RICA

Education Code Section 44283 requires the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) to "develop, adopt, and administer a reading instruction competence assessment . . . to measure an individual's knowledge, skill, and ability relative to effective reading instruction." Evaluation Systems was contracted by the CTC to assist in the development, administration, and scoring of this assessment, which is known as the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment® (RICA®).

The goal of reading instruction is to develop competent, thoughtful readers who are able to use, interpret, and appreciate all types of text. Beginning teachers need to be able to deliver effective reading instruction that

• is based on the results of ongoing assessment;

• reflects knowledge of state and local reading standards for different grade levels;

• represents a balanced, comprehensive reading curriculum;

• is sensitive to the needs of all students.

The purpose of the RICA is to ensure that California candidates for Multiple Subject Teaching Credentials and Education Specialist Instruction Credentials (special education) possess the knowledge and skills important for the provision of effective reading instruction to students.

The set of teacher knowledge and skills described in the RICA Content Specifications and reflected in the RICA is organized into the following five domains:

• Domain 1: Planning, Organizing, and Managing Reading Instruction Based on Ongoing Assessment

• Domain 2: Word Analysis

• Domain 3: Fluency

• Domain 4: Vocabulary, Academic Language, and Background Knowledge

• Domain 5: Comprehension

Source: https://www.ctcexams.nesinc.com/PageView.aspx?f=GEN_AboutRICA.html 

Topics

• Domain 1: Planning, Organizing, and Managing Reading Instruction Based on Ongoing Assessment

• Domain 2: Word Analysis

• Domain 3: Fluency

• Domain 4: Vocabulary, Academic Language, and Background Knowledge

• Domain 5: Comprehension

Subtests

• Subtest 1: 35 multiple-choice questions and 2 constructed-response questions (domain 2+3) 

• Subtest 2: 35 multiple-choice questions and 2 constructed-response questions (domain 4+5)

• Subtest 3: 25 multiple-choice questions and 1 case study (domain 1)

Testing Session Timeframe

• Subtests 1 and 2: 1 hour and 15 minutes per subtest

• Subtest 3: 1 hour and 30 minutes

• If you register to take more than one subtest in a single session at a CBT test center, you will be presented with one subtest at a time. Subtests are individually timed and are administered in consecutive order beginning with Subtest 1. After you complete a subtest, you will not be able to return to a subtest

Testing Fees

The cost for the computer-based test is $57 per subtest. 

Passing Scores

220 per subtest 

Source: https://www.ctcexams.nesinc.com/TestView.aspx?f=HTML_FRAG/CA_RICA_Written_TestPage.html 

Finding testing centers and appointments can be a little tricky. Here is a short screencast that shows how you can find testing appointments prior to signing up or paying. 

Website: https://home.pearsonvue.com/ 

How long do I need to wait between attempts?

The waiting period between subtest attempts is 45 days. This applies to specific subsets. For example, if you take subtest 1, you need to wait 45 days to retake that subtest. However, you may take subtests 2 and/or 3 immediately. 

Which version of the assessment should I register for?

We recommend that you take the written examination rather than the Video Performance Assessment. While either version would meet the credential requirement, we believe you will have a higher likelihood of passing the written version.

Release Dates

Find the CTC website with all testing release dates here. Make sure to scroll down to the RICA section. 

Topics

• Domain 1: Planning, Organizing, and Managing Reading Instruction Based on Ongoing Assessment

• Domain 2: Word Analysis

• Domain 3: Fluency

• Domain 4: Vocabulary, Academic Language, and Background Knowledge

• Domain 5: Comprehension

Subtests

• Subtest 1: 35 multiple-choice questions and 2 constructed-response questions (domain 2+3) 

• Subtest 2: 35 multiple-choice questions and 2 constructed-response questions (domain 4+5)

• Subtest 3: 25 multiple-choice questions and 1 case study (domain 1)

Testing Session Timeframe

• Subtests 1 and 2: 1 hour and 15 minutes per subtest

• Subtest 3: 1 hour and 30 minutes

• If you register to take more than one subtest in a single session at a CBT test center, you will be presented with one subtest at a time. Subtests are individually timed and are administered in consecutive order beginning with Subtest 1. After you complete a subtest, you will not be able to return to a subtest

Testing Fees

The cost for the computer-based test is $57 per subtest. 

Passing Scores

220 per subtest 

Source: https://www.ctcexams.nesinc.com/TestView.aspx?f=HTML_FRAG/CA_RICA_Written_TestPage.html