About the OAE Foundations of Reading (Test 090)

The Ohio Assessment for Educators Foundations of Reading exam (Test 090) is administered by Pearson on behalf of the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. It is designed to assess whether prospective Ohio educators possess the knowledge and skills in the science of reading necessary to support early literacy development in PreK–3 classrooms and intervention settings.

Ohio adopted the Foundations of Reading assessment requirement to align with research-based reading instruction mandates, including Ohio's Third Grade Reading Guarantee. Candidates who teach young learners must demonstrate mastery of structured literacy concepts — from phonological awareness through reading comprehension — before earning their license.

The exam applies to candidates pursuing the following Ohio licenses and endorsements:

• Early Childhood Education (PreK–3)
• Intervention Specialist (mild/moderate and moderate/intensive)
• Reading Endorsement
• Multi-Age licenses where reading instruction is a core component

Understanding the full scope of what Test 090 measures is the first step toward focused, efficient preparation.

Exam Format and Structure

The OAE Foundations of Reading exam follows a standardized computer-based format administered at Pearson VUE testing centers across Ohio and nationally. Here is a detailed breakdown of the test structure:

• Total Questions: 101 — 100 multiple-choice questions and 1 constructed-response assignment
• Time Allowed: 4 hours (240 minutes)
• Question Format: Multiple-choice items are single best-answer; the constructed-response asks candidates to analyze a reading scenario and provide a written instructional response
• Computer-Based Testing: Delivered via Pearson VUE at approved test centers; no paper-based option
• Score Scale: 100–300 scaled score
• Passing Score: 220

The 4-hour window gives candidates an average of approximately 2.3 minutes per multiple-choice item plus time to compose the written response. Most test-takers find the constructed-response component — which requires applied analysis of a reading sample — to be the most demanding portion.

Passing Score and How OAE Scoring Works

The OAE Foundations of Reading exam uses a scaled score system ranging from 100 to 300. The passing score established by the Ohio State Board of Education is 220. A raw score (number of correct answers and the quality of the constructed response) is converted to the scaled score using a statistical equating process, which accounts for slight variations in difficulty across test forms.

The constructed-response item is scored holistically by trained raters on a 0–3 scale. It requires candidates to read a provided reading scenario (often a student work sample or instructional vignette) and write a response demonstrating their ability to analyze a student's reading development and recommend research-based instructional next steps. A score of 0 is given for blank, off-topic, or incoherent responses.

Score Reporting Timeline

Unofficial score results are typically available within 3 to 5 weeks after your test date through the Ohio OAE candidate portal at ohio.nesinc.com. Official scores are transmitted directly to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce for license verification purposes. If you do not pass, score reports include diagnostic sub-score information by content subarea to guide your retake preparation.

Ohio Teacher Licensing and the Third Grade Reading Guarantee

Passing Test 090 is a prerequisite for Ohio licensure in early childhood education and intervention specialist roles. It fits into a broader Ohio teacher preparation and licensure process that includes:

1. Completion of an approved Ohio educator preparation program (or out-of-state equivalent review)
2. Passing all required OAE subject-area assessments for your license type — including Test 090 for reading-focused roles
3. Passing the OAE Assessment of Professional Knowledge (APK) for your developmental level
4. Background check clearance through the Ohio BCI and FBI
5. Application submission to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce through the CORE portal

Ohio's Third Grade Reading Guarantee (HB 497) mandates that all K–3 students reading significantly below grade level be identified and supported — and that teachers working with those students have demonstrated reading science knowledge. Test 090 is a direct response to that legislative mandate, ensuring that all newly licensed early childhood and intervention specialist educators in Ohio meet a research-backed standard for literacy instruction.

OAE Foundations of Reading vs. MTEL and Praxis Reading Tests

Ohio's Test 090 is structurally and conceptually similar to two other widely used reading foundations assessments: Massachusetts's MTEL Foundations of Reading and the Praxis Reading for Virginia Educators. All three are rooted in the same body of reading science research. Here is how they compare:

If you have already passed the MTEL Foundations of Reading, you are well-positioned for Test 090 — the content overlap is substantial. However, Ohio does not grant reciprocal credit for passing the MTEL; you must sit for Test 090 separately to earn Ohio licensure.