FORT & RICA 2025 Updates: What You Need to Know

FORT & RICA 2025 Updates: What You Need to Know

Preparing for Teacher Certification in California and Beyond

Summary:
There's been a ton of new information released lately, but this is my best interpretation of the current legislation and announcements.  Please seek advice from the experts in your program for additional information.

In our latest webinar and Q&A session, I walked through the most important updates you need to know about the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA), the new Foundations of Reading Test (FORT), and how to plan your next steps. With the latest information from the California State Budget Act just released on July 1, 2025, we now have final guidance on how to meet the RICA requirement—or transition to the new assessments.  Please reach out to your county office of education or district office about your personal situation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is the RICA really going away?

Yes—but you still have some final chances. Assembly Bill 121 officially extends the RICA through October 31, 2025, and gives flexibility for candidates impacted by COVID-era credentialing policies. If you've already completed all your other program requirements (including passing your performance assessment), you still have time to take and pass the RICA until the end of October.

2. What if I was issued a RICA renewal code on my preliminary credential?

Good news. AB 121 allows you to clear your credential by either:

• Completing a Commission-approved induction program by June 30, 2026, or

• Showing two years of satisfactory service under your preliminary credential.

This mirrors the previous rule for candidates who had a performance assessment renewal code and now includes those with a RICA renewal code.

3. I got a 198 on the RICA. Can I now use that score?

Yes! If you received a score of 198 or higher on any version of the RICA since July 1, 2015, the Commission may now allow you to apply that toward your credential, thanks to the new minimum passing standard adopted in October 2024.

4. What happens after October 31, 2025?

On that date, the Commission's contract with the RICA exam vendor expires and the RICA will no longer be offered. After October 31, if you still need to meet the reading instruction requirement, you'll have two options:

• Pass the Foundations of Reading (FORT) Exam, or

• Pass a Literacy Performance Assessment developed by an approved model sponsor (CalTPA, edTPA, or FAST).

Transition to the FORT Exam

5. What is the FORT, and how is it different from the RICA?

The Foundations of Reading Test (FORT) is a science-of-reading-aligned exam that evaluates your knowledge of reading development, instruction, and assessment. It includes:

• 100 multiple-choice questions

• 2 constructed response prompts

• Coverage of oral language, morphology, structured analysis, and strategic vocabulary instruction

The FORT replaces the RICA in California and is already required in several other states.

6. What’s the passing score for the FORT?

California has currently set the passing score to 224 (standard is 240) during this transition. This change may help many test-takers succeed on their first attempt.

7. What’s on the FORT exam?

The test includes three key areas:

• Foundations of Reading Development (35%)

• Development of Reading Comprehension (27%)

• Reading Assessment and Instruction (18%)

• Two constructed responses (20%)

There are two written assignments that require analyzing data or instructional practices. The FORT also assesses your understanding of how oral language connects to reading development—a topic not covered in the RICA.

8. What study options do you offer?

I'm currently offering three flexible membership levels for my FORT Prep 101 course:

• Standard Yearly Membership – $147

• VIP Yearly Membership – $187 (includes writing feedback + priority support)

• Monthly Plan – $47/month (3-month minimum commitment)

9. I already joined RICA Prep 101—do I need to pay again?

If you're an active RICA Prep 101 member, you’ll continue to get access to the FORT course until your current membership expires. 

10. Where can I stay updated or get support?

You can:

• Subscribe to the new FORT Prep 101 YouTube Channel - coming soon

• Follow my email news broadcasts

• Join the FORT Prep Facebook Group for updates and community Q&A

11. Should I prepare for both exams?

If you're still deciding, I recommend preparing for the FORT since it covers all the core concepts from the RICA—and more. You'll be well-prepared for either, and your effort won’t be wasted.

Final Thoughts

I know how stressful it can be to track changing policies and new testing requirements. That's why I'm here to walk you through every step. Whether you're finishing your RICA journey or starting fresh with the FORT, you’ve got options—and support.

Reach out to me directly if you need help deciding your next steps, or join our FORT Waitlist here.

Emily Muccianti

Reading Specialist, Mentor & Coach
[email protected]