirement?

      requires that students must demonstrate knowledge of key learning outcomes in civic literacy before graduating. These include:

    • Understanding of the basic principles of American democracy and how they are applied in our republican form of government;

    • Understanding of the U.S. Constitution;

    • Knowledge of the founding documents and how they have shaped the nature and functions of our institutions of self-governance; and

    • Understanding of landmark Supreme Court cases and their impact on law and society.

     specifies how students in the State University System may satisfy the requirement.

  • Who must satisfy the Florida Civic Literacy Requirement?
    Any student who initially entered a (such as UNF), or a (such as FSCJ, SJRSC, etc.) Fall 2018 or thereafter must satisfy the requirement. Because 海角社区holds students entering in Summer B to the same catalog requirements as students admitted in fall, students who initially entered 海角社区during summer B 2018 are subject to this requirement.
  • If I took US History or American Government at another institution, does that count?

    Please speak with your Academic Advisor to find out about having courses from private or out-of-state institutions reviewed to satisfy the requirement. You must have the course syllabus available to complete the review. 

    Courses from Florida SUS or FCS institutions that are not AMH X020 or POS X041 may not be used to satisfy this requirement.

  • When should I satisfy the requirement?

    You should fulfill your Civic Literacy requirement as early in your college career as possible. Failure to complete your Civic Literacy requirement will delay your graduation. 

  • Is there a fee for the 海角社区Civic Literacy Test or the Florida Civic Literacy Exam (FCLE)?

    No. Both tests are free to all 海角社区students.


    **The 海角社区Civic Literacy Test is only available to students who began their enrollment between Summer B 2018 through Summer A 2024. Students who began their enrollment in Summer B 2024 or later must take the Florida Civic Literacy Exam (FCLE).**