Foundations of Reading

The Foundations of Reading examination was approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing in August 2024 (see also PSA 24-10 ). This examination is consistent with the expectations for literacy instruction competence for beginning teachers.

This examination will become operational for California candidates effective July 1, 2025. This examination has been adopted to support candidates who need to demonstrate competency in literacy instruction after June 30, 2025, but who may not be able to complete the Literacy Performance Assessment because they are not in the classroom and/or may not have access to an appropriate classroom setting. These candidates include:

• Single Subject credential holders who want to add a Multiple Subject credential
• Private school teachers seeking Multiple Subject, PK–3 ECE Specialist Instruction, or Education Specialist credentials
• Teachers who are prepared in another country
• Teachers who hold a Preliminary credential with a RICA renewal code EPC 5F-5
• Multiple Subject and Education Specialist candidates who complete all other credential requirements except for the RICA by June 30, 2025
• Teachers who are prepared via Peace Corps Experience.

Candidates should visit the National Evaluation Series website to learn about the Foundations of Reading , including information on:

• date and appointment availability
• test center locations
• fees
• preparation materials
• passing score
• policies and rules

Please note that registration for this test can only be completed through the National Evaluation Series website. For more information about test registration and accessing test results, visit the National Evaluation Series website .