NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA - The Sunshine State ranks 4th in the nation in how many of its students took advanced placement exams and passed them.

The College Board released its 9th annual report which found Florida rose two spots from 6th in the nation last year.

In Alachua County, the ratio of students taking the tests and passing them was second highest in the Sunshine State.

David Shelnutt, Gainesville High school Principal says the key is providing students who have the potential to pass the tests an opportunity to take the class - "we start with our teachers and our guidance counselors and try to encourage both by speaking with the students and  their guardians to say you may have done well in world history honors, so why don't you consider taking AP European History next year?"

Students can receive a score from 1 to 5, and a 3 is considered a passing score on the test.

Taking an AP test is the equivalent to taking a college level course.