Communication and Literacy Skills (01)

Online proctoring is available for this test. You may test remotely, including from home.

Is online proctoring right for me? Read more about online proctoring, including important policies and requirements.

The Communication and Literacy Skills test includes two subtests. Candidates must take and pass both subtests. You may take one or both subtests at one test appointment.

Format

Computer-based test (CBT) and online proctored test

Reading subtest: 42 multiple-choice questions
Writing subtest: 35 multiple-choice questions, 7 short-answer sentence correction items, and 2 open-response assignments

Time

Computer-Based Testing
4 hours and 15 minutes total appointment time (for one or both subtests)

15 minutes for CBT tutorial and nondisclosure agreement
4 hours testing time

Read more about registering for subtests.

Online Proctoring
Tutorial and nondisclosure agreement: 15 minutes

Reading subtest only: 3 hours
Writing subtest only: 3 hours
Both subtests combined: 2 hours 30 minutes for the Writing subtest; 15 minute break; then 1 hour 30 minutes for the Reading subtest

Breaks

Computer-Based Testing
You may take restroom breaks during testing. Time taken for breaks is considered part of the available testing time.

Online Proctoring

Reading subtest only: No breaks allowed
Writing subtest only: No breaks allowed
Both subtests combined: 15-minute break between subtests; Writing subtest will be administered first

Test Dates

Computer-Based Testing
By appointment year-round, Monday through Saturday (excluding some holidays)
Check appointment availability Link opens in a new window.

Online Proctoring
By appointment with an online proctor during one-week testing windows each month

Test Centers

Computer-Based Testing
Located in Massachusetts and nationwide
Find the nearest test center Link opens in a new window.

Online Proctoring
You may test remotely, including from home. Review system and testing environment requirements PDF Document

Qualifying Score

240 on each subtest

Fee

Reading subtest only: $76
Writing subtest only: $85
Both subtests: $112

Review fee and payment information.

Score Reporting

Computer-Based Testing
Review score report release dates.
Candidates will receive a receipt of completion at the conclusion of their test center appointment.

Online Proctoring
Review score report release dates.
Score reports may be delayed for up to 2 weeks for candidates taking the Writing subtest or both subtests combined via online proctoring.
Candidates taking an online-proctored test will not receive a receipt of completion when their test ends.

Testing Policies

When you register, you must agree to abide by all testing rules and policies. Review them now.

Prepare

View the preparation materials available for this test.

Tests may include questions that will not count toward candidates' scores. These questions are placed on the test to collect information about how well they perform under actual testing conditions.