Frequently Asked Questions - Civic Literacy Requirement for SUS Students - 2018 Revision

Sep 20, 2026

Guidance outlines when the Civic Literacy requirement applies to undergraduate students entering Florida public institutions and what rules govern transfers and special situations. It explains how students can satisfy the requirement through specific approved courses or through qualifying assessment scores, including which courses must align with statutory competencies starting Fall 2018. The FAQ also addresses transcript indicators, options when required courses are not offered, and example costs for AP and CLEP examinations.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages6

Reading Time15 min

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SUS Students Subject to the Requirement

Options for Meeting the Civic Literacy Requirement

Courses

Assessments

Costs Associated with CLEP and AP Exams

State University System Board of Governors Office Civic Literacy Implementation October 5, 2018 revision SUS Students Subject to the Requirement (revised based on guidance from legislative staff on 10/5/18; see Appendix A for examples) 1. To whom does the Civic Literacy requirement apply? The Civic Literacy requirement applies to undergraduate degree-seeking students who enroll in a public Florida institution (State University System (SUS) or Florida College System (FCS) institution) for the first time in Fall 2018 or later. SUS students must complete this requirement prior to graduating with a baccalaureate degree. 2. How does this requirement apply to students who transfer to an SUS institution? Students transferring to a SUS institution in Fall 2018 or later who have never previously enrolled in a public Florida institution (SUS or FCS) must meet the requirement. Students transferring to a SUS institution after Fall 2018 must meet the requirement if their initial enrollment in any Florida public institution (SUS or FCS) was in Fall 2018 or later and they did not complete the Civic Literacy requirement at the prior SUS or FCS institution(s) . 3. If a student received an associate degree from a FCS institution prior to Fall 2018 academic year and is enrolled in a baccalaureate program beginning Fall 2018 or after, does this requirement apply? No, because the initial enrollment in a Florida public institution (SUS or FCS) was prior to Fall 2018. 4. How does this requirement apply to dual enrollment students? Enrollment in a Florida public institution (SUS or FCS) prior to graduating from highschool does not exempt a student from having to meet the Civic Literacy requirement. 5. How will universities know if a student transferring between public institutions within the State of Florida has met the Civic Literacy requirement? Board of Governors Office staff worked with the Department of Education Office of Articulation, and the Florida College System to ensure that the FASTER system has a common notation. Transcripts will have Yes/No/Exempt indictors to show whether the Civic Literacy requirement has been satisfied. 6. Is Civic Literacy required for students seeking a second baccalaureate? If a student has never enrolled in an SUS or FCS institution prior to Fall 2018, yes. Options for Meeting the Civic Literacy Requirement Courses: POSX041 American Government or AMHX Introductory Survey Since 1877 completed in Fall 2018 or later. These courses taken as dual enrollment courses beginning in Fall 2018 also meet the requirement. NOTE: AMH X020 or POS X041 did not contain all of the competencies required by section 1007.25 (4)(b), Florida Statutes, prior to Fall 2018. 6. Ifa student successfully completed AMH X020 or POS X041 prior to Fall 2018, has the student satisfied the Civic Literacy requirement? No. Prior to fall 2018 AMH X020 or POS X041 did not contain all of the competencies required by section 1007.25 (4)(b), Florida Statutes. 7. What if my institution’s course-level outcomes for POSX041 or AMHX020 do not align with the competencies in statute? According to section 1007.25 (4)(b), Florida Statutes, courses identified as satisfying the Civic Literacy requirement, in this case POS X041 and AMH X020, must align with the competencies listed in the subsection beginning in Fall 2018. Institutions should follow internal procedures to modify course outcomes to align with the competencies and work with the Office of Articulation to update the course profile(s) in the Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS) database. 8. What if POSX041 or AMHX020 do not align with a student's approved program of study? If POSX041 or AMHX020 do not align with a student’s program of study, the institution should encourage the student to consider demonstrating competency through one of the approved assessments to avoid possible excess credit hours. 9. What if an institution does not offer POSX041 or

FAQs

Who must complete the Civic Literacy requirement, and by when?

It applies to undergraduate degree-seeking students who enroll in an SUS or Florida College System institution for the first time in Fall 2018 or later, and they must complete it prior to graduating with a baccalaureate degree.

How does the requirement apply to transfer students and students entering after Fall 2018?

Transfer students entering in Fall 2018 or later who have never previously enrolled in a public Florida institution must meet the requirement. Students transferring after Fall 2018 must meet it if their initial enrollment in any Florida public institution was in Fall 2018 or later and they did not complete the requirement at the prior institution(s).

How can students meet the Civic Literacy requirement if POSX041 or AMHX020 are not offered?

Students may meet the requirement by achieving a minimum standard score on one of the approved assessments listed, such as specific scores on the Naturalization Test-Civics, AP Government and Politics, AP U.S. History, or CLEP American Government.

Sep 20, 2026

Uploaded by Ben Jamin