FSA Scores and Passing Score Guide: What Florida Parents Should Know

The Florida Standards Assessment (FSA) used a 1–5 achievement level scale for ELA and Mathematics. Level 3 was the proficiency benchmark — students scoring Level 3 were considered "on grade level" under Florida state standards. For ELA, the FSA ELA passing score at Grade 3 started at approximately 300 on a 100–500 scale, with Level 3 beginning around 334 for 4th grade ELA. Florida transitioned from the FSA to the FAST (Florida Assessment of Student Thinking) program in 2026–23. Use fsa practice test resources to review legacy FSA content or prepare for FAST-aligned material.

FSA Score Scale Overview

The FSA used a developmental scale score (DSS) — a vertical scale that allows scores to be compared across grade levels. For ELA grades 3–10 and Mathematics grades 3–8, scores ranged from approximately 100 to 500. The scale was designed so scores increase as students advance through grades — a score of 340 in Grade 3 is not the same level as 340 in Grade 8.

For end-of-course exams (Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry), the FSA used a T-score scale of 375–425, with passing set at a score of 399.

Students received their FSA score report through their school district or via the Florida Department of Education portal. Reports showed the scale score, achievement level, and in some cases, strand-level performance data. Practice using fsa practice exam resources to understand the types of questions assessed at each achievement level.

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Score scale: ~100–500 (DSS)
Level 3 cut (Grade 4 ELA): ~334
Level 3 cut (Grade 8 ELA): ~350
Proficiency level: Level 3 and above

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Score scale: ~100–500 (DSS)
Level 3 cut (Grade 4 Math): ~326
Level 3 cut (Grade 8 Math): ~348
Proficiency level: Level 3 and above

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Score scale: 375–425 (T-score)
Passing score: 399
Required for: Standard diploma (FL)
Graduation requirement: Score 399+ or use concordant

FSA Achievement Levels Explained

FSA results were reported using five achievement levels:

Level 1 — Inadequate: The student has an inadequate command of the Florida Standards and is not on track for grade-level work.
Level 2 — Below Satisfactory: The student has a below satisfactory command of the standards with noticeable gaps.
Level 3 — Satisfactory: The student demonstrates a satisfactory command of grade-level standards — the minimum proficiency benchmark. This is often called "passing."
Level 4 — Proficient: The student demonstrates a proficient command and is well-prepared for the next grade's demands.
Level 5 — Mastery: The student demonstrates a full and thorough command of the Florida Standards at a mastery level.

For Grade 3 ELA in particular, Level 3 had high-stakes implications under Florida's Third Grade Reading Guarantee — students scoring Level 1 could be held back unless qualifying for a good cause exemption. This policy was a major reason the FSA ELA reading score was closely tracked by families and districts alike.

Key Fact: FSA to FAST Transition

Florida fully transitioned from the FSA to the FAST (Florida Assessment of Student Thinking) program beginning in the 2026–23 school year. FAST assessments are shorter, progress-monitoring tests taken 3 times per year (PM1, PM2, PM3) rather than one high-stakes end-of-year exam. The FSA Algebra 1 and Geometry EOC exams were also replaced in 2026–23. Students who took the FSA before 2026 can still access their historical score reports. Review fsa assessment practice test materials to understand legacy FSA content formats still referenced in some school curricula.

FSA ELA Passing Scores by Grade (Historical)

The following Level 3 cut scores are approximate and based on FDOE published data. Exact cut scores were set annually and could shift slightly from year to year.

Grade	Level 3 Cut (ELA DSS)	Level 3 Cut (Math DSS)
3	~300	~296
4	~334	~326
5	~340	~333
6	~344	~339
7	~348	~344
8	~350	~348

Note: These are approximate historical cut scores. Official FDOE score reports are the authoritative source for exact values for a given test year.

FSA Algebra 1 EOC Scores

The FSA Algebra 1 EOC used a T-score scale (375–425). Key thresholds:

Passing score: 399 (required for Florida standard diploma)
Concordant score: A PSAT 10 score of 430+ or SAT score of 430+ in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing could substitute as a concordant score for graduation
Retake policy: Students could retake the FSA EOC up to twice per year during designated testing windows

Locate your score report in the FDOE portal or contact your school district for historical FSA records

Identify the achievement level (1–5) and scale score — Level 3 is the minimum proficiency benchmark

For Algebra 1 EOC, confirm whether a score of 399+ was achieved or if a concordant/comparative score was used

If your child scored Level 1 in Grade 3 ELA, check whether a good cause exemption applies under Florida statute 1008.25

Review strand-level performance data (Reading Literature, Informational Text, Language) to identify specific weak areas

Prepare for FAST PM assessments using the same comprehension and writing skills tested on the FSA

FSA vs FAST: What Changed

Florida's shift from FSA to FAST fundamentally changed how K-12 students are assessed:

Feature	FSA	FAST
Testing frequency	Once per year (end of year)	3 times per year (PM1, PM2, PM3)
Purpose	Accountability + proficiency	Progress monitoring + proficiency
Length	Multi-session, multi-hour	Shorter, focused sessions
Score report	Achievement levels 1–5	Achievement levels 1–5 (similar)
Graduation impact	Algebra 1 EOC required	Algebra 1 FAST EOC required

Practice materials for both FSA and FAST are available at fsa florida and the fsa assessment practice test guide. Understanding both formats helps teachers and students navigate Florida's evolving assessment landscape.

How to Improve Your FSA / FAST Score

Whether preparing for a retake or FAST progress monitoring:

Focus on close reading for ELA — both FSA and FAST heavily weight text evidence in answers
For Math, review the Florida Math Standards progressions — each grade builds directly on the prior year
Practice technology-enhanced items (TEI): drag-and-drop, table editing, multi-select — these differ from standard multiple choice
Use released FSA items from FDOE's FAST/FSA item portal for authentic practice

What is the FSA passing score?

For FSA ELA and Mathematics (Grades 3–8), the passing benchmark is Level 3 on the achievement scale, which corresponds to approximately 300–350 on the developmental scale score (DSS) depending on grade. For FSA Algebra 1 EOC, the passing score was 399 on the T-score scale (375–425). Level 3 represents satisfactory command of the Florida Standards.

Did Florida get rid of the FSA?

Yes — Florida replaced the FSA with the FAST (Florida Assessment of Student Thinking) program beginning in the 2026–23 school year. FAST assessments are shorter progress-monitoring tests taken three times per year rather than one end-of-year test. FSA EOC exams (Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry) were also replaced with FAST EOC equivalents.

What do FSA achievement levels mean?

FSA achievement levels 1–5 measure mastery of the Florida Standards: Level 1 = Inadequate, Level 2 = Below Satisfactory, Level 3 = Satisfactory (on grade level), Level 4 = Proficient, Level 5 = Mastery. Level 3 is the minimum proficiency target. For Grade 3 ELA, Level 1 could trigger Florida's Third Grade Reading Guarantee retention policy.

How do I access my FSA score report?

Historical FSA score reports are accessible through the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) student portal or your school district's student information system. Parents and guardians can request score reports from their school's guidance office. Score reports show the developmental scale score, achievement level, and strand-level performance data.

FSA Practice Test

FSA Practice Test