The Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) is designed to ensure that candidates for the California Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential and Education Specialist Instruction Credential possess the knowledge and skills necessary to provide effective reading instruction.
The written exam is comprised of 3 subtests. Subtest 1 covers the domains Word Analysis and Fluency. Subtest 2 covers Vocabulary, Academic Language, and Background Knowledge, as well as Comprehension. Subtest 3 covers just one domain: Planning, Organizing, and Managing Reading Instruction Based on Ongoing Assessment.
The RICA Written exam is currently available in computer-based and online-proctored format. The computer-based exam must be taken in a testing center. The online-proctored exam can be taken remotely.
Instead of completing the written exam, candidates may choose to take the RICA Video Performance Assessment. This allows them to be evaluated based on classroom performance and involves them creating and submitting videos of themselves teaching reading.
2025 RICA Testing Costs*
Below is an overview of the 2025 RICA testing fees. Registration fees for California educator examinations are currently being waived for eligible California residents. Visit the official testing service website to learn more.
|
RICA Service |
Fees |
|
Registration for RICA Written Examination |
$57 per subtest |
|
Registration for RICA Video Performance Assessment |
$171 |
|
Change of registration |
No fee |
|
Additional copy of test results |
$10 per copy |
|
Score verification for constructed-response section |
$50 per subtest |
|
Fee to clear an account |
$20 |
2025 RICA Test Dates*
Computer-based testing for the RICA Written exam is available at testing centers year-round by appointment, Monday through Saturday (excluding some holidays), on a first-come, first-served basis during the testing windows listed below.
|
RICA Test Dates - Computer-Based |
Results Release Date |
|
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 |
Online-proctored testing is available by appointment during one-week testing windows each month. Testing windows are listed below.
|
RICA Test Dates - Online-Proctored |
Results Release Date |
|
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 |
For the RICA Video Performance Assessment, completed video packets and payment must be received by the deadline for results to be mailed out on the corresponding release date.
|
RICA Video Submission Deadline |
Results Release Date |
|
6/16/25 |
7/3/25 |
|
6/30/25 |
7/16/25 |
*This information is subject to change. All test-takers should visit the official RICA website at https://www.ctcexams.nesinc.com to confirm fees, registration, and testing requirements before enrolling.
