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Exam Overview
The AEPA Foundations of Reading (NT890) exam is a critical step in becoming a certified teacher in Arizona. Designed to assess your knowledge of essential reading instruction and assessment practices, this exam ensures that all future educators are prepared to support literacy development in diverse classrooms.
Administered By
- The exam is part of the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments (AEPA) program.
- It is administered through Pearson in partnership with the Arizona Department of Education.
Purpose of the Exam
- Evaluate your understanding of reading development, comprehension, and instructional practices.
- Confirm your readiness to teach foundational reading skills effectively.
- Ensure alignment with Arizona’s professional teaching standards and best practices in literacy instruction.
Exam Pattern and Structure
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Test Code | NT890 (Foundations of Reading; formerly numbered 190 in Arizona) |
| Test Format | Computer-based test (CBT) or online proctored test |
| Number of Questions | 100 multiple-choice questions + 2 open-response assignments |
| Testing Time | 4 hours of testing (2 hr 30 min multiple-choice, 1 hr 30 min open-response) plus a 15-minute tutorial; 4 hr 30 min total appointment with an optional 15-minute break |
| Scoring Range | 100–300 |
| Passing Score | 240 |
| Test Fee | $139 |
| Delivery Method | Pearson testing centers nationwide, or online proctoring from home |
| Availability | Year-round, by appointment |
Question Breakdown
The test framework has four subareas. The first three are tested with multiple-choice questions and the fourth with open-response assignments:
| Subarea | Objectives | Approximate Weight | Item Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| I. Foundations of Reading Development | 0001–0004 | 35% | 43–45 multiple-choice |
| II. Development of Reading Comprehension | 0005–0007 | 27% | 33–35 multiple-choice |
| III. Reading Assessment and Instruction | 0008–0009 | 18% | 21–23 multiple-choice |
| IV. Integration of Knowledge and Understanding | 0010–0011 | 20% | 2 open-response |
In addition, Subarea IV, Integration of Knowledge and Understanding (about 20% of the score), has two open-response assignments: one on foundational reading skills and one on reading comprehension. Each asks you to analyze information about a student and plan instruction.
Why This Exam Matters
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