CTEL Practice Test

The California Teachers of English Learners (CTEL) exam is administered by the state of California. Its purpose is to evaluate the capabilities and knowledge of potential English Second Language teachers to ensure they are adequately prepared to meet their students’ educational needs.

Click “Start Test” above to take a free CTEL practice test!

CTEL Exam Outline

The CTEL exam is split into three subtests, each containing a set of multiple-choice questions and at least one essay. The subtests can be administered either separately or together, with a combined time limit of 6 hours.

CTEL 1: Language and Language Development

This subtest contains 50 multiple-choice questions and one essay, and you will be given a time limit of 1 hour and 45 minutes.

The questions are grouped into two domains, and each domain is split into a set of competencies

Domain 1: Language and Structure

• Phonology and morphology
• Syntax and semantics
• Language functions and variation
• Discourse
• Pragmatics

Domain 2: Additive-Language Development

• Theories, processes and stages of language acquisition
• Theories, models, and processes of second-language acquisition
• Cognitive, linguistic, and physical factors affecting language development
• Affective factors affecting language development
• Sociocultural and political factors affecting language development

CTEL 2: Assessment and Instruction

This subtest contains 60 multiple-choice questions and two essays, and you will be given a time limit of 2 hours and 45 minutes.

The questions are grouped into three domains, and each domain is split into a set of competencies

Domain 1: Assessment of English Learners

• Principles of standards-based assessment and instruction
• Roles, purposes, and types of assessment
• Language and content-area assessment

Domain 2: Foundations of English Language/Literacy Development and Content Instruction

• Foundations of programs for English learners
• Foundations of English language literacy
• Instructional planning and organization for ELD and SDAIEM
• Components of effective instructional delivery in ELD and SDAIE
• Effective recourse use in ELD and SDAIE

Domain 3: Approaches and methods for ELD and Content Instruction

• ELD: Approaches and methods
• ELD: Listening and speaking
• ELD: Reading and writing
• SDAIE

CTEL 3: Culture and Inclusion

This subtest contains 40 multiple-choice questions and one essay, and you will be given a time limit of 1 hour and 30 minutes.

The questions are grouped into two domains, and each domain is split into a set of competencies

Domain 1: Culture and Cultural Diversity and Their Relationship to Academic Achievement

• Cultural concepts and perspectives
• Cultural contact
• Cultural diversity in California and the United States
• Cross-cultural interaction

Domain 2: Culturally Inclusive Instruction

• The role of culture in the classroom and school
• Culturally inclusive learning environment
• Family and community involvement
• Culturally inclusive curriculum and instruction

CTEL Exam Registration

To register for the CTEL exam, you must first create an online NES account. Once you have created your account, you can register for the exam and schedule an exam date.

If you schedule to take all sections of the exam at the same time, you will need to pay an examination fee of $260. If you schedule to take only some of the sections of the exam, you must pay a slightly different fee for each subtest.

Subtest	Fee
CTEL 1	$98
CTEL 2	$147
CTEL 3	$99
All subtests in one session	$260

 

Test Day

In-person Testing

On the day of the exam, you should arrive at the testing center 30 minutes earlier than the scheduled appointment to allow time for the check-in process. When you arrive, you will be asked to sign in and present a valid form of photo ID to the proctor. If you fail to bring your ID, you will not be able to take the exam.

Personal items are not allowed in the testing room, so they must be stored in a secure locker outside the testing area. This includes your phone, wallet, keys, and accessories.

Just before the exam starts, you will be given a brief tutorial on the testing system. You will also be given everything you need to work out any calculations by hand (no calculator will be provided).

Remote Testing

You should log into your testing account 15-30 minutes prior to the scheduled exam time. The proctor will ask you to show a valid form of government-issued photo ID, and they will ask you to scan your surroundings using your webcam.

Once your exam begins, you cannot leave the webcam view, take breaks, or talk to yourself. Your focus must be on the exam, and other people must be out of your testing space while you take the exam.

How the CTEL Exam is Scored

Your CTEL score is based on your raw score, which is the number of questions you answer correctly. Your raw score is then converted to a scaled score on a range of 100 to 300, with 220 being the minimum passing score for each subtest.

You should receive an official score report about 5 weeks after testing.

How to Pass the CTEL Exam

How to Study Effectively

Your success on CTEL test day depends not only on how many hours you put into preparing but also on whether you prepared the right way. It’s good to check along the way to see whether your studying is paying off. One of the most effective ways to do this is by taking CTEL practice tests to evaluate your progress. Practice tests are useful because they show exactly where you need to improve. Every time you take a free CTEL exam practice test, pay special attention to these three groups of questions:

• The questions you got wrong
• The ones you had to guess on, even if you guessed right
• The ones you found difficult or slow to work through

This will show you exactly what your weak areas are and where you need to devote more study time. Ask yourself why each of these questions gave you trouble. Was it because you didn’t understand the material? Was it because you didn’t remember the vocabulary? Do you need more repetitions on this type of question to build speed and confidence? Dig into those questions and figure out how you can strengthen your weak areas as you go back to review the material.

Answer Explanations

Additionally, many CTEL practice tests have a section explaining the answer choices. It can be tempting to read the explanation and think that you now have a good understanding of the concept. However, an explanation likely only covers part of the question’s broader context. Even if the explanation makes sense, go back and investigate every concept related to the question until you’re positive you have a thorough understanding.

Comprehend Each Topic

As you go along, keep in mind that the CTEL practice test is just that: practice. Memorizing these questions and answers will not be very helpful on the actual test because it is unlikely to have any of the same exact questions. If you only know the right answers to the sample questions, you won’t be prepared for the real thing. Study the concepts until you understand them fully, and then you’ll be able to answer any question that shows up on the test.

Strategy for CTEL Practice

When you’re ready to start taking practice tests, follow this strategy:

• Keep Practicing. Keep taking practice tests on a regular basis until you run out of practice tests or it’s time for the actual test. Your mind will be ready for the schedule and stress of test day, and you’ll be able to focus on recalling the material you’ve learned.

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