Varsity Tutors provides live, online FRT exam classes to help you study for your certification test. The FRT (or Foundations of Reading Test) is a high-stakes exam that certain states require to obtain licensure as a K-5 elementary school teacher, special education teacher, reading teacher, or reading specialist. It covers a variety of topics that can be challenging to study on your own, so formal FRT exam training can prove to be a wise investment in your professional future. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of taking a class provided by Varsity Tutors.
What is the FRT certification?
The FRT is a standardized exam developed to ensure that teachers are equipped with the knowledge and skills required to help young children learn how to read. This can be more challenging than it sounds, as most adults read intuitively without really thinking about how to do so. The FRT's content is aligned with federal Common Core standards and is required to earn teaching certification in states such as North Carolina, Wisconsin, and Connecticut. You must generally be enrolled as an undergraduate elementary education major at an accredited institution of higher learning in order to sit for the test.
The exam itself is administered electronically in testing centers located throughout the country. It contains 100 multiple-choice questions plus two open-response items in a single four-hour testing session. The multiple-choice questions account for 80 percent of your score and are divided into three content areas: Foundations of Reading Development, Development of Reading Comprehension, and Reading Assessment and Instruction. The open-response items form their own section entitled Integration of Knowledge and Understanding, which represents 20 percent of your total score. They may include information covered on any of the other sections of the exam. The minimum passing score varies from state to state.
It costs $139 to take the FRT exam, so it's important to take your test prep seriously. If you aren't sure you're up to the task of studying for the exam on your own, taking an FRT prep class can be a great way to get the expert assistance you're looking for.
What is the best way to study for the FRT exam?
If standardized test prep has never really been your thing, there's no reason to panic. You can enroll in one of our FRT exam prep courses to work with an expert instructor who can help you with both the academic content and test-taking strategies you'll want to know on exam day.
If you're thinking about going with another prep company, it’s important to know that some of them advertise FRT exam classes that are actually just a bunch of recordings cobbled together. That means that if you have a question about phonemic awareness or the application of reading comprehension strategies, you're on your own. And if the recordings emphasize material that you already understand, you're out of luck.
In contrast, all of our classes involve live instruction from an expert who knows what they are talking about. If you and your classmates already understand how to teach phonics or when to use informal methods to assess reading development, your instructor can concentrate on other topics to keep your classes as engaging as possible. Your teacher can also share a humorous story to make boring concepts more engaging, or demonstrate mnemonic devices to help you remember what young minds are capable of.
Since all instruction happens live, any questions you have can be addressed promptly. In fact, many teachers encourage students to ask questions to help guide the learning process. You can also ask your instructor to recommend independent study materials or even arrange private study sessions outside of your FRT exam class if you could benefit from extra support with a particular topic.
Alternatively, you can turn to your classmates for help whenever you're feeling stuck. Somebody in your class may have more practical teaching experience than you do, making them a wellspring of knowledge you can draw upon. Hearing word analysis skills or vocabulary development techniques explained in a different voice can also help the information stick. Taking a class allows you to work in a collaborative learning environment where everybody works together toward their academic goals.
While academic knowledge is obviously important on the FRT exam, your instructor can also help you apply what you know within the context of the test. The majority of the test is comprised of multiple-choice questions, so your teacher can show you how to eliminate some of the incorrect answer choices to raise the efficacy of any guesses you make. You can also review time-saving tips if you're worried about finishing your examination on time. Similarly, your instructor can teach you how to work from an outline if you have a hard time organizing your thoughts on open-response questions.
Many students also take practice tests under realistic conditions during their FRT exam course to get a sense of what to expect. If you're unaccustomed to taking exams on a computer, practicing with the test's interface could mitigate any test anxiety you're experiencing. Similarly, your FRT prep course instructor can provide a list of dos and don'ts if you've never taken an exam in a controlled setting. Best of all, you can review your answers with your instructor to develop a better understanding of where you are improving and any content areas you might need to review again.
Where can I find an FRT prep class that suits my needs?
We understand that you don't have the time to sit in traffic trying to get to an in-person FRT exam course, so all of our courses take place online via our exclusive virtual classroom. Our virtual classroom includes a host of features to provide a face-to-face study experience anywhere with a stable internet connection, including the privacy of your home, your favorite coffee place, or a local library. For instance, video chat functionality allows you to communicate with your instructor and classmates in real-time.
We also provide several FRT exam classes concurrently to help you find something that meets your scheduling needs. For example, we offer both two- and four-week classes to give you some choices to consider. If you'd like to finish your FRT exam refresher as quickly as possible, taking a two-week class aligns with your goals. If you'd prefer to mitigate your class's impact on your day-to-day life, spreading meetings over four weeks could be a better fit for you. You get the same top-notch instruction and number of contact hours either way, so choose whichever option makes the most sense for you.
How can I get started in an FRT prep course?
You could try your luck and attempt to find an online FRT exam course on your own, but why go through the hassle when Varsity Tutors can make the process so easy? We have friendly educational consultants standing by to answer any questions you have about our Foundations of Reading Test courses and help you determine which course would be the best choice for you, so contact us by phone or online today to get the process started. We look forward to working with you!
Kayla: FRT - Foundations of Reading Test course instructor
...obtaining my Masters of Arts Degree , in International Development, from Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts. I began my teaching journey, in 2018 where I began substitute teaching grades K-12 in a highly diverse school district in Southwest Minnesota. During this time I taught a variety of subjects from reading, writing, math, English and science....
Education & Certification
- Wartburg College - Bachelor in Arts, Social Work
- Clark University - Master of Arts, Development Economics and International Development
Subject Expertise
- FRT - Foundations of Reading Test
- TEFL - Teaching English as a Foreign Language
- TESOL - Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
- Business
- +86 subjects
Christy: FRT - Foundations of Reading Test course instructor
...Education, Learning Disabilities, Cross-Categorical Education, and Special Education. I love making connections with my students and helping them grow not only academically, but also socially and emotionally as well. I tutor a variety of subjects - from academics to social-emotional learning and executive functioning/coaching. I know how challenging things can be for those who struggle...
Education & Certification
- University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point - Bachelor in Arts, Special Education
- Marian University - Master of Arts Teaching, Special Education
Subject Expertise
- FRT - Foundations of Reading Test
- PRAXIS
- Elementary School Reading
- Art
- +47 subjects
Vanessa: FRT - Foundations of Reading Test course instructor
...Newark, and I'm now in Linden and loving it. I have taught Kindergarten, 1st, 3rd, and now I am teaching 4th grade mathematics only due to our district departmentalizing. I graduated from the University of Tampa with a B.A in Sociology and to be honest I still had no idea what to do with my...
Education & Certification
- University of Tampa - Bachelor in Arts, Sociology
- New Jersey City University - Master of Arts Teaching, Elementary School Teaching
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- FRT - Foundations of Reading Test
- PRAXIS
- Music
- Certified Wired for Reading
- +118 subjects
Cameron: FRT - Foundations of Reading Test course instructor
...learner. I enjoy learning information and using that information to dive deeper into my interests, understand and see the world in a different way and most importantly, teach others. I feel that I am called to be an educator because it appeals to what I enjoy doing and keeps that curiosity alive.
Education & Certification
- Lenoir-Rhyne University - Bachelor in Arts, Elementary School Teaching
Subject Expertise
- FRT - Foundations of Reading Test
- Elementary School Reading
- Elementary School Writing
- Writing
- +11 subjects
Shannon: FRT - Foundations of Reading Test course instructor
...I tutor a broad range of subjects, I am most passionate about Language Arts Writing, and Critical Thinking. In my experience in helping struggling students prepare for Standardized Tests, I see a lot of progress in all subjects when I weave in games with skills practice. I am a big proponent of individualized lesson plans...
Education & Certification
- Texas State University-San Marcos - Bachelor of Science, Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
- Western Governors University - Master of Science, Curriculum and Instruction
Subject Expertise
- FRT - Foundations of Reading Test
- CPE - Certificate of Proficiency in English
- AP English Literature and Composition
- Middle School English
- +88 subjects
Marlo: FRT - Foundations of Reading Test course instructor
My educational background includes an undergraduate degree in Political Science and a Graduate degree in Criminal Justice. I have work experience in teaching, mentoring, and substitute teaching. I also have experience as a research assistant for Rowan University.
Education & Certification
- Rowan University - Bachelor of Science, Prelaw Studies
- Rowan University - Master of Arts, Criminal Justice
Subject Expertise
- FRT - Foundations of Reading Test
- UK A Level Government and Politics
- College English
- Middle School Social Studies
- +81 subjects
Krystal: FRT - Foundations of Reading Test course instructor
...pre-k through adults in all areas of reading, writing, special education, organization, study habits, test prep, public speaking, and personal and professional development. I've done extensive research in dealing with academic and social anxieties as they impact school performance. My areas of licensure are language arts and special education. I can't wait to see your...
Education & Certification
- Ohio State University-Main Campus - Bachelor of Education, Education
- University of Dayton - Masters in Education, Education
Subject Expertise
- FRT - Foundations of Reading Test
- PRAXIS
- CSET - California Subject Examinations for Teachers
- NYSTCE - New York State Teacher Certification Examinations
- +178 subjects
John: FRT - Foundations of Reading Test course instructor
...groups in practically all subjects. I have a Master's degree in Elementary Education and a Bachelor's degree in Music Theory and Performance. I currently hold teaching certificates in Grades 1-6 and Math grades 7-12 My passions lie in the physical sciences, music, theatre and math. I was a high school triathlete and stage actor, and...
Education & Certification
- Fordham University - Bachelor in Arts, Music
- Sacred Heart University - Master of Arts Teaching, Elementary School Teaching
Subject Expertise
- FRT - Foundations of Reading Test
- PRAXIS
- GRE Verbal
- College Chemistry
- +112 subjects
Katey: FRT - Foundations of Reading Test course instructor
...As well, I have a B.A. in Communication, a Minor in Psychology and Minor in Sociology. All of which I earned from George Mason University. In my 15 years as an educator I have taught and tutored over 399 subject areas, online as well as in-person with pupils of all ages. I have piloted programs...
Education & Certification
- George Mason University - Bachelor in Arts, Business Communications
- George Mason University - Masters in Education, Teacher Education, Multiple Levels
Subject Expertise
- FRT - Foundations of Reading Test
- PHR - Professional in Human Resources
- FRM
- CDL - Commercial Driver's License
- +398 subjects
Destiny: FRT - Foundations of Reading Test course instructor
...been tutoring and teaching music since January 2007, and I have enjoyed it since day one! Currently I am: 1. A product manager 2. A published author 3. A personal fitness and nutrition trainer 4. A seasoned tutor since 2007 5. An entrepreneur and business woman since age 9 6. Music teacher (Piano & Guitar) 7....
Education & Certification
- University of Georgia - Bachelors, 1. Public Administration, Policy, & Management 2. Psychology 3. Gender & Women's Studies
Subject Expertise
- FRT - Foundations of Reading Test
- PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam
- ANCC - American Nurses Credentialing Center
- PMP
- +578 subjects
Heather: FRT - Foundations of Reading Test course instructor
...and adults of all ages, while teaching diverse subject areas, courses, activity-based seminars, as well as individual classes, allows me personally to broaden my own scope of education. I strongly believe whether teaching in the classroom or online using a platform, as well as in-person or online tutoring, yields substantial benefits for students who are...
Education & Certification
- Armstrong Atlantic State University - Bachelor in Arts, History
- Murray State University - Current Grad Student, Public Administration
Subject Expertise
- FRT - Foundations of Reading Test
- CPE - Certificate of Proficiency in English
- PRAXIS
- OAE - Ohio Assessments for Educators
- +443 subjects
Damaris: FRT - Foundations of Reading Test course instructor
...maintain a positive learning climate. Students are individuals that all learn in unique ways. Therefore, I use multiple methods of teaching (linguistic, visual, auditory, kinesthetic) to reach varied learners so that no one is left behind. Everyone in the learning environment is a contributor as a student, teacher, and thinker. I have, of course, learned...
Education & Certification
- University of Phoenix-South Florida Campus - Bachelor in Arts, Business, General
- Florida Gulf Coast University - Masters in Education, Special Education
Subject Expertise
- FRT - Foundations of Reading Test
- FTCE - Florida Teacher Certification Examinations
- PRAXIS
- History
- +97 subjects
Scott: FRT - Foundations of Reading Test course instructor
...people reach their full potential as a classroom teacher, personal tutor, and coach. Of one thing I am convinced, ALL students have the capacity to learn...the trick is in finding the process by which that learning is accepted and able to be utilized by the student when needed. Kindest regards, Scott Colvin
Education & Certification
- California State University-Northridge - Bachelor in Arts, English
- Stony Brook University - Master of Arts, English
Subject Expertise
- FRT - Foundations of Reading Test
- ESL/ELL
- GRE Verbal
- CLEP Analyzing and Interpreting Literature
- +85 subjects
Education & Certification
- Walden University - Bachelor in Arts, Counseling Psychology
Subject Expertise
- FRT - Foundations of Reading Test
- LSW - Licensed Social Worker
- CNA - Certified Nursing Assistant
- GACE - Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators
- +64 subjects
Holly: FRT - Foundations of Reading Test course instructor
...working with students on a variety of subjects and love getting to know what best motivates students to learn. I have taught at the elementary level, as well as the university level. My education includes a B.S. in Multidisciplinary Studies with a 1st-8th grade teacher certificate, M.S. in Special Education and licensing as an educational...
Education & Certification
- Texas Tech University - Bachelors, Multidisciplinary Studies
- Texas Tech University - PHD, Special Education and Reading
Subject Expertise
- FRT - Foundations of Reading Test
- PRAXIS
- CBEST - The California Basic Educational Skills Test
- TExES - Texas Examinations of Educator Standards
- +59 subjects