Planning to teach English language learners in California? You’ll likely need to pass the CTEL exam. The CTEL consists of three separate subtests, including CTEL 2: Assessment and Instruction (032).
The scope of the CTEL exam may feel overwhelming, but don’t stress—you’re in the right place. The following article will detail the structure of the CTEL 2: Assessment and Instruction (032) exam and offer valuable tips and resources to help you ace it.
The CTEL 2: Assessment and Instruction (032) exam gauges your understanding of how to instruct, assess, and provide literacy support for English language learners. Given its importance, it’s natural to feel some anxiety about passing. But there are ways to take charge of your testing experience. For instance, getting familiar with the exam structure can boost your confidence. A suite of effective study tools will also set you up for success on the CTEL 2: Assessment and Instruction (032) test.
With that in mind, let’s delve into the details of the CTEL 2: Assessment and Instruction (032) test and explore some strategies for preparation. Whether you’re taking a CTEL exam for the first time or gearing up for a retake, this article will empower you to tackle the CTEL Language exam with confidence. Let’s get to work!
Overview of the CTEL 2: Assessment and Instruction (032) exam
Knowing what to expect can help ease your nerves on test day. Let’s take a broad look at the CTEL 2: Assessment and Instruction (032) test to understand what it covers.
The Assessment and Instruction (032) exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and two written essays. You will have 2 hours and 45 minutes to complete this test. The questions cover the following content domains (and associated competencies):
- Assessment of English Learners
- Principles of Standards-Based Assessment and Instruction
- Role, Purposes, and Types of Assessment
- Language and Content-Area Assessment
- Pragmatics
- Foundations of English Language/Literacy Development and Content Instruction
- Foundations of Programs for English Learners
- Foundations of English Language Literacy for ELD and SDAIE
- Instructional Planning and Organization for ELD and SDAIE
- Components of Effective Instructional Delivery in ELD and SDAIE
- Effective Resource Use in ELD and SDAIE
- Approaches and Methods for ELD and Content Instruction
- ELD—Approaches and Methods
- ELD—Listening and Speaking
- ELD—Reading and Writing
- Specially Designed Academic Instruction in English (SDAIE)
Familiarizing yourself with these content expectations should help you allocate study time. As you begin preparing for the CTEL 2: Assessment and Instruction (032) exam, prioritize topics you know will be challenging.
Overall, a well balanced approach to studying the test’s three main content domains will set you up for success on the CTEL 2: Assessment and Instruction exam.
Time Limit
You will have 2 hours and 45 minutes to complete the CTEL 2: Assessment and Instruction (032) exam.
Passing Score
You must score 220 or higher on the Assessment and Instruction (032) exam to pass.
Number of Questions
The CTEL 2: Assessment and Instruction (032) test has 60 multiple-choice questions and two essay questions on the following content domains: Assessment of English Learners, Foundations of English Language/Literacy Development and Content Instruction, and Approaches and Methods for ELD and Content Instruction.
Cost
You will need to register and pay separately for all three subtests of the CTEL exam. The CTEL 2: Assessment and Instruction (032) test costs $147. However, if you take all three subtests together in a single session, you’ll only pay $260, as opposed to $347. (This option is only available to on-site test takers. If you are testing remotely, you will need to register and pay separately for all three subtests of the CTEL exam.)
Visit the CTC website for more information on fees and payment. Be sure to check whether you are eligible for a fee waiver for the CTEL 2: Assessment and Instruction (032) exam.
Registration Information
There are four different testing windows for the CTEL 2 (032) test, one for each season of the year (view the current dates here). When you’ve chosen a two-week window to take your test within, start the registration process by creating an account, and then choose a convenient time and place. You can take the CTEL 2: Assessment and Instruction as a standalone exam, or you can register for more subtests to be taken on the same day.
If you’re able to abide by online proctoring rules, it’s also possible to take the CTEL 2: Assessment and Instruction exam at home. (Note that the remote version of this exam has different testing windows.) Learn more about the remote testing option for CTEL exams.
Scoring Information
Visit the CTC website to find the day your CTEL 2: Assessment and Instruction (032) scores will be released. (Scroll down to “Test Results.”) Typically, you will have access to them within five weeks.
Want to learn more about Assessment and Instruction (032) scores? Explore the details with our CTEL 2: Assessment and Instruction scoring guide!
Test Preparation Tips
Given its importance, the CTEL 2 (032) exam may feel intimidating. However, the right strategies and mindset will give you the boost you need to succeed. Here are some preparation tips to make the most of your study time:
Take a Proactive Approach
- Get familiar with the format and content of the Assessment and Instruction (032) exam as soon as you can. The longer you put off studying, the more anxiety you’ll feel. (Reading this article is a great start!)
- Avoid procrastination by using a calendar app to schedule study time. When you’ve made a formal appointment to study, it’s harder to skip.
- Split your study blocks among all content areas, and consider setting a timer to stay on track. It’s important that you be ready for every topic that appears on this exam.
Review Key Facts and Skills
- The CTEL exam deals with a fair amount of specialized vocabulary and acronyms. To avoid confusion, ensure you have the basics down before attempting review. The CTC recommends that you be familiar with the terms in this glossary.
- With two full essay questions to write, it’s important that you’re able to respond to the CTEL 2 (032) prompts quickly and thoughtfully. To put yourself in the best position possible, this is a great time to brush up on your brainstorming, outlining, and speedy composition skills.
Study Sample Questions and Take Practice Tests
- Attempt sample questions of all types. While you may already have a sense of your strengths and weaknesses, you should test those assumptions against exam materials.
- Take full-length practice tests on a regular basis to ensure you’re comfortable with the exam’s format and timing. If you’re unable to finish tests within 2 hours and 45 minutes, avoid attempting a drastic time cut. Try gradually accelerating your pace instead.
- Use official CTEL 2: Assessment and Instruction exam preparation materials. Studying content that aligns with the real CTEL will help prevent surprises on test day.
Develop Effective Study Strategies
- Whenever you miss a practice question, don’t just move on. Read the explanation behind each answer and ensure it makes sense.
- Break down your study routine into manageable chunks. It’s better to dedicate 20 minutes to studying every night than to burn out after 10 hours of nonstop prep.
- Use charts, diagrams, and flashcards to organize concepts and terms. Visualizing complex ideas can make them easier to remember.
- Engage in active learning techniques, such as defining terms in your own words, explaining an idea to someone else, or participating in study groups. These strategies will help ensure you’re truly mastering the material, as opposed to memorizing surface details.
Important Exam Day Instructions
On the day of your CTEL 2: Assessment and Instruction exam, read all pre-test instructions carefully. Allow ample time for travel—and verify that you’re headed to the location named in your confirmation email. Be sure to arrive 15 minutes before the time of your exam.
If you’re taking your exam at home, read all instructions carefully to understand how and when you need to sign in.
Check Required Items
Before your exam, double-check that you have all you need. Essential items can include:
- Valid identification: You must present a current, government-issued ID that bears your photo and signature. Examples of acceptable ID include driver’s licenses and passports.
- Sensible clothing: If you’ll be at a test site, the CTC website recommends bringing clothes that you can layer. You should also be sure to wear soft-soled shoes to keep the testing space quiet.
- Equipment and workspace: If you’re testing at home, you must have access to a desktop or laptop computer. You also need a quiet, private, and well lit workspace that is free of prohibited items.
Read the official instructions to learn more about testing policies and what to bring to the exam site.
If you are taking the exam at home, make sure that you’re viewing the tab that reads “Online Proctoring” when you browse the link above. Test takers who plan to use online proctoring should pay special attention to these requirements. The rules for remote testing are very strict, and a violation will cancel your score.
Understand Exam Format and Instructions
To prevent confusion on test day, familiarize yourself with the format and basic instructions of the CTEL 2: Assessment and Instruction (032) test well in advance. Key things to remember include:
- Time limits: Be aware of the time limit and set your pace accordingly. You will have 2 hours and 45 minutes to answer all 60 multiple-choice questions and complete both written essays. Note that if you’re taking all three subtests at once, issues surrounding time limits and breaks become more complicated. Before the test, you should carefully review relevant information on the CTC website (click the link under “Session Length”).
- Marking scheme: Make sure you know how to mark selections properly on your screen. CTEL exams take place exclusively via computer.
- Special instructions: Pay attention to any special instructions provided by the exam proctors, such as rules around breaks.
Manage Time Effectively
Time management is crucial to finishing the CTEL Assessment and Instruction exam within 2 hours and 45 minutes. The following tips can help you manage your time effectively.
- Read and understand the instructions: Take a moment at the beginning of each section to go over all instructions thoroughly. This will help prevent errors and wasted time.
- Pace yourself: Don’t spend an excessive length of time on the multiple-choice section and then leave yourself scrambling to complete the essay section. When you’re in a rush, it’s very hard to outline and write thoughtful essays.
- Know when to move on: There is no guessing penalty on the CTEL 2: Assessment and Instruction exam, so if you’re stuck on a question, it’s in your best interest to guess. You can always return to the question if you have time.
On exam day, you can use these tips to streamline your test-taking process and maximize your chances of success. Working efficiently, staying calm, and maintaining your focus are all essential to doing well on the CTEL 2: Assessment and Instruction (032) test.
Conclusion
The Assessment and Instruction (032) exam is a crucial part of the CTEL, which is in turn very important to your future career. To pass this test, you’ll need to show proficiency in content areas such as ELD instruction, ELD literacy support, and ELD assessment.
Despite its depth and breadth, don’t let this test intimidate you. If you familiarize yourself with the exam structure, review all content areas, and follow our test prep tips, you can approach the CTEL 2: Assessment and Instruction (032) exam with confidence, increasing your chances of success.
More CTEL 2: Assessment and Instruction Resources
