Typically, the test can be administered in 35 minutes; however, the test time is often lengthened for students who are returning to school to earn their GED or for students who use English as a second language. The test can be given to large groups or on an individual basis. Overall, the test can take as along as 45 minutes.
The test is used to measure not only the rate at which a student reads but also assesses a student's reading comprehension and vocabulary.
The section of the test covering vocabulary is comprised of 80 questions that are multiple choice in nature. The level of words are the same as what is found in high school and college-type reading materials.
The second section of the test measures reading comprehension and consists of five passages of high school and college level material with 38 multiple-choice questions. Reading comprehension as well as the reading rate are determined by this part of the test.
The test has been proven to be a reliable gauge for educators, as it examines a remedial reading student's level of improvement as well as assesses the level of placement for those students who could benefit by instruction.