The current RICA examination will be retired on July 1, 2025, and will no longer be available. Please review details on this page.
RICA Test Preparation Resources
The University of Redlands has not evaluated the following resources nor do we have information regarding their success rate.
The resources are not endorsed by the University of Redlands. They are provided here for your research and exploration. This list is not reflective of all RICA resources available.
In addition to the resources below, you may consider purchasing a test prep book and searching for video tutorials.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are two RICA assessment options:
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 reading standards for different grade levels, represents a balanced, comprehensive reading curriculum, and is sensitive to the needs of all students.
The purpose of the RICA is to ensure that California-trained candidates for Multiple Subject Teaching Credentials and Education Specialist Instruction Credentials possess the knowledge and skills important for the provision of effective reading instruction to students.
Both the RICA Written Examination and the RICA Video Performance Assessment are based on the same set of teacher knowledge and skills important for the provision of effective reading instruction to students. These competencies, described in the RICA Content Specifications, are 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
The RICA Content Specifications were developed by the CTC's RICA Design Team, consisting of California teachers, administrators, reading specialists, and teacher educators with experience and expertise in the areas of reading and reading instruction. Draft RICA Content Specifications were the subject of a field review in which approximately 1,900 California teachers and teacher educators judged the importance of the proposed competencies. The RICA Design Team used the results of the field review to finalize the RICA Content Specifications, which were subsequently adopted by the CTC.
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RICA Exam (written option) |
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RICA Exam (video performance option) |
Content Specification & Information Guide (video performance) |
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RICA Study Guide |
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Distanceprep.com |
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240 Tutoring |
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Teacher’s Test Prep |
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Study.com |
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Quizlet |
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Cram.com |
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San Diego County Office of Education |
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COST |
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Teacher’s Test Prep* |
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Mometrix |
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Mometrix |
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Study.com |
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Teachers Pay Teachers |
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*30% discount on Teacher's Test Prep courses if you sign up through Riverside County Office of Education
Are you in need of testing accommodations?
You can request alternative testing arrangements from Pearson Education. See information on the request process for the Written Examination or the Video Performance Assessment.
When do I need to pass the RICA exam?
The current RICA examination will be retired on July 1, 2025, and will no longer be available. Candidates will either need to pass all three subtests of the written examination or the video performance assessment of the RICA examination before July 1, 2025, or prepare to complete the new assessment.
Please view the important dates below:
- June 30, 2025: RICA expires, no longer available.
- July 1, 2025: The new Commission-adopted Literacy Performance Assessment becomes operational. Candidates who attempt or have attempted RICA but do not pass either all three subtests of the written examination or the video performance assessment, will be required to instead pass the Commission-adopted Literacy Performance Assessment, called CalTPA-Cycle 2 (version 8).
- July 3, 2025: The new CalTPA-Cycle 2 (version 8) will be implemented.
Consider action items below for specified student groups:
| Student Groups | Assessment Requirement | Action Item |
|---|---|---|
| New students entering the program advancing to student-teaching, internship, or residency on or after Fall 2025 | Literacy Performance Assessment (New CalTPA-Cycle 2 - version 8) required RICA not required |
Register and pass the Literacy Performance Assessment (New CalTPA Cycle 2 - version 8) |
| Current or LOA-returning students who are student-teaching, interning, or enrolled in residency Fall 2024 or/and Spring 2025 | RICA required | Register and pass the RICA before June 30, 2025* |
| Students who completed the program, passed current TPA cycles (version 7), and have NOT passed the RICA | RICA required | Register and pass the RICA before June 30, 2025* |
| Students who completed the program, but have not successfully passed CalTPA-Cycle 2 (version 7) or RICA | RICA required CalTPA-Cycle 2 (version 7) required |
Register and pass the RICA before June 30, 2025* Register and pass CalTPA-Cycle 2 (version 7) by July 3, 2025* |
| Students who completed the program, passed RICA, but NOT passed CalTPA-Cycle 2 | CalTPA-Cycle 2 (version 7) required | Register and pass CalTPA-Cycle 2 (version 7) by July 3, 2025* |
* Failure to meet the deadlines noted above will result in the necessity to complete the Commission-adopted Literacy Performance Assessment, called CalTPA-Cycle 2 (version 8)
Do I need to pass the RICA exam to graduate?
The RICA is a credential requirement, not a program requirement, therefore it is not required to graduate, to receive your degree, or to participate in the Commencement Ceremony.
See Graduation Requirements for more information.