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The Virginia Department of Education has contracted with the Evaluation Systems group of Pearson to create and administer the Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment® (VCLA™), which measures the communication and literacy skills necessary for Virginia educators. Learn more.
Who Is Required to Take the Test?
On April 8, 2024, the Governor of Virginia approved House Bill 731, which eliminates the Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA) as a requirement for initial licensure. This assessment requirement remains in effect through June 30, 2024. Effective July 1, 2024, individuals will no longer be required to pass the VCLA as a requirement for initial licensure.
After June 30, 2024, individuals who have been cited for the VCLA, and who have completed all other initial licensure requirements, may submit a request to update their evaluation and be issued a full, renewable license. Individuals who are employed in a Virginia educational agency should work directly with their employing agency’s human resources or licensure representative in submitting this request.
For information about VCLA testing requirements and exemption criteria, please refer to the Virginia Department of Education's guidance provided in the document Assessment Requirements for Virginia Licensure .
Test Information
Online proctoring is available for this test. You may test remotely, including from home.
Is online proctoring right for me? Read more about online proctoring, including important policies and requirements.
- Reading subtest (091): approximately 40 multiple-choice items
- Writing subtest (092): approximately 40 multiple-choice items, 3 short-answer items, 1 written summary assignment, and 1 written composition assignment
4 hours and 15 minutes total appointment time, for one or both subtests
- 15 minutes for CBT tutorial and nondisclosure agreement
- 4 hours testing time, for one or both subtests
Tutorial and nondisclosure agreement: 15 minutes
- Reading subtest only: 2 hours
- Writing subtest only: 3 hours
- Both subtests combined: 2 hours 30 minutes for the Writing subtest; 15 minute break; then 1 hour 30 minutes for the Reading subtest
You may take restroom breaks during testing. Time taken for breaks is considered part of the available testing time.
- Reading subtest only: No breaks allowed
- Writing subtest only: No breaks allowed
- Both subtests combined: 15-minute break between subtests
By appointment year-round, Monday through Saturday (excluding some holidays).
Check appointment availability .
By appointment with an online proctor during one-week testing windows each month.
Located in Virginia and nationwide. Locate a test center .
You may test remotely, including from home. Review system and testing environment requirements .
Both subtests: 470
Scores are released within 10 business days of testing.
Candidates will receive a receipt of completion at the conclusion of their test center appointment.
Scores are released within 10 business days of testing.
Examinees taking an online-proctored test will not receive a receipt of completion when their test ends.
Read them now.
Tests may include test questions that are being evaluated for future administrations and that do not affect a candidate's score.
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