RICA Transition Frequently Asked Questions

If choosing to use RICA to demonstrate competence in reading instructions, candidates must either pass all 3 RICA Written Examination subtests OR pass the RICA Video Performance Assessment for successful completion of the RICA requirement. As of July 1, 2025, candidates may instead pass a Commission-adopted literacy performance assessment (CalTPA Literacy Performance Assessment; Education Specialist CalTPA Literacy Performance Assessment, edTPA Multiple Subject Literacy with Mathematics; edTPA Education Specialist Specialist, Literacy: MMSN/ESN, or FAST: Site Visitation Project with Literacy Performance Assessment) or pass the Foundations of Reading examination.

No, you cannot combine results to obtain a passing RICA score. Each examination is scored independently, and you must pass the complete version of whichever one you choose.

The last day to register for and take any subtest of the RICA Written Examination or the RICA Video Performance Assessment is October 31, 2025. After this date, the RICA will no longer be offered.

Current and prospective candidates who wish to take the RICA to meet the credential requirement for reading instruction competence must take either all three subtests of the Written Examination or the Video Performance Assessment by October 31, 2025, and receive a passing score. Passing information will be available in your account at 10 p.m. (PST) on the test results release date that corresponds to your testing date.

At the August 2024 Commission meeting, new options were adopted for candidates who need to demonstrate competence in reading instruction. Candidates may

1. take a Commission-approved performance assessment that includes literacy instruction (CalTPA Literacy Performance Assessment; Education Specialist CalTPA Literacy Performance Assessment, edTPA Multiple Subject Literacy with Mathematics; edTPA Education Specialist Specialist, Literacy: MMSN/ESN, or FAST: Site Visitation Project with Literacy Performance Assessment)
2. take Foundations of Reading (see also PSA 24-10 ) after October 31, 2025, for:
   1. Teachers who hold a Preliminary credential with a RICA renewal code.
   2. Multiple Subject, Education Specialist, and PK–3 ECE Specialist candidates who by October 31, 2025, complete all other credential requirements except for the RICA.
   3. Single Subject credential holders who want to add a Multiple Subject credential.
   4. Private school teachers seeking a Multiple Subject credential.
   5. Teachers who are prepared in another country.
   6. Teachers who are prepared via Peace Corps Volunteer Experience.

There is currently no option to meet the RICA requirement through coursework.

Test results are available for 2 years in your account. Once the 2-year period has passed, you may request additional copies of your test results by submitting a completed reprint request form.

You may request additional copies of your test results by submitting a completed reprint request form.