The California Teacher of English Learners (CTEL) Examination measures the knowledge and skills educators need to provide effective instruction to English learners. The exam consists of three subtests covering language development, assessment and instruction, and culture and inclusion. This guide reviews the current exam format, content, fees, scoring, registration, and study resources.
Exam Background and Purpose
The CTEL Examination is part of California’s educator credentialing system and is administered by Pearson for the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
The examination is designed to measure the knowledge, skills, and abilities teachers need to provide effective instruction to English learners. Passing the CTEL can be used as one route toward earning California’s full English Learner Authorization, also commonly associated with the CLAD Certificate.
The full authorization allows an appropriately credentialed educator to provide English Language Development (ELD) and Specially Designed Academic Instruction in English (SDAIE), subject to the scope of the educator’s underlying credential.
Important: If you are using the CTEL exam to qualify for an English Learner Authorization, you must pass all three subtests. CTEL scores used for California certification purposes may be no more than 10 years old from the date each subtest was passed.
CTEL Exam Format
The CTEL consists of three separately scored subtests. You may take the subtests individually. If you test at a test center, you may also register to take all three in one testing session.
| Subtest | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| CTEL 1: Language and Language Development (031) | 50 multiple-choice + 1 essay | 1 hr. 45 min. |
| CTEL 2: Assessment and Instruction (032) | 60 multiple-choice + 2 essays | 2 hr. 45 min. |
| CTEL 3: Culture and Inclusion (033) | 40 multiple-choice + 1 essay | 1 hr. 30 min. |
An additional 15 minutes is provided for the nondisclosure agreement and testing tutorial.
If you take all three subtests during one computer-based testing appointment, they are administered in the order CTEL 1, CTEL 3, then CTEL 2. You may take a break of up to 45 minutes after completing CTEL 1 and CTEL 3 before beginning CTEL 2.
What Is on CTEL 1?
Language and Language Development (031)
CTEL 1 contains 50 multiple-choice questions and one constructed-response assignment. The multiple-choice portion is divided evenly between two domains.
| Domain | Questions |
|---|---|
| Language Structure and Use | 25 multiple-choice |
| Additive-Language Development | 25 multiple-choice + 1 essay |
Language Structure and Use
This domain assesses your understanding of how language works. Topics include phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, language functions and variation, discourse, and pragmatics.
Additive-Language Development
This domain focuses on first- and second-language development. You should understand theories and stages of language acquisition as well as cognitive, linguistic, physical, affective, sociocultural, and political factors that can influence language development.
What Is on CTEL 2?
Assessment and Instruction (032)
CTEL 2 is the longest of the three subtests. It contains 60 multiple-choice questions and two constructed-response assignments divided among three major domains.
| Domain | Multiple-Choice Questions |
|---|---|
| Assessment of English Learners | 15 |
| Foundations of English Language/Literacy Development and Content Instruction | 25 |
| Approaches and Methods for ELD and Content Instruction | 20 |
Assessment of English Learners
This domain covers standards-based assessment, the purposes and types of assessment, and the appropriate assessment of English learners in both language and academic content areas.
Foundations of English Language/Literacy Development and Content Instruction
This section covers programs for English learners, foundations of English language literacy, instructional planning, effective delivery of ELD and SDAIE instruction, and the use of appropriate instructional resources.
Approaches and Methods for ELD and Content Instruction
You will be expected to understand instructional approaches for English Language Development, including the development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, as well as methods for providing specially designed academic instruction in English.
What Is on CTEL 3?
Culture and Inclusion (033)
CTEL 3 contains 40 multiple-choice questions and one constructed-response assignment. Its two domains each contain 20 multiple-choice questions.
| Domain | Questions |
|---|---|
| Culture and Cultural Diversity and Their Relationship to Academic Achievement | 20 |
| Culturally Inclusive Instruction | 20 |
Culture and Cultural Diversity
This domain covers cultural concepts and perspectives, cultural contact, diversity in California and the United States, cross-cultural interaction, and the ways culture can affect teaching, learning, and academic achievement.
Culturally Inclusive Instruction
This section addresses the role of culture in schools and classrooms, culturally inclusive learning environments, family and community involvement, and instructional practices that respond appropriately to student diversity.
How Much Does the CTEL Exam Cost?
The fee depends on which subtest or combination of subtests you register to take.
The $260 combined option applies when you register to take all three subtests in one computer-based testing session at a test center.
If you choose online proctoring, each subtest must be registered for and taken separately, so you pay the individual subtest fees.
When Is the CTEL Exam Offered?
The CTEL is administered during scheduled testing windows rather than continuously every day of the year.
Test-center appointments: Available during selected two-week testing windows on a first-come, first-served basis.
Online-proctored appointments: Available during four one-week testing windows each year.
Appointment availability varies, so registering for the exam does not guarantee that your preferred testing location, date, or time will still be available.
Test Center or Online Proctoring?
You can currently take the CTEL either at an approved test center or remotely through online proctoring.
Computer-Based Testing: You may take one, two, or all three CTEL subtests at a test center. If you register for all three in one session, the total testing time is six hours.
Online Proctoring: You may test remotely, including from home, if your computer and testing environment meet the required specifications. Each CTEL subtest must be registered for and taken in a separate online-proctored session.
Break rules differ: Restroom breaks are permitted during test-center testing, but the time comes out of your available testing time. Breaks are not permitted during an online-proctored CTEL subtest.
How Do I Register?
Registration is completed online through the California Educator Credentialing Assessments testing system.
1. Create or sign in to your testing account.
Use your California educator testing account to begin registration.
2. Select your subtest or subtests.
Choose CTEL 1, CTEL 2, CTEL 3, or all three if you plan to take them together at a test center.
3. Select your testing method.
Choose computer-based testing at a test center or online proctoring where available.
4. Schedule your appointment.
Select an available appointment during one of the applicable testing windows.
What to Know Before Test Day
Review your testing appointment and current identification requirements before test day.
Plan your time for both the multiple-choice and constructed-response portions of each subtest.
If testing remotely, complete the required system and testing-environment checks before your appointment.
Remember that calculators and personal testing materials are not needed for the CTEL.
Answer every multiple-choice question. Tests may contain unscored questions being evaluated for future administrations, but those questions are not identified.
How Is the CTEL Exam Scored?
Each of the three CTEL subtests is scored separately on a scale from 100 to 300. You must earn a scaled score of at least 220 on each subtest to pass the full CTEL Examination.
On each subtest, the multiple-choice portion contributes 70% of the total score and the constructed-response portion contributes 30%.
Test results are generally available within five weeks of your testing date. If you pass a subtest, your report shows your passing status rather than a numerical passing score. Candidates who do not pass receive a scaled score along with diagnostic information about their performance.
What If I Don’t Pass?
You may retake a CTEL subtest as many times as necessary to achieve a passing score.
You must wait at least 45 calendar days from your previous testing date before retaking the same subtest on computer.
If you registered for multiple CTEL subtests in the same testing session, the 45-day waiting period applies to each subtest included in that registration, even if you did not attempt or complete every subtest during the appointment.
You do not have to retake subtests you already passed. Each CTEL subtest is scored separately, so once you have a passing score on a subtest, you can focus your preparation on the remaining subtest or subtests.
How Can I Prepare for the CTEL Exam?
Because the CTEL includes both multiple-choice questions and essays, your preparation should include both content review and practice applying that knowledge in written responses.
Do not study the CTEL as though it were simply a test of English grammar. CTEL 1 includes language structure and acquisition, but CTEL 2 and CTEL 3 place substantial emphasis on assessment, instructional practice, English Language Development, SDAIE, culture, family engagement, and creating inclusive learning environments.
CTEL Study Checklist
Review the domains and competencies for all three CTEL subtests you still need to pass.
Know the major concepts of phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, discourse, and pragmatics.
Review first- and second-language acquisition theories and the factors that influence language development.
Practice selecting appropriate assessments and instructional strategies for English learners at different proficiency levels.
Review ELD, SDAIE, literacy development, culturally responsive instruction, and family and community engagement.
Practice writing organized constructed responses that directly address every part of the prompt.
Complete timed practice so you are comfortable balancing multiple-choice questions and essays within each subtest’s time limit.
CTEL Study Resources
Use these resources to review the CTEL content areas and practice before your testing window.
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