100+ Free VCLA Practice Questions
Pass your Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA) exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.
Read the passage: "First, gather your materials. Next, measure and cut the wood. Then assemble the frame with screws. Finally, sand and paint the finished piece." The organizational structure of this passage is primarily:
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Key Facts: VCLA Exam
235
Passing Score Per Subtest
Pearson Evaluation Systems VCLA score scale
470
Combined Passing Score
Pearson Evaluation Systems VCLA scoring
100-300
Scaled Score Range
Pearson Evaluation Systems VCLA scoring
2
Subtests (Reading 091, Writing 092)
Pearson Evaluation Systems VCLA test design
$40 / $80
Single / Both Subtest Fee
Pearson Evaluation Systems VCLA registration
July 1, 2024
No Longer Mandatory For Initial Licensure
Virginia Department of Education licensure policy
100
Free Practice Questions Here
OpenExamPrep VCLA practice bank
The VCLA is Virginia's reading and writing literacy assessment, delivered through Pearson Evaluation Systems (NES) as a Reading subtest (091) and a Writing subtest (092). Although it is no longer mandatory for initial Virginia licensure since July 1, 2024, it is still actively offered and bookable in 2025-2026. The Reading subtest is entirely selected-response, and the Writing subtest mixes selected-response items with short-answer and essay tasks. Each subtest is scored 100-300 with a passing score of 235 (470 combined).
Sample VCLA Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your VCLA exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1In the sentence "The committee's decision was met with a tepid response from the staff," the word "tepid" most nearly means:
2Which word is the best synonym for "meticulous"?
3The prefix "bene-" in words such as "benevolent" and "benefactor" most nearly means:
4Read the sentence: "Although the plan was ostensibly designed to help workers, it actually reduced their benefits." The word "ostensibly" most nearly means:
5Which word is an antonym of "abundant"?
6A writer describes a politician as "thrifty" rather than "stingy." This word choice primarily reflects a difference in:
7The root "chron" in "chronological" and "synchronize" relates to:
8In the sentence "Her candid assessment of the project surprised the team," the word "candid" most nearly means:
9Which word best completes the sentence: "The negotiations reached an _____ when neither side would compromise"?
10The suffix "-able" in words like "manageable" and "reversible" most often indicates:
About the VCLA Exam
The Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA) is the state's reading and writing literacy test administered by Pearson Evaluation Systems (NES). It has a Reading subtest (091) of about 40 selected-response items and a Writing subtest (092) that combines selected-response items with short-answer and essay assignments. This free practice bank provides 100 selected-response questions focused on reading comprehension and written-communication knowledge.
Assessment
Reading subtest 091 (~40 MC) + Writing subtest 092 (~40 MC + 3 short-answer + 2 essays), official Pearson/NES; this practice bank is 100 selected-response items
Time Limit
4 hours (full appointment)
Passing Score
235 per subtest (470 combined); scale 100-300
Exam Fee
$40 single / $80 both (+ $50 registration) (Pearson Evaluation Systems (NES))
VCLA Exam Content Outline
Vocabulary and Word Meaning
Word meaning in context, synonyms and antonyms, connotation versus denotation, and using roots and affixes to infer meaning.
Main Idea and Supporting Details
Central and implied ideas, topic sentences, explicit versus implied details, and accurate passage summaries.
Relationships Among Ideas and Organization
Cause and effect, compare and contrast, sequence, transitions, text structure, and paragraph coherence.
Critical Reasoning and Evaluation
Author purpose, tone, and audience; fact versus opinion; assumptions; argument validity; bias; evidence sufficiency; and inferences.
Summarizing, Outlining, and Graphic Interpretation
Outlining, paraphrasing and summarizing, and interpreting tables, charts, and graphs.
Written Communication Knowledge
Standard grammar, usage, and mechanics; sentence structure; parallelism; modifiers; punctuation; and effective revision and word choice.
How to Pass the VCLA Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: 235 per subtest (470 combined); scale 100-300
- Assessment: Reading subtest 091 (~40 MC) + Writing subtest 092 (~40 MC + 3 short-answer + 2 essays), official Pearson/NES; this practice bank is 100 selected-response items
- Time limit: 4 hours (full appointment)
- Exam fee: $40 single / $80 both (+ $50 registration)
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
VCLA Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the VCLA still required in Virginia?
Effective July 1, 2024, the VCLA is no longer mandatory for initial Virginia teaching licensure. However, Pearson Evaluation Systems still actively administers the test, and it remains bookable in 2025-2026 because some preparation programs and reciprocity or out-of-state routes may still use it. Always confirm current Virginia Department of Education requirements for your specific pathway before registering.
What are the VCLA subtests?
The VCLA has two subtests: the Reading subtest (091) and the Writing subtest (092). The Reading subtest is composed entirely of selected-response questions, roughly 40 multiple-choice items. The Writing subtest combines selected-response grammar, usage, and mechanics items with three short-answer assignments and two essays. You can take the subtests together or separately.
What is the passing score on the VCLA?
Each VCLA subtest is reported on a scaled score range of 100 to 300, and the passing score is 235 per subtest, for a combined passing total of 470. Because scoring is scaled rather than a simple percentage, focus on consistent mastery across all objectives rather than a fixed raw-question target.
How long should I study for the VCLA?
Many candidates prepare for about three to six weeks, depending on baseline reading and writing skills. Because the Reading subtest is entirely selected-response and the Writing subtest tests grammar, usage, and mechanics knowledge alongside the essays, steady daily practice with passages and editing items is usually more effective than last-minute cramming.
How much does the VCLA cost?
Pearson Evaluation Systems lists the VCLA at $40 for a single subtest or $80 for both subtests, plus a $50 registration fee. Confirm the exact total inside your Pearson/NES account at checkout, since fees and any added services can change.