The RICA Written Exam is available only as a computer-based test. If you wish to take the RICA at a testing center, testing is available year-round by appointment, Monday through Saturday (excluding some holidays), on a first-come, first-served basis. Alternatively, online-proctored testing is offered remotely and is available by appointment during one-week testing windows each month.
Not all testing centers are open on all dates and registration policies may apply. All test-takers should visit the official RICA testing service website (www.ctcexams.nesinc.com) to confirm test dates, registration procedures and testing requirements.
RICA Test Dates - Computer-Based
|
Results Release Date
|
11/11/24-11/24/24 |
12/4/24 |
11/25/24-12/8/24 |
12/18/24 |
12/9/24-12/22/24 |
1/2/25 |
12/23/24-1/5/25 |
1/15/25 |
1/6/25-1/19/25 |
1/29/25 |
1/20/25-2/2/25 |
2/12/25 |
2/3/25-2/16/25 |
2/26/25 |
2/17/25-3/2/25 |
3/12/25 |
3/3/25-3/16/25 |
3/26/25 |
3/17/25-3/30/25 |
4/9/25 |
3/31/25-4/13/25 |
4/23/25 |
4/14/25-4/27/25 |
5/7/25 |
4/28/25-5/11/25 |
5/21/25 |
5/12/25-5/25/25 |
6/4/25 |
5/26/25-6/8/25 |
6/18/25 |
6/9/25-6/22/25 |
7/2/25 |
6/23/25-6/30/25 |
7/16/25 |
RICA Test Dates - Online Proctored
|
Results Release Date
|
Week of December 2, 2024 |
December 18, 2024 |
Week of December 30, 2024 |
January 15, 2025 |
Week of January 27, 2025 |
February 12, 2025 |
Week of February 24, 2025 |
March 12, 2025 |
Week of March 24, 2025 |
April 9, 2025 |
Week of April 21, 2025 |
May 7, 2025 |
Week of May 19, 2025 |
June 4, 2025 |
Week of June 16, 2025 |
July 2, 2025 |
Week of June 23, 2025 |
July 16, 2025 |
Candidates also have the option of completing a video performance assessment instead of the written exam. Please confirm all registration information and submission dates with the official testing service.
RICA Video Submission Deadline
|
Results Release Date
|
3/6/25 |
3/28/25 |
6/16/25 |
7/3/25 |
6/30/25 |
7/16/25 |
Passing the RICA is one of the main ways prospective teachers meet the reading instruction requirements for a California credential. When choosing your test date, you should consider how you plan to prepare. If you intend to take a prep class, ensure that all sessions are before your exam date. Most students find that taking a class 1-2 weeks before their test works best, so the information is still fresh in their minds.
Make sure you also allow time to retake the test if you don't pass on your first attempt. You can retake the exam as many times as you need, but must wait 45 calendar days between attempts.
Plan to take the exam as early as possible, while still giving yourself sufficient time to prepare. To work out how much study time you need, view our free RICA Study Guide to see what content is covered on your exam. Then take our free RICA Practice Test under testing conditions to see how you’ll perform and identify any areas where you need to improve.