Alabama Foundations of Reading
Alabama now uses the Foundations of Reading 890
Alabama switched from the NES 190 to the Foundations of Reading 890. The test is part of the National Evaluation Series (NES) in Alabama. The content, format, and timing are the same — 100 multiple-choice questions and 2 open-response written assignments, 4 hours of testing time. The only differences are the test code (890 instead of 190) and where you register. To sign up, go to the National Evaluation Series in Alabama page on the NES website.
What is the passing score for Foundations of reading in Alabama?
Alabama requires a score of 233. The national benchmark is 240, but Alabama set its own cut score at 233. Scores range from 100 to 300. You get one combined score from your multiple-choice answers and your two written responses.
Is the foundation of reading test hard?
It is if you study the wrong things. The test does not reward memorization — it rewards understanding. You need to know why systematic explicit phonics instruction works, not just that it does. The multiple-choice questions describe classroom scenarios and ask you to pick the best instructional response. The two written assignments ask you to read student performance data, identify a strength and a need, recommend a strategy, and explain why it fits. If you can connect assessment evidence to instruction with specific terminology, you will pass.
Test format
100 multiple-choice questions plus 2 open-response written assignments. 4 hours of testing time. At a testing center your appointment is 4 hours 15 minutes. Online proctored appointments are 4 hours 30 minutes with a 15-minute break between the multiple-choice section and the written assignments.
Online proctoring is available
You can take the 890 at a Pearson VUE testing center or from home with online proctoring. Online proctoring requires a private room, webcam, microphone, and stable internet. You get a 15-minute break between the MC and written sections. After the break, you cannot go back to the multiple-choice questions.
The four subareas
Subarea I — Foundations of Reading Development — 35% of the score, roughly 43 to 45 questions. Covers phonological awareness, phonemic awareness, phonics, high-frequency words, spelling, word analysis, and fluency. Subarea II — Development of Reading Comprehension — 27%, roughly 33 to 35 questions. Covers vocabulary, academic language, literary text, and informational text. Subarea III — Reading Assessment and Instruction — 18%, roughly 21 to 23 questions. Covers screening, diagnostic, progress monitoring, MTSS/RTI, and differentiated instruction. Subarea IV — Integration of Knowledge and Understanding — 20%. Two written assignments where you analyze student data and connect it to instruction.
How to prepare
Spend the most time on Subarea I. It is 35% of your score. Know the difference between phonological awareness and phonemic awareness. Know the six syllable types. Know what systematic explicit instruction looks like versus implicit or incidental approaches. For the written assignments, practice the four-part structure: one strength with evidence, one need with evidence, one named strategy, one explanation of why it works for that student. Use terms like miscue analysis, prosody, scaffolding, and gradual release of responsibility.
Registration
Registration for the Alabama Foundations of Reading test has moved. To register for the Foundations of Reading (890) test, visit the National Evaluation Series in Alabama page. The registration fee is $139. You can test year-round at a testing center or during monthly online proctoring windows.