The Reading Instruction Competence Assessment exam, or RICA test, is an exam in California designed to test aspiring teachers' knowledge and skills in reading instruction. The exam is used for candidates pursuing Multiple Subject Teaching Credentials and Education Specialist Instruction Credentials (special education). Candidates must pass the RICA to earn these credentials.
The RICA test is offered as a written exam (RICA Written) or a video assessment (RICA Video Performance Assessment). The RICA Written exam is available for in-person testing at test sites and at-home testing online. Here, we will explore the two formats in greater detail.
The written RICA test is a more traditional assessment. It consists of 3 subtests with selected-response and constructed-response questions. The first subtest on the RICA test covers content in two domains, Word Analysis and Fluency; it covers 7 competencies and includes 35 multiple-choice questions and 2 constructed-response questions. The second subtest covers the Vocabulary, Academic Language, and Background Knowledge and Comprehension domains. It also contains 35 multiple-choice and 2 constructed-response questions but tests 6 competencies. Finally, the third subtest evaluates Planning, Organizing, and Managing Reading Instruction Based on Ongoing Assessment. This subtest uses 25 multiple-choice questions and 1 constructed-response question to cover 2 competencies. Candidates have 1 hour and 15 minutes for each of the first two subtests and 1 hour and 30 minutes for the final subtest.
In place of a written exam, test takers may choose to complete the RICA Video Assessment. This RICA test allows candidates to submit a video recording showing them teaching reading to students. Therefore, this assessment is based on actual classroom performance vs. content knowledge on a written exam. Test takers must submit three videos: an instructional content form, a 10-minute video recording, and a reflection sheet. One video must show the candidate conducting whole-class instruction, another must demonstrate small-group instruction, and the final video must show individual instruction. All three videos must show skills that meet the Planning, Organizing, and Managing Reading Instruction Based on Ongoing Assessment competency. In addition, one video must also demonstrate skills in the Word Analysis competency, another in the Comprehension competency, and another in the Vocabulary, Academic Language, and Background Knowledge competency. This format of the RICA test has 3 deadlines throughout the year (in October, March, and June).
Access thousands of practice questions so that there are no surprises on the exam
The correct answers are highlighted with green below. Create an account to keep studying for the .
Easy-to-follow study guides, practice tests and resources.
Create AccountRegistration for the RICA Written exam is available 24 hours 7 days a week. Candidates must sign into their online Pearson account, select the exam, find a test center (if they choose to test in-person), answer background questions, agree to test rules, and pay for their exam. The written RICA test costs $57 per subtest. During registration, candidates can also indicate their intent to request alternative testing arrangements and schedule their test date. Candidates who need to change their test date or test format must cancel their original date and reschedule. Test takers are allowed multiple retakes (as many as it takes) but must wait 45 calendar days between test dates. After that, candidates can retake the entire exam or specific subtests.
Those planning to take the RICA Video Performance Assessment must follow similar steps for registration. They need to log into their online Pearson account, select the exam, answer background questions, agree to test rules, and pay for the exam. The video RICA test costs $171. Retakes are allowed at any time for this assessment, but test takers must re-register, submit their 3 videos, and pay the fee again.
As mentioned, the written RICA test is also available in an online format. This allows test takers to take the exam from any location, including at home. Anyone is eligible for this format, but the exam must be proctored with an online proctor. Online exams are only available during a 1-week window each month, while in-person exams are available year-round Monday through Saturday. The online RICA Written exam is also administered in 3 separate testing sessions, one for each subtest. This differs from the in-person exam, which testers can take all at once. Preparation materials, including study guides, are available for either format of the RICA test.
Easy-to-follow study guides, practice tests and resources.
Create AccountWaivers are documents that allow candidates not to take a particular exam for various reasons. In the case of a RICA test waiver, candidates can pursue a Variable Term Waiver (VTW) or Program Sponsor- Variable Term Waiver (PS-VTW). Essentially, a VTW is used by employers, while education programs use a PS-VTW. The VTW allows employers to hire a teacher who has not fully met their teaching credential requirements yet. This is only allowed in the case of a fully credentialed teacher not being available for hire. This type of waiver gives the approved candidate additional time to meet credential requirements. A PS-VTW is used to request a program evaluation and formal credential recommendation from the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). If approved, this allows candidates to be hired before finishing their program requirements. For instance, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some aspiring teachers could not take the RICA in 2020 but were approved to teach using this waiver. This waiver is valid for 1 year.
Candidates who have not taken the RICA test may qualify for a waiver if their employer can meet the criteria in 4 areas. Waivers must demonstrate that employers:
Candidates must qualify for a waiver by meeting the specifications set out in the waiver and applying for the waiver. For example, those unable to take the RICA test due to Covid needed to have their exam done between specific dates in March and September of 2020.
Applying for a RICA waiver requires several different steps. To bypass the RICA test, candidates must fill out a waiver request form, a CTC application form, and an enrollment request form. The waiver form starts the evaluation process. The CTC application form requires candidates to fill out several different sections with personal information. The enrollment form allows candidates to enroll in classes while working if their waiver is approved. The cost of applying for a RICA waiver is $100. This must be paid as a money order or cashier's check paid to the CTC. Candidates will need to be aware of deadlines for applying for the waiver and allow 3 to 4 months for the entire process.
Some teaching candidates may automatically qualify for a RICA test waiver and not need to take the RICA test. This is typically based on their prior education or experience in another state or position. We will examine some of these examples in more detail below.
Candidates who qualify for the Multiple Subject Teaching Credential may be exempt from the RICA if they meet one of the following qualifications:
Those qualifying for an Education Specialist Teaching Credential may be exempt from the RICA if they meet at least one of the following criteria:
Other applicants may be exempt from the RICA exam if they meet one of the following qualifications:
There are a few ways to request a RICA test waiver including through an employer, past experience, the Education Specialist Teaching Credential and the Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. Candidates must apply through the CTC.
The RICA test is the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment credential established to meet requirements under California Education Code §44283 and §44283.2.
