RICA

This page provides access to all the key info you need as a RICA test-taker, including 2024 exam dates, testing center locations, fees, registration info and prep resources.

You can also view our free RICA Study Guides for a concise, bullet-pointed listing of exactly which topics appear on your exam. Then take our free RICA Practice Tests to see your current likelihood of passing and a breakdown of your individual strengths and weaknesses.

Need help preparing? We offer live RICA Prep Courses, one-on-one Tutoring, and self-paced Online Prep.

  • Subtest 1: Word Analysis and Fluency. Subtest 2: Vocabulary, Academic Language and Background Knowledge; Comprehension. Subtest 3: Planning, Organization, and Managing Reading Instruction Based on Ongoing Assessment.
  • Subtests 1 and 2: 35 multiple-choice and 2 constructed response questions per subtest; Subtest 3: 25 multiple-choice and 1 case study
  • Subtests 1 and 2: 1 hour and 15 minutes per subtest; Subtest 3: 1 hour and 30 minutes
  • 220 per subtest (scaled score)

RICA Overview

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.

RICA Testing Costs

2024 RICA Testing Costs*

Below is an overview of the 2024 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

 

RICA Test Dates

2024 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
9/16/24-9/29/24 10/9/24
9/30/24-10/13/24 10/23/24
10/14/24-10/27/24 11/6/24
10/28/24-11/10/24 11/20/24
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

 

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 October 7, 2024 October 23, 2024
Week of November 4, 2024 November 20, 2024
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

 

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
10/24/24 11/15/24
3/6/25 3/28/25
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.

Not sure how you’ll perform on the exam? Start by viewing our free RICA Study Guide to get a concise overview of exactly what subject matter will appear on your exam. Then take our free, full-length RICA Practice Test with diagnostics to see your overall likelihood of passing and identify any areas in which you may need to improve.

Our Core Plus Online Prep Programs feature: 

  • instructional videos that teach you the exact content you need to pass
  • interactive practice tests that replicate the real exam
  • virtual tutoring videos that guide you through every practice question
  • advanced diagnostics that offer in-depth insights into your strengths and weaknesses
Learn more about RICA Online Prep

 

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