6 Big Mistakes to Avoid When Prepping for the Foundations of Reading (FORT) Exam

Preparing for the Foundations of Reading Test (FORT) can be overwhelming, especially for new teachers navigating a sea of resources and certification requirements. After nearly a decade of supporting educators through their reading competency exams—and over 30 years as a reading specialist—I’ve seen patterns emerge. The same mistakes come up again and again, and they can seriously impact your confidence, performance, and even your job security.

In this post, I’m sharing the six biggest mistakes I see new teachers make as they prepare for the FORT exam—and how to avoid them.

Mistake #1: Procrastinating

Let’s start with the most common (and potentially most damaging) mistake: waiting too long to take the test.

I’ve received heartbreaking emails from teachers who didn’t realize their preliminary credentials had an expiration date—and who lost their jobs because they hadn’t passed the FORT in time. Life happens. Health, babies, family changes, unexpected responsibilities… all of it can delay our plans. But this is one test you can’t afford to put off. Prioritize it early while things are relatively stable.

Mistake #2: Using Too Many Resources

Information overload is real.

Many new teachers gather every resource they can find—YouTube videos, PDFs, webinars, prep books, free downloads—and then try to study all of them at once. The result? Burnout and confusion.

Too many voices can lead to conflicting advice, which increases your anxiety. Instead, choose one or two high-quality, research-based resources that go deep rather than wide. And make sure they align with what you’ll actually be tested on.

If you’re looking for a strong foundation, I recommend starting with the National Reading Panel Summary Report. This free, research-based summary defines the five essential components of reading instruction—phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension—and provides context for how reading develops.

Mistake #3: Underestimating the Exam

Some test takers approach the FORT with the mindset of, “Let me just take it and see what happens.”

The FORT is not that kind of test.

This is a competency-based exam, which means it’s designed to measure your ability to integrate knowledge into real classroom decisions. The multiple-choice questions are often layered and require you to evaluate instructional strategies, apply terminology, and determine best practices—often with answer choices that all seem reasonable.

This is not a test to wing. Invest in your preparation and take it seriously.

Mistake #4: Taking the Test Without Being Ready

This ties directly into the last point—do not sit for the exam if you haven’t fully prepared. If your anxiety is high and you know deep down that you’re not ready, reschedule.

When you’re prepared, your confidence rises and your performance improves. You’re more likely to pass the first time, which saves time, money, and stress.

Mistake #5: Not Practicing Constructed Responses

This is a big one: Don’t wait until test day to write your first constructed response.

You need to know the structure, timing, and strategy for these written responses in advance. Create a plan for how to approach different case study or written scenarios. Then practice writing out responses—even if they’re rough—and get feedback.

Your test is timed. You don’t want to waste precious minutes figuring things out on the spot.

Mistake #6: Having a Negative Mindset

The FORT exam is one more hurdle in your teacher prep journey, and yes—it can feel like a burden. But a negative attitude toward this process can seriously derail your success.

Instead of seeing it as just another hoop, try reframing it: this exam is helping you become a more effective teacher of reading. And that’s the most important job you’ll have, no matter what grade you teach.

Reading ability is directly tied to a child’s future—income, graduation rates, confidence, and even life expectancy. This test is your opportunity to build a strong foundation, not just for your certification, but for your students’ lives.

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

If you’re looking for support, I’ve created a comprehensive course called FORT Prep 101 to guide you every step of the way. Inside, you’ll find detailed lessons, visual breakdowns of reading development, quizzes, examples, and live workshops to keep you on track.

You can learn more and enroll here:
👉 emilymuccianti.com/fort

Let's Connect

Have questions? What’s your biggest struggle when it comes to preparing for the FORT?
Leave a comment below or email me directly at [email protected]. I’d love to support you.

Additional Resources

• Watch my full video on YouTube

• Download the National Reading Panel Summary Report

• Subscribe to the FORT Prep 101 YouTube Channel for weekly tips and strategies

• Join a Live Workshop – Find upcoming dates in the show notes or on my website

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