COMPLIANCE WITH TESTING RULES

By registering on the Internet for the RICA Written Examination or by submitting a registration form for the RICA Video Performance Assessment (even if your registration form is received without your signature), you are agreeing to abide by the current Rules of Participation in the RICA and all applicable procedures and policies contained in the current bulletin and/or the current RICA Video Performance Assessment Procedures Manual and/or communicated to you, orally or in writing, at each test administration for which you have registered for the Written Examination.

For computer-based testing, a nondisclosure agreement will be presented to you on the computer after you sign in at the test center. It will ask you to indicate your agreement to the conditions set forth in the current registration bulletin, including the Rules of Test Participation and the rules communicated to you orally or in writing at the test administration. You will have five minutes to read and accept the terms of this nondisclosure agreement. If you do not respond within five minutes, or if you indicate that you do not accept the terms of the agreement, your test session will terminate, you will not be permitted to test, and you will receive no refund or credit of any kind.

For the Video Performance Assessment, you will be asked to sign your agreement to the Rules of Participation in the RICA upon registering for the submission of your video packets for scoring. Failure to sign the registration form when registering and failure to sign your agreement when submitting video packets for scoring may result in the voiding of your test results, and you will receive no refund or credit of any kind.

Rules of Participation in the RICA Written Examination

1. Compliance: I understand that I am required to comply with the rules and requirements specified or referenced in the current bulletin, including these Rules of Test Participation, and communicated to me, orally and/or in writing, at the test administration. I further understand that if I fail to comply with such rules and requirements: (a) my test results may be voided, (b) no refund will be issued, (c) no portion of the testing fee can be applied toward the cost of any future testing fees, (d) I may not be permitted to register for current or future test administrations, (e) my registration may be canceled, (f) I may not be allowed to test, (g) I may be required to test under controlled conditions, and (h) legal proceedings and actions may be pursued as well as any other remedies that the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC), and/or the Evaluation Systems group of Pearson, a business of NCS Pearson, Inc. (Evaluation Systems), may deem appropriate. In addition, I understand that test fraud is a ground for denial, revocation, and/or suspension of a teaching or services credential.
2. Registration: I have read and agree to the "Test Fees and Payment Policies" section of the current bulletin. I understand that if any or all fees that are applicable to me are not paid in full for all test dates for which I have registered for the RICA Written Examination, or if I do not indicate my agreement to abide by all applicable rules, I may not be permitted to register for current or future test sessions and/or my score report may not be produced and/or my test results may be voided.
3. Withdrawal or Absence from Test Administration: I understand that I may withdraw my registration and receive a full refund only if I cancel my test appointment through my account no later than 24 hours prior to my scheduled testing time and submit a withdrawal request to Evaluation Systems. If I cancel my test appointment within 24 hours of my scheduled testing time or if I am absent from the administration, I understand that I will receive no refund or credit of any kind.
4. Eligibility to Test: I understand that I may take the RICA only if I have earned, at a minimum, a high school diploma, a GED, or the equivalent, or I am, or have been, a student taking courses for college credit pursuant to a career in education. I certify that I am eligible to take the RICA Written Examination on the day of the test for which I have registered according to this eligibility requirement. If I am unsure of my eligibility to take the RICA as stated in this rule, I understand that I may request clarification by contacting the RICA Program Coordinator at the CTC, who will advise me.
5. Purpose of Testing: I understand that the RICA Written Examination is administered for the purpose of teacher certification only and is to be taken only by individuals who are working toward a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential or an Education Specialist Instruction Credential or as approved by the CTC. I certify that I am taking the RICA Written Examination to satisfy part of the requirements for a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential or an Education Specialist Instruction Credential.
6. Identification: I understand that to be admitted to a test session I must present current, government-issued identification, printed in English, in the name in which I registered, bearing my photograph and signature. I understand that I will be required to provide a digital signature at the test center and that copies of my identification may be made, a palm scan and/or a digital photograph may be taken, and a video recording or other security measure will be employed at the administration, which may be used for identity verification. Additional screenings may be required at test center facilities. If I do not have proper identification at the time of my test appointment, I will be denied admission to the test session. If I am refused admission to the test, for any reason, I will be considered absent and will receive no credit or refund of any kind.
7. Late Arrival: I understand that if I arrive after my scheduled testing time, I may be refused admission, in which case I will be considered absent and I will receive no refund or credit of any kind.
8. Test Administration: I authorize the test administrators to serve as my agents in maintaining a secure test administration. I agree to follow all reasonable instructions given to me either orally or in writing at or during the test administration, including but not limited to instructions to relocate me during the test session. I agree not to communicate with other examinees or any unauthorized persons in any way during the test administration nor to engage in any other form of misconduct. I agree not to engage in behavior that would disrupt or unfairly affect the performance of myself or other examinees. I agree to provide a digital signature and/or palm scan, to provide proper identification as specified above, and to cooperate with testing personnel. If I fail to comply with these provisions, I may be dismissed from the test center, my test results may be voided without refund or credit of any kind, and other actions, as described in Rule 1, may be taken as deemed appropriate by the CTC and Evaluation Systems.
9. Test Security
   
   
   1. Test Property: I understand that all test materials and any portion thereof or information relating thereto (referred to below as the "Test Materials") are the sole property of the CTC or Evaluation Systems. I understand that my responses, without the identification of my name or Social Security number, may be used for research, development and implementation of testing programs, scorer training or study materials, or other purposes associated with the program. I understand and acknowledge that the Test Materials were developed at great cost and are required to be kept confidential and secure from disclosure in order to fairly and effectively perform the test functions for which they were designed. I have not received or reviewed any Test Materials prior to taking the test and no Test Materials will be available for me to review after the test. I am not permitted to take (and I will not take) any Test Materials or handwritten or printed notes (referred to below as "Notes") reflecting or recording anything about Test Materials from the testing room, copy or reproduce the Test Materials in whole or in part, by hand or with the use of any electronic, or other type of, device of any nature.
   2. Test Materials: I understand that I will not be permitted to bring to or to use during the test: Notes, cellular phones, electronic communication devices, visual or audio recording or listening devices or any device with an on/off option, calculators, calculator watches, calculator manuals, scratch paper, or any other unauthorized aid (collectively referred to below as "Unauthorized Aids"). Throughout the test session, I will have nothing at my workstation but the erasable notebooklet and marker provided by the test administrator. I may use the erasable notebooklet provided for any intermediate work I need to do to answer specific questions. However, only answers and the writing samples that I record on the computer will be scored.

   I understand that if, despite my foregoing promises and agreements in 9a and 9b above, test administrators have a reasonable suspicion that I have or may have in my possession any Test Materials, Notes, and/or Unauthorized Aids, I will immediately turn over any such Test Materials, Notes, and/or Unauthorized Aids in my possession to the test administrators at any time upon their request. If I should fail or refuse to do so, or if the test administrators believe in good faith that I have not turned over all such Test Materials, Notes, and/or Unauthorized Aids in my possession, the test administrators may search my person and my personal possessions for such Test Materials, Notes, and/or Unauthorized Aids and may remove them. Any such Test Materials, Notes, and/or Unauthorized Aids that I may have may be retained by Evaluation Systems for as long as may be required for the purposes referenced in Rule 1 above. Test administrators, Evaluation Systems, and the CTC are not responsible for Unauthorized Aids or other prohibited material confiscated by them or otherwise turned over by me. In the event of a possible breach of test security, I agree to cooperate with the testing personnel and I hereby consent to any such reasonable search and to any incidental contact with my person or my possessions that may occur as a result of such a search before my dismissal from the test center. Moreover, I hereby waive any claim that I might otherwise have based upon any such search or contact. If I fail to comply with these conditions, my name will be reported to the CTC and Evaluation Systems; my score may be voided without refund or credit of any kind; and other actions, as described in Rule 1, may be taken as deemed appropriate by the CTC and Evaluation Systems.

10. Nondisclosure of Test Materials: Because of the great cost expended to develop the Test Materials, because of the obvious necessity that they be kept confidential and secure from disclosure in order to fairly and effectively perform the test functions for which they were designed, and because any disclosure of part or all of the contents of the Test Materials to anyone might render them unusable for future test administrations, I promise and agree that I will not disclose the Test Materials or any part of them (including the form, subject matter, substance, and wording of any test question or any answer thereto) to anyone for a period of ten (10) years from the date of the test administration to which such Test Materials pertain. I understand and agree that if I should violate this agreement of nondisclosure, I may be liable in damages for costs (including redevelopment costs) incurred as a result of any breach of this agreement, and I may also be subject to other legal and equitable remedies (including injunctive relief) for any such breach.
11. Test Session: I understand that the standard test session length is as defined in "Test Selection." After admission to the test center, I may not leave the test center for any reason until I have been officially dismissed and all of my Test Materials have been collected or secured by a test administrator. Once I have finished testing, or at the end of the test session, my Test Materials will be collected or secured and I will be dismissed. Once dismissed, I must leave the test center and I will not be readmitted.
12. Test Results Reporting and Cancellation: I understand that my test results will be reported to me; to the CTC; to the institution I indicate during registration; and to any other institution, entity, or person authorized or required by law to receive this information. My score report will be sent even if I leave the testing room before I finish the test. I understand that any information provided as a part of registration may be used to report test results or to contact me regarding test- or program-related issues. Once I am admitted to the test center, I may not cancel my test results.
13. Voided Test Results: I understand that if I fail to comply with the rules and requirements set forth in the current bulletin, including these Rules of Test Participation, and communicated to me, orally and/or in writing, at the test administration, or if doubts are raised about the validity or legitimacy of my registration or my test results, Evaluation Systems will notify the CTC and other parties as deemed appropriate. The CTC and Evaluation Systems reserve the right to void my test results if, in their sole opinion, there is adequate reason to question its validity or legitimacy due to circumstances within or beyond my control. Other actions, as described in Rule 1, may be taken as deemed appropriate by the CTC and/or Evaluation Systems.
14. Rights and Obligations Regarding Test Administration: I understand and agree that liability for test administration activities, including but not limited to the adequacy or accuracy of test materials and equipment, the adequacy or accuracy of the registration and administration processes or conditions, the adequacy of test center facilities, the adequacy or accuracy of scoring, the adequacy or accuracy of score reports, the adequacy or accuracy of information provided to me in connection with the RICA program, and the adequacy of protection of examinee information, will be limited to score correction or test retake at no additional fee. I waive any and all rights to all other claims, specifically including but not limited to claims for negligence arising out of any acts or omissions of the CTC and Evaluation Systems (including the employees, agents, contractors, or professional advisors of the CTC and Evaluation Systems).
15. Program Changes: I understand that the testing program is subject to change at the sole discretion of the CTC.
16. Objection to Procedures: If, for any reason, I object to the procedures presented in these Rules of Test Participation, I must advise Evaluation Systems, in writing, of the basis of my objection at least eight (8) weeks before the test date for which I wish to register for my objection to be taken under consideration. Under no circumstances may I register if I have such an objection. If I nevertheless object, my registration may be canceled, I may not be permitted to take the test(s), or my test results may be voided, unless I withdraw my objection in writing.
17. Rules: I understand that should any of these rules or any other requirement or provision contained in the current bulletin be declared or determined by any court to be illegal or invalid, the remaining rules, requirements, and provisions will not be affected and the illegal or invalid rule, requirement, or provision shall not be deemed a part of the current bulletin. The headings of each of the Rules of Test Participation are for convenient reference only. They are not a part of the rules themselves; they do not necessarily reflect the entire subject matter of each rule; and they are not intended to be used for the purpose of modifying, interpreting, or construing any of these Rules of Test Participation. I agree that any legal action arising in connection with my registration for or participation in a test administration shall be brought only in the state and federal courts located in Sacramento, California, or St. Paul, Minnesota, as appropriate, and I consent to the personal jurisdiction of such courts.

Rules of Participation in the RICA Video Performance Assessment

1.	Compliance: I understand that I am required to comply with the rules and requirements specified or referenced in the current bulletin, including these Rules of Participation in the RICA. I further understand that if I fail to comply with such rules and requirements: (a) my test results may be voided; (b) no refund will be issued; (c) no portion of the testing fee can be applied toward the cost of any future testing fees; (d) I may not be permitted to register for current or future RICA assessments; (e) my registration may be canceled; (f) I may be prohibited in the future from registering for the RICA Video Performance Assessment and required to take the RICA Written Examination under controlled conditions; (g) I may not be allowed to test; and (h) legal proceedings and actions may be pursued as well as any other remedies that the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) and/or the Evaluation Systems group of Pearson, a business of NCS Pearson, Inc. (Evaluation Systems), may deem appropriate. In addition, I understand that test fraud is a ground for denial, revocation, and/or suspension of a teaching or services credential.
2.	Registration: I have read and agree to the "Test Fees and Payment Policies" section of the current bulletin. I understand that if any or all fees that are applicable to me are not paid in full for all RICA test dates and/or assessments for which I have registered, if my registration form is not signed, or if the identity certification statement is not completed, I may not be permitted to register for current or future RICA tests and/or my score report may not be produced and/or my test results may be voided.
3.	Validity of Registration: I understand that my Video Performance Assessment registration is valid until the final submission deadline as stated in this bulletin. I understand that if Evaluation Systems does not receive my Video Performance Assessment video packets by the final submission deadline of the program year for which I have registered for the Video Performance Assessment, I will no longer be registered for the Video Performance Assessment and I will receive no refund or credit of any kind. I understand that if Evaluation Systems receives my materials after the final submission deadline of the program year for which I have registered for the Video Performance Assessment, they will be returned to me unprocessed.
4.	Withdrawal of Registration: I understand that I may withdraw my registration and receive a partial refund only if I submit a Withdrawal/Refund Request Form before the final submission deadline of the program year. I also understand that I cannot withdraw my registration if I have already submitted materials for scoring. If I withdraw later than the final submission deadline or if I submit any materials for scoring, I will receive no refund or credit of any kind.
5.	Eligibility to Test: I understand that I may take the RICA only if I have earned, at a minimum, a high school diploma, a GED, or the equivalent, or I am, or have been, a student taking courses for college credit pursuant to a career in education. I certify that I am eligible to take the RICA Video Performance Assessment according to this eligibility requirement. If I am unsure of my eligibility to take the RICA as stated in this rule, I understand that I may request clarification by contacting the RICA Program Coordinator at the CTC, who will advise me.
6.	Purpose of Testing: I understand that the RICA Video Performance Assessment is administered for the purpose of teacher certification only and is to be taken only by individuals who are working toward a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential or an Education Specialist Instruction Credential or as approved by the CTC. I certify that I am taking the RICA Video Performance Assessment to satisfy part of the requirements for a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential or an Education Specialist Instruction Credential.
7.	Conformity with Requirements: I understand that if I submit video packets that do not conform to the current RICA Video Performance Assessment Procedures Manual, my video packets will receive a rating of "Requirements Not Met" or my test results will be voided. In either case, I will not pass the RICA Video Performance Assessment, no refund of my fee will be issued, and no portion of my fee can be applied to the cost of future registration for either RICA assessment.
8.	Video Performance Assessment Materials: I understand that all Video Performance Assessment materials that I have submitted to Evaluation Systems become the sole property of the CTC upon their receipt by Evaluation Systems. The Video Performance Assessment materials that I submit will not be duplicated for me. The materials that I submit will not be returned to me unless Evaluation Systems receives my materials after the final submission deadline of the program year for which I have registered.
9.	Test Results Reporting and Cancellation: I under­stand that my test results will be reported to me and to the CTC. My test results will also be released to the California college, university, or district intern program I indicate during registration, and to any other institution, entity, or person authorized or required by law to receive this information. I understand that any information provided as part of registration may be used to report test results or to contact me regarding test- or program-related issues. Once I submit my video recordings and related documentation, I cannot cancel the scoring or test results reporting.
10.	Voided Test Results: I understand that if I fail to comply with the rules and requirements set forth in the current bulletin, including these Rules of Participation in the RICA, or if doubts are raised about the validity or legitimacy of my registration, my submitted Video Performance Assessment video packets, or my test results, Evaluation Systems will notify the CTC and other parties as deemed appropriate by the CTC. The CTC and Evaluation Systems reserve the right to void my test results if, in their sole opinion, there is adequate reason to question the validity or legitimacy of the test results due to circumstances within or beyond my control. Other actions, as described in Rule 1, may be taken as deemed appropriate by the CTC and/or Evaluation Systems.
11.	Rights and Obligations Regarding the Video Performance Assessment: I understand and agree that liability for assessment activities, including but not limited to the adequacy or accuracy of assessment materials, the adequacy or accuracy of the registration and assessment processes or conditions, the adequacy or accuracy of scoring, the adequacy or accuracy of score reports, the adequacy or accuracy of information provided to me in connection with the RICA Program, and the adequacy of protection of examinee information will be limited to score correction or RICA Video Performance Assessment retake at no additional fee. I understand and agree that liability for lost or damaged video packets that I have submitted will be limited to an additional submission of video packets at no additional fee. I waive any and all rights to all other claims, specifically including but not limited to claims for negligence arising out of any acts or omissions of the CTC and Evaluation Systems (including the employees, agents, contractors, or professional advisors of the CTC and Evaluation Systems).
12.	Program Changes: I understand that the RICA Program is subject to change at the sole discretion of the CTC.
13.	Objection to Rules: If, for any reason, I object to any of these Rules of Participation in the RICA, I must advise Evaluation Systems, in writing, of the basis of my objection at least eight (8) weeks before I submit my video packets for my objection to be taken under consideration. If I nevertheless object, or if I continue to object, my registration may be canceled or my test results may be voided.
14.	Rules: I understand that should any of these rules or any other procedure or policy contained in the current bulletin be declared or determined by any court to be illegal or invalid, the remaining rules, procedures, and policies will not be affected and the illegal or invalid rule, procedure, or policy shall not be deemed a part of the current bulletin. The headings of each of the Rules of Participation in the RICA are for convenient reference only. They are not a part of the rules themselves; they do not necessarily reflect the entire subject matter of each rule; and they are not intended to be used for the purpose of modifying, interpreting, or construing any of these Rules of Participation in the RICA. I agree that any legal action arising in connection with my registration for or participation in the RICA Video Performance Assessment shall be brought only in the state and federal courts located in Sacramento, California, or St. Paul, Minnesota, as appropriate, and I consent to the personal jurisdiction of such courts.

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