Wisconsin Foundations of Reading Test

The Wisconsin Foundations of Reading test is an exam intended for prospective Kindergarten through 5th-grade teachers, reading specialists, and reading teachers in the State of Wisconsin. The purpose of the Foundations of Reading test is to ensure potential reading teachers and specialists are able to adequately demonstrate their knowledge and skills in reading instruction.

In order to qualify for an initial teaching credential in the State of Wisconsin, you will need to sit for the Foundations of Reading test. However, keep in mind that the Foundations of Reading test is only one part of the teacher credentialing process. Check with your teacher preparation education program to ensure you are meeting all requirements for teacher licensure. Additionally, check the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) website for additional testing requirements.

Wisconsin Foundations of Reading Study Guide and Flashcards

Get practice questions, detailed study lessons, and complex subjects broken down into easily understandable concepts.

Study Guide

How do I register to take the Foundations of Reading test?

In order to sit for the Foundations of Reading test, you will need to register for the test via the Wisconsin National Evaluation Series (NES) website. The Foundations of Reading test is offered year-round by appointment only. In terms of testing locations, Pearson Evaluations Systems test centers are available across the country, so be sure to check the NES website for potential test centers near you.   

What fees are associated with the Foundations of Reading test?

The Foundations of Reading test costs $139. You can pay the test fees using a credit or debit card when you register for the test online. If you need to pay by check, you will need to contact Evaluation Systems to arrange payment.

Your registration will remain valid for a year after your date of registration. If you do not take the test within a year of registration, and you allow your registration to expire, you will not receive a refund or credit and will need to complete the registration process again. 

What is a passing score for the Foundations of Reading test?

You must receive a score of 240 or higher to reach the Foundations of Reading Benchmark in the State of Wisconsin. This means that you need to receive at least a 240 in order to earn your initial teacher licensure in Wisconsin.

If you do not pass the Foundations of Reading test on your first attempt, you can retake the test; however, you will have to wait at least 30 days, and you will need to complete the registration process again. In terms of score reporting, check the NES website for specific score report dates.


Ad for a Mometrix online course

What does the Foundations of Reading test cover?

The Foundations of Reading test is a computer-based test and consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and 2 written responses. You will be allotted a total of 4 hours to complete the test.

The test is divided into several subareas, each covering specific objectives, and each weighted at a different percentage. The subareas, objective ranges, topics, and approximate weighted percentages are as follows:

  • Multiple-choice questions
    • Foundations of reading development: objectives 01-04, approximately 35%
      • Covering phonological and phonemic awareness; promotion of phonological and phonemic awareness; phonological processing in reading development; concepts of print; alphabetic principle; role of phonics in promotion of reading development; word analysis, and related topics
    • Development of reading comprehension: objectives 05-07, approximately 27%
      • Covering vocabulary development; development of academic language; application of reading comprehension skills to literary texts; application of reading comprehension skills to expository texts, and related topics
    • Reading assessment and instruction: objectives 08-09, approximately 18%
      • Covering formal and informal reading assessment methods; comprehension of multiple reading instruction approaches; close reading; phonic skills, and related topics
  • Written responses (open-response)
    • Integration of knowledge and understanding: objective 10, approximately 20%
      • Including the preparation of a developed, organized analysis on a topic related to foundations of reading development, reading comprehension development, reading assessment, or reading instruction

Test Preparation

Now that you have a good understanding of the fees, content, and overall structure of the Wisconsin Foundations of Reading test, you need to begin preparing. The most effective means of ensuring you pass the Foundations of Reading test on your first attempt is to thoroughly prepare using the most comprehensive materials you can find. Mometrix Test Preparation’s Foundations of Reading Test Secrets study guide contains just the materials you need.  

In the Foundations of Reading Test Secrets study guide, you get actual Foundations of Reading test content, along with expert tips for improving recall, reducing anxiety, and enhancing test performance. In addition to the Foundations of Reading Test Secrets study guide, Mometrix offers a Foundations of Reading Practice Test and a complete set of Foundations of Reading Test Flashcards. Read the Foundations of Reading Test Secrets study guide, evaluate your knowledge using the Foundations of Reading Test Flashcards and Practice Test, and pass the Wisconsin Foundations of Reading test on your first attempt.

Online Wisconsin Foundations of Reading Prep Course

If you want to be fully prepared, Mometrix offers an online WI Foundations of Reading Prep Course. The course is designed to provide you with any and every resource you might want while studying. The Foundations of Reading Course includes:

  • Review Lessons Covering All the Topics
  • 400+ Foundations of Reading Practice Questions
  • More than 300 Digital Flashcards
  • Over 40 Instructional Videos
  • Money-back Guarantee
  • Free Mobile Access
  • and More!

The WI Foundations of Reading Prep Course is designed to help any learner get everything they need to prepare for their WI Foundations of Reading exam. Click below to check it out!