FAST Practice Test 2025: Free Florida Assessment Questions & Study Guide

FAST Florida Assessment of Student Thinking Practice Test

Preparing for the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST)? Our free FAST practice test covers everything students need—ELA Reading, Mathematics, and test-taking strategies. Whether your child is taking PM1, PM2, or PM3, this comprehensive FAST exam prep guide will help them achieve Level 3 or higher.

This 2025 FAST study guide includes free FAST practice exams, flashcards, a score calculator, achievement level information, testing schedules, and proven strategies used by thousands of successful Florida students. Start your FAST preparation journey aligned with B.E.S.T. Standards here!

📝
35-40
Questions Per Test
Level 3+
On Grade Level
📊
5 Levels
Achievement Scale
⏱️
80-120 Min
Time Limit
💻
Adaptive
Computer-Based
📅
3x/Year
Testing Windows
🏛️
FDOE
Florida Department of Education
🌐
B.E.S.T.
Standards Aligned
📖
VPK-10
ELA Reading Grades
🔢
VPK-8
Mathematics Grades
24 Hours
Results Available
🎓
2
Subject Areas

The FAST assessment is Florida's statewide progress monitoring system that replaced the FSA in 2022-2023. It is administered three times per year: PM1 (fall), PM2 (winter), and PM3 (spring). PM3 serves as the summative assessment for accountability purposes. Results are available within 24 hours through the Family Portal, and scores are reported on a scale with Achievement Levels 1-5, where Level 3 indicates on-grade-level performance.

Florida FAST Assessment Student Taking Test

Free FAST Practice Test 2025

Help your student excel on the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking with our free FAST practice tests. Each quiz covers essential topics aligned with B.E.S.T. Standards—ELA Reading comprehension, Mathematics problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. These FAST practice questions will help students prepare for PM1, PM2, and PM3 testing windows.

📚 FAST Quick Review Flashcards

Click cards to flip and reveal answers. Master key FAST concepts!

📋
What does FAST stand for?
FAST stands for Florida Assessment of Student Thinking. It replaced the FSA in 2022-2023 and is aligned with Florida's B.E.S.T. Standards to measure student progress.
FAST Practice Test →
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What are the FAST Achievement Levels?
FAST uses Achievement Levels 1-5. Level 1 is inadequate, Level 2 is below satisfactory, Level 3 is satisfactory (on grade level), Level 4 is proficient, and Level 5 is mastery.
FAST Study Guide →
📅
What is FAST PM3?
PM3 (Progress Monitoring 3) is the spring summative assessment that counts for school accountability, promotion decisions, and graduation requirements. It's typically administered in April-May.
FAST Test Prep →
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How many questions are on the FAST test?
FAST tests typically contain 35-40 questions depending on grade level and subject. The test is computer-adaptive, meaning questions adjust to the student's ability level.
FAST Practice Questions →
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What are B.E.S.T. Standards?
B.E.S.T. stands for Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking. These are Florida's academic standards that define what students should know and be able to do at each grade level.
FAST Exam Prep →
👨‍🎓
Who takes the FAST test?
Florida public school students in grades VPK-10 take FAST ELA Reading, and students in grades VPK-8 take FAST Mathematics. Grade 10 ELA is required for graduation.
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FAST Exam Study Guide

This comprehensive guide answers common questions about the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking. Use it alongside our FAST practice tests to maximize your student's chances of achieving Level 3 or higher:

What Is the Florida State Assessment? The Florida State Assessment is a comprehensive testing program measuring student achievement in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science aligned with Florida Standards.
Who Must Take the FAST Test? All public school students in grades 3-10 must take FAST English Language Arts and Mathematics tests, while students in grades 5, 8, and high school Biology must complete Science assessments.
Why Was FAST Implemented in Florida? FAST was implemented to provide faster results, more frequent progress monitoring throughout the year, and better alignment with Florida's B.E.S.T. Standards compared to the previous FSA system.
What Does FAST Stand For in Florida? FAST stands for Florida Assessment of Student Thinking, emphasizing critical thinking skills and providing timely performance data to educators and families.
What Is on the FAST Test? The FAST test includes English Language Arts (reading, writing, listening), Mathematics, and Science components with multiple-choice, technology-enhanced, and constructed-response question types.
How Long Is the FAST Test? FAST test duration varies by grade and subject, typically ranging from 90 minutes for elementary grades to 3 hours for high school assessments.
What Grades Take the FAST Test? Students in grades 3-10 take FAST English Language Arts and Mathematics tests, while grades 5, 8, and high school students take Science assessments.
When Is FAST Testing in Florida? FAST testing occurs three times yearly: Progress Monitoring 1 (fall), PM2 (winter), and PM3 (spring), with PM3 serving as the summative assessment.
What Is FAST Math? FAST Math assesses mathematical understanding, problem-solving, and reasoning aligned with Florida's B.E.S.T. Standards for grades 3-8 and high school courses.
What Is FAST Reading? FAST Reading evaluates comprehension, vocabulary, literary analysis, and informational text understanding through varied passages and question formats aligned with Florida Standards.
What Is the Florida State Science Assessment? The Florida State science assessment measures scientific knowledge, inquiry, and application skills for students in grades 5, 8, and high school Biology courses.
What Subjects Are on the FAST Test? FAST test subjects include English Language Arts (reading, writing, listening), Mathematics, and Science, with some grades also completing social studies and civics assessments.
How Do I Prepare for the FAST Test? Prepare by reviewing Florida Standards, using official practice tests, reading regularly, practicing math skills, and familiarizing yourself with computer-based testing formats thoroughly.
Where Can I Find a FAST Practice Test? FAST practice tests are available through the Florida Department of Education website, district portals, and the official Florida Assessment portal for student preparation.
What Is Florida State Assessment Practice? Florida State Assessment practice includes sample test items, computer-based training tutorials, and full-length practice exams mirroring actual test content and format.
How Do I Access FAST Test Practice? Access FAST practice through your school's assessment coordinator, the Florida Department of Education portal, or district-provided online learning platforms and resources.
What Is the Florida State Assessment Portal? The Florida State Assessment portal is the online platform where schools administer tests, students access exams, and educators retrieve results and assessment materials.
How Do I Log In to the Florida State Assessment? Students log in using credentials provided by their school, typically through the district assessment portal or the official Florida Department of Education testing website.
What Are Florida State Assessment Scores? Florida State Assessment scores measure student achievement levels (1-5) with Level 3 indicating satisfactory performance and Levels 4-5 demonstrating above-average proficiency.
How Are FAST Scores Calculated? FAST scores combine raw points from all questions, converted to scale scores ranging from 240-360, then categorized into achievement levels reflecting standards mastery.

FAST Test Content Areas

The FAST assessment covers key academic areas aligned with B.E.S.T. Standards. Understanding each content area will help students focus their preparation effectively:

📖 ELA Reading Comprehension Core

Tests understanding of literary and informational texts with grade-appropriate complexity.

Main Idea Inference Text Structure Analysis
  • Topics: Fiction, nonfiction, poetry
  • Focus: Critical reading skills
📝 Vocabulary & Language Core

Assesses vocabulary knowledge and language conventions in context.

Context Clues Word Meaning Grammar Usage
  • Topics: Word relationships, roots
  • Focus: Academic vocabulary
🔢 Mathematics Operations Core

Evaluates mathematical fluency and computational understanding.

Addition Subtraction Multiplication Division
  • Topics: Whole numbers, fractions, decimals
  • Focus: Procedural fluency
🧩 Problem Solving Core

Tests ability to apply mathematical concepts to real-world scenarios.

Word Problems Multi-Step Reasoning Logic
  • Topics: Application, modeling
  • Focus: Critical thinking
✍️ Writing & Communication ELA

Assesses written expression and communication skills.

Organization Evidence Clarity Conventions
  • Topics: Argumentative, informative
  • Focus: Text-based responses
🎯 Test-Taking Skills Strategy

Develops effective strategies for computer-adaptive testing.

Time Management Elimination Review Focus
  • Topics: Navigation, pacing
  • Focus: Test confidence
💡 FAST Test Study Tips

Focus on reading comprehension and mathematical problem-solving as these are the primary areas assessed. Use FAST practice exams to identify weak areas, review B.E.S.T. Standards for your grade level, and practice with computer-based testing formats to build familiarity and confidence.

FAST Score Calculator

FAST uses a scale score system with Achievement Levels 1-5. Use this calculator to estimate your student's performance level based on correct answers:

Estimated Questions: 40
0 40
28 correct answers
Estimated Performance
70%
✅ Level 3 (On Grade Level)
Correct Answers 28 of 40
Target Level Level 3+ (Satisfactory)

FAST Achievement Levels Explained

Understanding FAST Achievement Levels helps families track student progress. Here's what each level means:

Level 3
Target Achievement Level (On Grade Level)
📊 FAST Achievement Level Scale
Level 1
Inadequate
Level 2
Below
Level 4
Proficient
Level 5
Mastery
Level 1
Inadequate
Level 2
Below
Level 4
Proficient
Level 5
Mastery
*Level 3 indicates on-grade-level performance and is the target for promotion and graduation requirements.
Achievement Level Performance Description What It Means Next Steps
⚠️ Level 1 Inadequate Below grade-level expectations Intensive support needed
📈 Level 2 Below Satisfactory Approaching grade level Additional practice recommended
Level 3 Satisfactory On grade level Continue current progress
Level 4 Proficient Above grade level Enrichment opportunities
🏆 Level 5 Mastery Well above grade level Advanced coursework
💡 Understanding Your Student's Results

Students achieving Level 3 or higher are meeting grade-level expectations. Results are available within 24 hours through the Family Portal. Use PM1 and PM2 results to identify areas for improvement before the summative PM3 assessment.

4-Week FAST Preparation Timeline

Wondering how to prepare for FAST? This 4-week timeline provides a structured approach to help your student build skills and confidence before testing day:

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Week 1
Assess & Plan
Take diagnostic practice test
📖
Week 2
Build Skills
Focus on weak areas identified
✍️
Week 3
Practice Tests
Full-length practice sessions
🎯
Week 4
Review & Rest
Light review, build confidence
Step-by-Step FAST Preparation Guide
  1. Take a Diagnostic Practice Test — Use our free FAST practice tests to identify your student's current level and areas needing improvement.
  2. Review B.E.S.T. Standards — Familiarize yourself with Florida's Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking for your student's grade level.
  3. Focus on Reading Daily — Encourage 20-30 minutes of daily reading with varied texts—fiction, nonfiction, and informational passages.
  4. Practice Math Skills — Work on grade-level math problems, focusing on word problems and multi-step reasoning questions.
  5. Use Computer-Based Practice — Help your student become comfortable with the digital testing format used in FAST assessments.
  6. Review and Reinforce — Go over missed questions from practice tests and ensure understanding of concepts, not just answers.
  7. Rest Before Test Day — Ensure adequate sleep, a healthy breakfast, and a positive mindset on testing day!

FAST Testing Schedule

When is FAST testing? Florida administers FAST three times per year. Here are the testing windows:

🍂
PM1
Fall Window
August - October
❄️
PM2
Winter Window
December - February
🌸
PM3
Spring Window
April - May (Summative)
📊
24 Hrs
Results Available
Via Family Portal
🏫
School
Testing Location
At student's school
💻
Online
Test Format
Computer-adaptive
📅 Important: PM3 is the Summative Assessment

While PM1 and PM2 are progress monitoring assessments, PM3 is the summative assessment used for school accountability, promotion decisions, and graduation requirements. Contact your school for specific testing dates within each window.

FAST Grade Level Requirements

FAST results impact important academic decisions. Here are key requirements by grade level:

📚
Grade 3 Promotion
Third-grade students must score Level 2 or higher on the PM3 ELA Reading assessment to be promoted to fourth grade. Students scoring Level 1 may be retained unless they qualify for a good cause exemption.
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Grade 10 Graduation
Students must pass the Grade 10 FAST ELA Reading assessment or earn concordant scores on SAT (480+) or ACT (18+) to meet graduation requirements. Multiple retake opportunities are available.
🔢
Math Assessment
Students in grades VPK-8 take FAST Mathematics to measure progress in mathematical reasoning and computation. Results help identify students needing additional support.
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Science Assessment
Students in grades 5, 8, and high school Biology take the Statewide Science Assessment to measure scientific knowledge and inquiry skills aligned with Florida standards.
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EOC Assessments
High school students take End-of-Course (EOC) exams in Algebra 1, Geometry, Biology, Civics, and U.S. History. EOC scores count as 30% of the final course grade.

FDOE & FAST Contact Information

Contact the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) and official assessment resources for FAST testing information, results, and support. Here are key resources:

🏛️
Florida Department of Education
State Education Agency

Website: fldoe.org

Services: Assessment information, standards

Phone: 850-245-0505

🌐
FL Statewide Assessments Portal
Official Testing Platform

Website: flfast.org

Services: Practice tests, resources

Access: Students & educators

👨‍👩‍👧
Family Portal
View Student Results

Website: fl-familyportal.cambiumast.com

Services: Score reports, ISRs

Access: Via school-provided code

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B.E.S.T. Standards / CPALMS
Florida Academic Standards

Website: cpalms.org

Resources: Standards, lesson plans

Access: Free for educators

🔍 Access Your Student's FAST Results

Parents can view FAST results through the Family Portal using the unique access code provided by their student's school. Results are typically available within 24 hours of testing completion.

FAST Test Day Checklist

🎯 Ready to Ace the FAST Assessment?

Join thousands of Florida students who used our free practice tests to achieve Level 3 or higher. Start practicing now!

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Understanding FAST Results

Your student's FAST results provide valuable information about academic progress. Here's how to interpret them:

📊
Scale Score
240-360 Range
🎯
Achievement Level
Levels 1-5
Results Available
Within 24 Hours
✅ Track Progress Throughout the Year

Use PM1 and PM2 results to identify areas for improvement before the summative PM3 assessment. The Individual Student Report (ISR) provides detailed information about performance in specific content areas, helping parents and teachers target instruction effectively.

FAST Test Florida Assessment Practice Questions

FAST Questions and Answers

FAST achievement levels range from Level 1 (inadequate) to Level 5 (mastery), with Level 3 indicating satisfactory grade-level performance. These levels help educators and families understand student proficiency and identify areas requiring additional academic support or enrichment.

FAST (Florida Assessment of Student Thinking) replaced the FSA (Florida Standards Assessments) starting in 2022-2023 school year. The transition aimed to provide faster results, more progress monitoring opportunities, and better alignment with Florida's B.E.S.T. Standards.

FAST differs from FSA by offering three testing windows annually instead of one, providing quicker score turnaround, and aligning with Florida's B.E.S.T. Standards rather than Florida Standards. FAST emphasizes critical thinking assessment and progress monitoring throughout the school year.

Florida State assessments are standardized tests including FAST, End-of-Course exams, ACCESS for ELLs, NGSSS Science tests, and alternate assessments. These measure student learning, determine school grades, and fulfill graduation requirements for Florida's K-12 public education system.

FAST scores range from Level 1 (inadequate) to Level 5 (mastery), with Level 3 indicating satisfactory achievement. Scores show subject proficiency, grade-level performance, and areas needing improvement, helping parents and teachers support targeted academic growth effectively.

FAST PM3 (Progress Monitoring 3) is the spring testing window serving as Florida's summative assessment for accountability purposes. PM3 results determine school grades, student promotion decisions, and graduation requirements, typically administered in April or May.

FAST results are released within weeks of each testing window, with PM1 and PM2 scores arriving faster than previous FSA results. Final PM3 scores typically arrive by early summer, allowing families to review performance before the next school year begins.

Florida law does not provide official opt-out provisions for state assessments, though parents can refuse testing. However, students not testing may face consequences including retention, inability to demonstrate subject proficiency, and schools receiving lower accountability ratings.

FAST accommodations include extended time, text-to-speech, assistive technology, breaks, small group settings, and bilingual dictionaries for eligible students with disabilities or English learners. Accommodations must be documented in IEPs, 504 plans, or ELL plans.

FAST affects graduation through the Grade 10 ELA assessment, which students must pass or earn concordant scores through SAT/ACT. Algebra 1 EOC performance also impacts graduation requirements, with multiple pathways available to demonstrate competency.

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