Elementary (K-6) and Special Education General Curriculum licensure in NC requires the following: Pearson Test 090 – Foundations of Reading (required score 229) OR Pearson Test 190 – Foundations of Reading (required score 233). FoRT 090 was retired on July 31, 2023. Note that 090 tests passed on or before July 31, 2023 will meet the licensure testing requirement (for license applications submitted prior to August 1, 2026-3 years after retirement of the test). The Foundations of Reading Test 190 includes all content related to the prior version as well as science of reading components. It is the individual’s responsibility to know current testing requirements. Select East Carolina University (Code 5180) during registration so scores will be reported to ECU’s program.
NC Department of Public Instruction Licensure: Professional Educator’s Licensure
Up-to-date licensure test requirements in NC
The Foundations of Reading Test (Test 190) is a Computer-based test (CBT) consisting of 100 multiple-choice questions and 2 open-response assignments. There are in-person and online testing options. The testing appointment takes 4 hours and 15 minutes (15 minute tutorial and paperwork, 4 hours of test time). A passing score is 233 or higher.
Foundations of Reading Test (190) Framework
Subareas/Domains. Each subarea represents a subject-matter area (content domain) of a test, composed of one or more test objectives. The subareas structure the subject matter for both test preparation and score reporting. Together, the subareas indicate the main areas of knowledge and skills important for the effective beginning teacher. Subareas include: 1) Foundations of Reading Development, 2) Development of Reading Comprehension, 3) Reading Assessment and Instruction, and 4) Integration of Knowledge and Understanding/Open Response.
Objectives/Competencies. The objectives are the key elements of the test structure. They are intended to be broad, meaningful statements of the knowledge and skills important for effective beginning teachers. The objectives define the range of knowledge and skills to be measured by the test.
Descriptive statements. The descriptive statements further define each objective. A descriptive statement provides more detailed information about the content of an objective by including examples of the types of knowledge and skills covered by the objective. Descriptive statements are intended to provide only examples of the content of an objective and do not cover the entire range of knowledge and skills represented by an objective.
Test questions. The test questions, which may be either multiple-choice questions or open-response assignments, are designed to measure specific content defined by one of the objectives. The following example illustrates the relationship of a multiple-choice question to its corresponding objective and descriptive statement in the Foundations of Reading test.
When to Take the Test?
Coursework in ELEM, SPED and READ complement one another, providing a solid framework for showcasing your knowledge on the test. Check with your program area advisor for their recommendation.
If Reading Education/Concentration Licensure: the recommendation is to take the test after taking READ 3000, READ 3501, READ 3502 and READ 5316 or READ 3550. While important, READ 5317 and READ 4000 are not as closely aligned to the test. Make sure you have checked with your program advisor to determine the ELEM and/or SPED coursework that can also help prepare you for the test.
If NOT Reading Education/Concentration Licensure: the recommendation is to take the test after READ 3501 and READ 3502; however, make sure you have checked with your program advisor to determine the ELEM and/or SPED coursework that can also help prepare you for the test.
Resources
ECU LEHE Foundations of Reading Test Preparation Course: This 5-week online course is facilitated by faculty in the READ program area from the Department of Literacy Studies, English Education, and History Education. It covers all four subareas of the Foundations of Reading Test 190. Participants engage with targeted test-taking tips, readings, and practice activities designed as well as providing study resources to prepare you to take the test with confidence. While the course is mostly self-paced, a few check-ins and due dates with faculty feedback will help you stay on track and get the most out of this online course. The course is typically offered several times per semester and in the summer.
Sign up for this course here: https://continuing-ed-registration.ecu.edu/search/publicCourseSearchDetails.do?method=load&courseId=1080619&selectedProgramAreaId=1025660&selectedProgramStreamId=1025664
Student Foundations of Reading Test On-Campus Workshop: ECU LEHE Faculty offer in-person Foundations of Reading Test Preparation Workshops for ECU-enrolled students with the support of the College of Education and the Margaret Blount Harvey Literacy Institute. Options include on-campus Saturday sessions, online webinar series, or request facilitation of an in-person session at your school/district. Contact Dr. Elizabeth Swaggerty (swaggertye@ecu.edu) for information or to request our facilitation of a session at your school/district.
240Tutoring: ECU College of Education sponsors access to a online tutoring assistance to prepare for Licensure Exams. Interested students can submit a registration request here. Once registered, users have 30 days to complete registration. For questions, please email COEAdvising@ecu.edu
Foundations of Reading Test Website: The website features test strategies; several practice questions (both multiple choice and open response), and a FULL practice test. https://www.nc.nesinc.com/TestView.aspx?f=HTML_FRAG/SA190_TestPage.html
Questions? Contact Dr. Elizabeth Swaggerty (swaggertye@ecu.edu).
Back to the LEHE Department Website.