RICA Test Info | 2025 Dates, Fees, Testing Locations & Prep Resources

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.

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
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 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.