If you need help studying for the Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA) or just want some more information about what the test is like, you’ve come to the right place!
Click below to take a free VCLA practice test!
What’s on the Test?
First, let’s talk about the questions on the Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment. There are 85 questions in total, with most being multiple-choice.
80 questions
Multiple-choice questions require you to select the correct answer from a list of four options. There will only be one correct answer per question.
Short-Answer
3 questions
Short-answer questions require you to rewrite sentences that contain grammatical errors.
Open-Response
2 questions
The open-response questions require you to write your answer instead of selecting from a list of choices. One writing assignment is shorter (150-200 words), while the other is longer (300-600 words).
The exam is split into two subtests, which are taken in separate testing sessions (but can be taken on the same day if you’d like).
Subtest I (Reading)
40 questions
- Understanding the meaning of words and phrases
- Understanding the main idea and supporting details
- Analyzing the relationship among ideas
- Using critical-reasoning skills to evaluate written material
- Summarizing, outlining, and visually representing written materials
- Interpreting information presented in graphic form
Subtest II (Writing)
45 questions
- Understanding the influence of purpose and audience
- Principles of unity, focus, and development
- Principles of organization
- Principles of sentence and paragraph construction
- Correct usage in standard English
- Mechanical conventions in standard English
- Improving ineffective writing by analyzing and revising sentences containing problems related to grammar and usage, construction, and mechanics
- Producing a written summary of a given informational or persuasive passage
- Preparing a developed composition on a given topic using language consistent with a given audience and purpose
How to Register
To get started with the registration process, you’ll need to create an NES account on their website. You can then register for the exam via your account, which includes paying the3 $50 registration processing fee.
The testing fee is $40 per subtest.
Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment Study Guide and Flashcards
Get practice questions, detailed study lessons, and complex subjects broken down into easily understandable concepts.
How the Exam is Scored
The VCLA test is scored using a scaled scoring method. Here’s how it works:
For every question you answer correctly, you get one point added to your raw score. At the end of the test, your final raw score will be converted to a scaled score
The reason your raw score is converted to a scaled score is because everyone that takes the test is given a slightly different set of questions. Since everyone has a different arrangement of questions, and because some questions are harder than others, converting your raw score to a scaled score ensures a more even playing field.
Retaking the Exam
If you don’t get the score you want on your first try, that’s okay! You can take the exam again after a mandatory 30-day waiting period.
FAQs
How many questions are on the VCLA exam?
The exam contains 85 questions.
What is the time limit for the VCLA exam?
The exam is timed at 4 hours.
What is the passing score for the VCLA exam?
You’ll need to get a final scaled score of at least 235 on each subtest to pass.
How much does the VCLA exam cost?
The testing fee is $40 per subtest.