VCLA Pass Rate, Format & Study Guide

The VCLA has a reading subtest (091) of about 40 multiple-choice items and a writing subtest (092) of about 40 multiple-choice items, three short-answer items, a written summary and a written composition (Pearson VCLA program page). At a test center you have four hours of testing time for one or both subtests. This portal practices the multiple-choice items with an 80-question practice set; it does not score the short-answer items, summary or composition, so it is a study aid rather than a full simulation.

Some Virginia programs and pathways still use the VCLA; check with your program or the Virginia Department of Education.

Virginia teacher candidates and program applicants who are still asked to take the VCLA.

The certifying body does not publicly publish an official pass rate for this exam. Be wary of third-party sites citing a specific number here — treat any pass-rate claim you see elsewhere for this exam as unverified.

Pearson sets the waiting period before a retake; check the VCLA testing policies.

You need a scaled score of 235 on a single subtest, or 470 when both subtests are taken together. The practice set here covers only multiple-choice items, so it is a study tool rather than a prediction. Format: about 80 multiple-choice items across two subtests plus written assignments in the writing subtest. No official pass rate is available for this exam, so none is quoted here.

The VCLA has a reading subtest (091) of about 40 multiple-choice items and a writing subtest (092) of about 40 multiple-choice items, three short-answer items, a written summary and a written composition (Pearson VCLA program page). At a test center you have four hours of testing time for one or both subtests. This portal practices the multiple-choice items with an 80-question practice set; it does not score the short-answer items, summary or composition, so it is a study aid rather than a full simulation. Reading (091): about 40 multiple-choice items · Writing (092): about 40 multiple-choice items, 3 short-answer items, 1 written summary and 1 composition · 4 hours of testing for one or both subtests at a test center. You need a scaled score of 235 on a single subtest, or 470 when both subtests are taken together. The practice set here covers only multiple-choice items, so it is a study tool rather than a prediction.

Reading (091) covers the meaning of words and phrases, main idea and supporting details, relationships among ideas, critical reasoning about written material, and summaries, outlines and graphic information. Writing (092) covers purpose and audience, unity and development, organization, sentence and paragraph construction, standard usage, mechanical conventions, revising ineffective writing, a written summary and a developed composition.

Anyone may register for the VCLA. Since July 1, 2024 it is no longer required for initial licensure under House Bill 731, but some programs may still ask for it.

$40 one subtest, $80 both subtests, plus a $50 registration processing fee (Pearson VCLA page).

Passing scores are used for program or licensure applications; check how long your program accepts them.

Work through the exam topics one area at a time, finish with timed full-length practice runs of 80 questions in one sitting.

Content outlines, fees and passing standards change; this guide follows the official documents listed under Verification as of October 2026. Check the Virginia Department of Education and Pearson before you register.