Reading Instruction Competency Assessment (RICA)

From the Commission on Teacher Credentialing:

"The RICA examination tests Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and Education Specialist Instruction Credential candidates' competence in the teaching of reading. Passage of the RICA is required for the initial issuance of Multiple Subject Teaching Credentials." 

In order to fulfill the RICA requirement, students should register for a RICA examination following completion of two courses (TEC-621 Early Literacy and TEC-612 Curriculum and Instruction: Reading and Language Arts) at www.csetexams.com. A free, online preparation course is offered at USF to prepare multiple subject candidates for the RICA exam. Candidates are strongly encouraged to participate in the online course to practice RICA essay questions and receive feedback from the instructor. The online prep course instructor visits literacy courses every semester to present a RICA overview and information on how to access the online prep course. In addition, we recommend Ready for the Revised RICA: A Test Preparation Guide for California’s Reading Instruction Competency Assessment (Zarrillo (2011) as an excellent study guide.

Due date: Completion required before recommendation for preliminary credential (after completing ST II/III, end of 3rd semester for most students).

Submit documentation of passing the RICA Exam to USF Credential Analyst at credentialanalyst@usfca.edu

For additional questions, please contact RICA Support Coordinator, Autumn Wagner.