Florida EOC vs FAST: What's the Difference? (Clear 2026 Guide)
Florida students take two very different kinds of state tests — the FAST and the EOC — and it's easy to mix them up. Here's the clear, accurate difference.
What is FAST?
FAST (Florida Assessment of Student Thinking) is Florida's progress-monitoring program for grades 3–10 in ELA Reading and grades 3–8 in Mathematics. It's given three times a year (PM1, PM2, PM3), is computer-adaptive (questions adjust to each student), and replaced the FSA starting in 2022–23. The Grade 10 FAST ELA Reading assessment is a graduation requirement.
What is an EOC?
An End-of-Course (EOC) assessment is a single test tied to a specific high-school course: Algebra 1, Geometry, Biology 1, U.S. History, and Civics (middle school). You take it once, when the course ends. Math EOCs use the B.E.S.T. Standards; Biology and U.S. History use the NGSSS. The Algebra 1 EOC is the math graduation requirement.
FAST vs EOC — side by side
| FAST | EOC | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Track progress across the year | Measure mastery of one course |
| Subjects | ELA Reading (3–10), Math (3–8) | Algebra 1, Geometry, Biology 1, U.S. History, Civics |
| How often | 3× a year (PM1/PM2/PM3) | Once, at course end (4 retake windows) |
| Format | Computer-adaptive | Fixed-form, Level 1–5 scored |
| Graduation | Grade 10 ELA Reading required | Algebra 1 required |
Which one does Florida CAP Prep help with?
We focus on the EOC assessments — Algebra 1, Geometry, Biology 1, and U.S. History — with full-length, standards-aligned mock exams and AI explanations. Start free: