Computer-based testing for Foundations of Reading is available year-round by appointment on a first-come, first-served basis at testing centers or participating local agencies. Alternatively, online-proctored testing is offered remotely and is available by appointment during one-week testing windows. Testing windows are listed below.
Not all testing centers are open on all dates and registration policies may apply. All test-takers should visit the official Foundations of Reading testing service website (www.nestest.com) to confirm test dates, registration procedures and testing requirements.

FoRT Test-by Date - Computer-Based |
Results Release Date |
7/20/25 |
8/8/25 |
8/3/25 |
8/22/25 |
8/17/25 |
9/5/25 |
8/31/25 |
9/19/25 |
9/14/25 |
10/3/25 |
9/28/25 |
10/17/25 |
10/12/25 |
10/31/25 |
10/26/25 |
11/14/25 |
11/9/25 |
12/1/25 |
11/23/25 |
12/12/25 |
12/7/25 |
12/29/25 |
12/21/25 |
1/9/26 |
1/4/26 |
1/23/26 |
1/18/26 |
2/6/26 |
1/18/26 |
2/6/26 |
2/1/26 |
2/20/26 |
2/15/26 |
3/6/26 |
3/1/26 |
3/20/26 |
3/15/26 |
4/3/26 |
3/29/26 |
4/17/26 |
4/12/26 |
5/1/26 |
4/26/26 |
5/15/26 |
5/10/26 |
5/29/26 |
5/24/26 |
6/12/26 |
6/7/26 |
6/26/26 |
6/21/26 |
7/10/26 |
7/5/26 |
7/24/26 |
7/19/26 |
8/7/26 |
8/2/26 |
8/21/26 |
8/16/26 |
9/4/26 |
8/30/26 |
9/18/26 |
9/13/26 |
10/2/26 |
9/27/26 |
10/16/26 |
10/11/26 |
10/30/26 |
FoRT Test Dates - Online-Proctored |
Results Release Date |
Week of July 28, 2025 |
August 22, 2025 |
Week of August 25, 2025 |
September 19, 2025 |
Week of September 22, 2025 |
October 17, 2025 |
Week of October 20, 2025 |
November 14, 2025 |
Week of November 17, 2025 |
December 12, 2025 |
Week of December 15, 2025 |
January 9, 2026 |
Week of January 12, 2026 |
February 6, 2026 |
Week of February 9, 2026 |
March 6, 2026 |
Week of March 9, 2026 |
April 3, 2026 |
Week of April 6, 2026 |
May 1, 2026 |
Week of June 1, 2026 |
June 26, 2026 |
Week of June 29, 2026 |
July 24, 2026 |
Week of July 27, 2026 |
August 21, 2026 |
Week of August 24, 2026 |
September 18, 2026 |
Passing the Foundations of Reading is generally required to demonstrate your essential knowledge and skills prior to being a classroom teacher.
Begin by learning the deadline your prospective employer or educational institution has set. Then check the current test dates and results release schedule. Select a date that ensures your results will be available in time.
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 keep in mind that you must wait 30 days between attempts.
Plan to take the exam as early as possible, while still giving yourself enough time to prepare. To work out how much study time you need, view our free Foundations of Reading Study Guide to see what content is covered on your exam. Then take our free practice test to see how you’ll perform and identify any areas where you need to improve.