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Exam Overview
An Overview of the Exam
Format, content, and scoring
The OAE Foundations of Reading (190) test assesses a candidate's knowledge of the scientific foundations of reading and the ability to apply that knowledge to instruction and assessment. It is administered by the Evaluation Systems group of Pearson on behalf of the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce and is required for Ohio licenses that include early reading instruction.
100
Multiple-choice questions
2
Open-response assignments
4 hr
Testing time
220
Passing scaled score
Exam Pattern and Key Details
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Administering body | Evaluation Systems group of Pearson, for the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce |
| Format | Computer-based test (CBT) |
| Questions | 100 multiple-choice questions (four answer choices each) and 2 open-response assignments |
| Time | 4 hours of testing time; the appointment also includes a 15-minute tutorial and nondisclosure agreement |
| Scoring | Scaled score from 100 to 300; 220 is the passing score |
| Delivery | Pearson VUE testing centers; online proctored testing may also be offered (confirm when registering) |
| Fee | $139 (confirm the current fee on the official OAE website) |
Content Areas
The test framework is organized into four subareas and 11 objectives. Subareas I to III are assessed with multiple-choice questions; Subarea IV is assessed with the two open-response assignments.
| Subarea | Objectives | Share of score |
|---|---|---|
| I. Foundations of Reading Development | 0001 Language and emergent literacy · 0002 Beginning reading skills (phonics) · 0003 Word analysis · 0004 Fluency | 35% |
| II. Development of Reading Comprehension | 0005 Academic language and vocabulary · 0006 Literary texts · 0007 Informational texts | 27% |
| III. Reading Assessment and Instruction | 0008 Assessment of reading development · 0009 Reading instruction | 18% |
| IV. Integration of Knowledge and Understanding | 0010 Foundational reading skills analysis · 0011 Reading comprehension analysis (open response) | 20% |
Share of the total score by subarea
Foundations of Reading Development — 35%Multiple choice
Development of Reading Comprehension — 27%Multiple choice
Reading Assessment and Instruction — 18%Multiple choice
Integration of Knowledge (open response) — 20%Two written assignments
Why This Exam Matters
Promote Literacy
Build students' foundational skills in phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
Support Diverse Learners
Tailor instruction for English learners, students with reading difficulties including dyslexia, and advanced readers.
Use Data Well
Select and interpret assessments, then plan instruction within a multi-tiered system of supports.
Meet Licensure Requirements
A passing score is required for Ohio licenses that include reading instruction.
Preparation Is Key
The test measures applied knowledge: most questions describe a classroom situation or student data and ask for the best instructional decision. Knowing the framework and practicing with scenario-based questions is the most efficient path to a passing score.Finished reading?
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