About the Exam
The Knowledge and Practice Examination for Effective Reading Instruction (KPEERI) evaluates an educator’s understanding of the principles and instructional practices aligned with Structured Literacy™.
Structured Literacy™ is an evidence-based approach to reading instruction that supports a wide range of learners, including general education students who may be at risk for reading difficulties due to factors such as socio-economic challenges or English learner status, as well as students with disabilities.
This approach is defined by systematic and explicit instruction that intentionally integrates listening, speaking, reading, and writing. It emphasizes the structure of language, including speech sounds (phonology), the writing system (orthography), sentence structure (syntax), meaningful word parts (morphology), word relationships (semantics), and the organization of both spoken and written discourse.
Additional details about the exam are available in the KPEERI Handbook, which can be accessed HERE.
Exam Structure
The KPEERI exam was developed under the guidance of Applied Measurement Professionals (AMP), with the input of 1,200 educators. The exam is computer-based and consists of 110 multiple-choice questions consisting of the following types:
- Recall (34%)
- Application (48%)
- Analysis (18%)
Candidates are given a total of two (2) hours in which to complete the exam.
Preparing for the Exam
To further prepare for the exam, candidates may access the free online Reading 101 course available through Reading Rockets. This resource includes nine self-paced modules featuring in-depth content, instructional strategies, practice activities, and additional materials focused on the essential components of teaching reading and writing. The Reading 101 course is provided, in part, through funding from LD Network.
For examples of question formats and a comprehensive outline of exam content to guide your preparation, please click HERE.
Applying for the Exam
To apply for the Knowledge and Practice Examination for Effective Reading Instruction (KPEERI), candidates must submit the KPEERI application through the website HERE. Once the application has been received and processed, candidate information is transmitted to Meazure Learning, IDA’s exam delivery partner, as part of regularly scheduled data submissions.
Following this process, candidates will receive a Notice to Schedule (NTS) email from Meazure Learning. This email provides instructions for selecting a convenient exam date, time, and testing location.
Candidates are provided with an initial four-month eligibility window, beginning when their information is submitted to Meazure Learning, during which they may schedule or reschedule their exam appointment. If a candidate schedules an exam and does not attend, a new application must be submitted and the exam fee paid again in order to retest. For questions regarding policies, including those related to medical emergencies or other extenuating circumstances that may require rescheduling or result in a missed appointment, candidates should contact Meazure Learning directly by phone at (919) 572-6880 or by email at candidatesupport@meazurelearning.com.
Once a candidate applies for and successfully passes KPEERI (see exam scoring for more details), and their exam results have been received, they will be issued their certificate. Candidates will also be able to download their KPEERI Score Report for their records or for use in pursuing additional credentials, if desired. It is important to retain a copy of your Score Report for future reference. After one year from the date of your exam appointment, Score Reports are no longer available, and candidates would need to retake the exam to obtain a new report.
Exam Locations
The KPEERI exam is administered by Meazure Learning which provides numerous testing facilities across the United States, Canada and around the world. Please visit Meazure Learning for a list of cities which host testing facilities. You may also find a list of those testing facilities currently impacted by COVID-19 restrictions on their website HERE. Specific address information will be provided when a candidate schedules an examination appointment through Meazure Learning’s online scheduling portal.
Live Online Proctoring (LOP) “At Home” Testing
Candidates also have the option to take the exam remotely from their home using live online proctoring. To participate in at-home testing, you must use a personal desktop or laptop computer (tablets, smartphones, and Chromebooks are not permitted) equipped with a webcam that can be positioned to show your entire testing environment, as well as functioning speakers and a microphone.
Details regarding the minimum technical requirements for your device are available on Meazure Learning’s website HERE. Prior to scheduling your appointment, you will have the opportunity to complete an online system check to confirm that your computer meets these requirements.
During the exam, a live proctor will monitor your session through your webcam and will be available to assist with administrative questions via your computer’s audio or by telephone. Before beginning the exam, you must present a valid, government-issued photo ID through your webcam for identity verification. The name on your identification must exactly match the legal name provided on your exam application.
You are required to be alone in a private room with the door closed for the entire duration of the testing session.
A sample test demonstrating the Meazure Learning exam delivery system is available HERE. Please note that this sample does not reflect actual KPEERI exam content. In addition, videos outlining the Live Online Proctoring (LOP) experience and procedures are available on Meazure Learning’s website HERE and on YouTube HERE.
Special Arrangements for Candidates with Disabilities
Meazure Learning provides reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities. In some cases, supporting documentation from a qualified medical professional may be required. For questions or to request accommodations, please contact Meazure Learning at (919) 572-6880.
Exam Fees
An exam fee of $165.00 must be submitted with a completed application in order to register for the KPEERI, whether testing at a domestic center or through at-home online proctoring. This fee includes application processing and any credential awarded upon successful completion of the exam.
Candidates scheduling an exam at an international testing location outside of the United States and Canada will incur an additional $65.00 international testing surcharge, payable directly to Meazure Learning at the time of scheduling via secure online payment.
All fees are non-refundable once an exam appointment has been scheduled. For questions regarding fees associated with scheduling or rescheduling, please contact Meazure Learning Candidate Support by phone at (919) 572-6880 or by email at candidatesupport@meazurelearning.com.
Exam Scoring
KPEERI results are reported using a scaled scoring system that converts a candidate’s raw score into a standardized numeric value. This method ensures consistency across different versions of the exam and allows for reliable comparison of scores. Similar scaled scoring models are used in widely recognized assessments such as the SAT and Praxis exams.
Scores on the KPEERI range from 200 to 800, with a minimum passing score set at 500. Candidates who score below 500 will not achieve a passing result.
Following the Examination
At the conclusion of the exam, candidates will be asked to complete a brief evaluation regarding their testing experience. They will then receive their score report from the proctor. Those completing the exam through Live Online Proctoring (LOP) will have the option to print their KPEERI Score Report immediately.
In addition, candidates will receive an email from Meazure Learning with instructions for accessing the online Score Report Portal. Score reports can be downloaded from the portal for up to two years following the exam date. If you do not receive this email or encounter issues accessing the portal, please contact Meazure Learning Candidate Support at (919) 572-6880 or candidatesupport@meazurelearning.com for assistance.
Candidates are encouraged to retain a copy of their KPEERI Score Report for their records and future use.
If You Pass the Examination
Candidates who achieve a passing score will have their results automatically transmitted by Meazure Learning to IDA’s Educator Training Initiatives Division. Any applications requiring additional processing will be completed as promptly as possible once score data has been received.
If You Do Not Pass the Examination
Candidates who do not achieve a passing score may reapply to take the exam after a 30-day waiting period. This time is intended to allow for additional study and preparation before retesting. Please note that applicable exam fees are required for each new attempt.
Contact Meazure Learning with Exam Delivery Questions
For questions related to exam delivery or access to your Score Report, please contact Meazure Learning Candidate Support by phone at (919) 572-6880, toll-free at (800) 722-6876, or by email at candidatesupport@meazurelearning.com.
Knowledge and Practice Competencies
Individuals who pass the Knowledge and Practice Examination for Effective Reading Instruction (KPEERI) demonstrate a comprehensive foundation in the knowledge and practices reflected in the IDA Knowledge and Practice Standards (KPS). This reflects a shared, research-based understanding of effective structured literacy principles.
Individuals who pass the KPEERI demonstrate knowledge of:
• Foundational Concepts
-Development of Oral and Written Language
-Structure of Language
-Recognition of Reading Difficulties
-Intervention Practices to Support Reading Difficulties
-Assessment (instructional planning and student response)
• Structured Literacy Planning and Application
-Lesson Planning Practices
-Lesson Implementation Practices and Routines
-Managing the Learning Environment
• Professional and Ethical Responsibilities
-Trust
-Respect
