Literacy Certification Assessments Statutory Assessment Requirement
Pursuant to 70 O.S. § 1210.508F, candidates seeking initial certification in Early Childhood, Elementary, or Special Education must successfully pass a comprehensive reading instruction assessment grounded in scientifically based reading research.
Assessment Transition Explanation
Teacher candidates currently have two exam options to fulfill state certification requirements, leading into a single mandatory standard:
Oklahoma Reading Test (ORT): Approved as an educator competency assessment for candidates who take and pass the exam on or before June 30, 2026. Candidates who pass the ORT by this date permanently fulfill the state reading assessment requirement, regardless of their graduation date.
Foundations of Reading (FOR - Exam 890): Foundations of Reading is the approved reading assessment for initial certification in Early Childhood, Elementary, and Special Education. The Oklahoma Reading Test (ORT) was available through June 30, 2026. Candidates enrolled in an EPP who passed the ORT by that date have met the requirement, even if they certify later.
Exam Format & Scholarship Opportunity
Format: Computer-Based Testing (CBT) consisting of 100 multiple-choice questions and 2 open-response written assignments (4 hours and 30 minutes total appointment time).
Scholarship Opportunity: Scholarships are available on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted. Candidates pay a $50 deposit at registration, refunded within 15 to 20 business days after testing.
Official Registration & Preparation Portals
Candidates register for Exam 890 through CEOE. See link below. A scaled score of 240 or above is passing. RightStart prep courses are $35 for 30 days or $70 for 90 days. See the scholarship note above.
CEOE Foundations of Reading (890) Registration & Test Information
Right Start for Foundations of Reading and Additional Preparation Materials
Recommended External Study & Professional Learning Resources
Reading Rockets 101 Self-Paced Course Modules: Free, self-paced professional development modules covering phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing.
IES What Works Clearinghouse Practice Guides:
