About

The Foundations of Reading test (test code 190) for Alabama assesses proficiency in and depth of understanding of the subject of reading and writing development. The test reflects scientifically based reading research.

Who Needs to Take the Test?

The Alabama State Board of Education has approved Foundations of Reading 190 as the foundational reading assessment required for certification in Elementary Education (K–6), Early Childhood Education (P–3), and Collaborative Special Education (K-6).

The requisite score on Foundations of Reading 190 will be a certification requirement for:

• Individuals unconditionally admitted to an Alabama-Approved Class B or Alternative A program in Elementary Education (K–6), Early Childhood Education (P–3), or Collaborative Special Education (K–6);
• Individuals seeking Alabama certification based upon the Certificate Reciprocity Approach (wherein test scores are used to meet certification requirements) in Elementary Education (K–6), Early Childhood Education (P–3), and/or Collaborative Special Education (K–6);
• Individuals who meet eligibility requirements and are seeking to expand the certification areas on their valid Alabama Professional Educator Certificate to include Elementary Education (K–6), Early Childhood Education (P–3), and/or Collaborative Special Education (K–6); and
• Individuals seeking Alabama certification based upon the Foreign Credentials Approach in Elementary Education (K–6), Early Childhood Education (P–3), and/or Collaborative Special Education (K–6).

AIM ID Required for Registration

Registration for the Foundations of Reading test requires an Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) assigned AIM ID. An individual who has completed the background review process or had any scores submitted to the ALSDE should have a valid ALSDE-assigned AIM ID. To search for the AIM ID, please visit TCERT - Search Certificates (alsde.edu) .

Test Information

Format

Computer-based test (CBT) and online proctored test; 100 multiple-choice questions, 2 written assignments

Time

Computer-Based Testing
4 hours and 15 minutes total appointment time

• 15 minutes for CBT tutorial and nondisclosure agreement
• 4 hours testing time

Online Proctoring
4 hours and 30 minutes total appointment time

• 15 minutes for tutorial and nondisclosure agreement
• 2 hours 30 minutes for the multiple-choice questions
• 15 minutes for optional break
• 1 hour 30 minutes for the open-response assignments

Breaks

Computer-Based Testing
You may take restroom breaks during testing. Time taken for breaks is considered part of the available testing time.

Online Proctoring
Optional 15-minute break between multiple-choice section and open-response section

Dates

Computer-Based Testing
By appointment, year round. Test appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Check seat availability .

Online Proctoring
By appointment with an online proctor during one-week testing windows each month

Test Sites

Computer-Based Testing
CBT sites are located nationwide. Locate a test center .

Online Proctoring
You may test remotely, including from home. Review system and testing environment requirements .

Passing Score

233

Test Fees

$139
Review payment information.

Score Reporting

Computer-Based Testing
View score report dates.
Candidates will receive a receipt of completion at the conclusion of their test center appointment.

Online Proctoring
Review score report release dates.
Candidates taking an online-proctored test will not receive a receipt of completion when their test ends.

Notes

This test includes written assignments that may require use of an on-screen character selector for inserting special characters into written responses.

Testing Policies

When you register, you must agree to abide by all testing rules and policies.
Read them now.

Prepare

View the tutorials and preparation materials available for this test.

Tests may include test questions that are being evaluated for future administrations and that do not affect a candidate's score.