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How to Substitute a Failed EOC or ELA in Florida: Concordant/Comparative Scores for SAT, ACT, CLT
- Sapneil Parikh
- Aug 18
- 3 min read
Didn’t hit a passing score on the Grade 10 ELA or the Algebra 1 EOC? Florida allows you to meet graduation requirements using “concordant” (ELA) or “comparative” (Algebra 1) scores from national exams. Options now include SAT, ACT, PSAT/PreACT, and the CLT/CLT10. Use the cohort-specific lists below and follow the steps to get your score counted toward graduation.
Grade 10 ELA — Concordant score options
For students who entered Grade 9 in 2022–23 and beyond:
SAT Reading and Writing (combined from one test date): 490
PSAT/NMSQT Reading and Writing: 470
PSAT 10 Reading and Writing: 470
ACT English + Reading (average, rounded up at .5): 18
PreACT Secure English + Reading (average): 18
CLT Grammar/Writing + Verbal Reasoning (sum; sections may come from different dates): 39
CLT10 Grammar/Writing + Verbal Reasoning (sum): 39
For students who entered Grade 9 in 2020–21 or 2021–22 (transition cohorts):
SAT Evidence-Based Reading & Writing or Reading and Writing: 480
ACT English + Reading (average): 18
CLT Verbal Reasoning + Grammar/Writing (sum): 36(Note: Some transition options apply only if the exam was taken before specific effective dates—confirm with your counselor.)
Algebra 1 EOC — Comparative score options
For students who entered Grade 9 in 2022–23 and beyond:
SAT Math: 420
PSAT/NMSQT Math: 430
PSAT 10 Math: 430
ACT Math: 16
PreACT Secure Math: 16
CLT Quantitative Reasoning: 14
CLT10 Quantitative Reasoning: 14
Geometry EOC: Achievement Level 3 (may also help with Scholar designation needs)
For students who entered Grade 9 in 2020–21 or 2021–22 (transition cohorts):
PSAT/NMSQT Math: 430
SAT Math: 420
ACT Math: 16
CLT Quantitative Reasoning: 11
Geometry EOC: Achievement Level 3(Again, some options for these cohorts depend on when the test was taken.)
Important notes
SAT Reading and Writing must come from a single administration.
For ACT/PreACT/CLT/CLT10, the English + Reading averages or section sums do not need to come from the same test date.
Rules are cohort-based and may change. Always verify your exact requirements with your school counselor.
How to use these scores for graduation
Register and prepare
Choose the exam that fits your strengths and timeline. If you are close on ELA, an ACT English + Reading average or a CLT section sum might be the fastest path; if you’re close on Algebra 1, look at SAT Math, ACT Math, PSAT Math, or CLT Quantitative Reasoning.
Test and retest if needed
You can take these assessments multiple times. Leave enough time for score reporting before graduation deadlines.
Send official scores
Have official reports sent to your school. Confirm with your counselor that the qualifying score is recorded toward your graduation requirement.
Double-check the math
Ensure you’re meeting the exact threshold (for example, ELA averages rounded correctly, or SAT Reading and Writing combined from one date).
Frequently asked questions
Do these scores let me skip state testing?
You are still expected to participate in the state ELA and Algebra 1 EOC assessments. A qualifying concordant or comparative score satisfies the graduation requirement tied to those tests.
Can Geometry stand in for Algebra 1?
Yes. Earning Level 3 on the Geometry EOC can serve as a comparative score for Algebra 1.
Why do the requirements differ by student?
Florida ties score options to the year you entered Grade 9. That’s why lists differ for newer versus transition cohorts.
What if I’m missing the mark by a few points?
Retesting is common. Target your prep to the weakest subskills (for example, ACT Reading timing or specific algebra content on SAT Math), retake promptly, and send updated scores.
Use this guide to map the quickest route to a qualifying score, coordinate with your counselor, and keep an eye on deadlines. With a clear plan—and the right test choice—you can meet Florida’s graduation assessment requirements and stay on track for your diploma.
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