Are you planning to take the CTEL exam? Well, you’ve come to the right place! This article will summarize the exam structure and provide valuable tips and resources to help you ace the test.
The CTEL exam assesses whether you have the knowledge and skills necessary to instruct English language learners. Understanding the structure of this exam – and knowing how to prepare effectively – should heighten your chances of success.
Whether you’re new to this test or gearing up for a retake, let’s dive into the details of the CTEL exam and explore some strategies for preparation and test-taking. By the end of this article, you’ll be armed with the knowledge and tools you need to tackle the exam with confidence. Let’s get started!
Overview of the CTEL Exam
Understanding what to expect on test day is important. This exam assesses your knowledge of current best practices in education. Let’s look at the CTEL overview to help you better prepare.
The CTEL exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions as well as four essay responses. This exam is divided into three subtests:
- CTEL: Subtest I (031) (Language and Language Development)
- CTEL: Subtest II (032) (Assessment and Instruction)
- CTEL: Subtest III (033) (Culture and Inclusion)
For more detail on the knowledge, skills, and abilities that the CTEL exam covers, check out the official CTEL preparation materials. By understanding the breakdown of each section, you can assign priority to areas where you may need additional practice and review. Overall, a balanced approach to studying all sections should lead you to success on the CTEL exam.
Time Limit
Subtest I of the CTEL exam must be completed within 1 hour and 45 minutes, while Subtest II must be completed within 2 hours and 45 minutes. Finally, Subtest III must be completed within 1 hour and 30 minutes. This adds up to a total testing time of 6 hours.
| Subtest |
Time Limit |
| CTEL: Subtest I (031) |
1 Hour 45 Minutes |
| CTEL: Subtest II (032) |
2 Hours 45 Minutes |
| CTEL: Subtest III (033) |
1 Hour 30 Minutes |
Passing Score
To pass the CTEL exam, you must pass all three subtests. The minimum passing score on each subtest is 220.
Number of Questions
The CTEL exam has a total of 150 multiple-choice questions as well as four essay responses, which are spread across three subtests.
| Subtest |
Number Of Questions |
| CTEL: Subtest I (031) |
51 Questions (50 Multiple Choice, 1 Essay) |
| CTEL: Subtest II (032) |
62 Questions (60 Multiple Choice, 2 Essays) |
| CTEL: Subtest III (033) |
41 Questions (40 Multiple Choice, 1 Essay) |
Cost
Subtest I costs $98, while Subtest II costs $147 and Subtest III costs $99. However, if you take all three subtests at once, you’ll only pay $260, as opposed to $344. Note that this is only an option if you test in person at a testing center. If you take the test via online proctoring, you must register and pay for each test separately.
Refer to the CTC website to learn more about how to pay for your exam, including information on fee waivers.
Registration Information
You can register to take the CTEL exam within four month-long windows each year. Check the current exam schedules here. When you’re ready to register, start the process by creating an account and then choose a convenient time and place to test.
If you are willing to abide by the strict rules of online proctoring, you can elect to take this exam at home. If you choose this option, you must register and pay for each subtest separately.
You should review CTEL test day requirements well in advance, especially the guidelines around what ID you’ll need to provide. While a driver’s license or passport is usually a good bet, replacing a photo ID takes time, so you’ll want to be sure yours meets requirements.
For more information on the individual subject exams, check out our Exam Overviews for each subtest:
CTEL: Subtest I (031) Exam Overview
CTEL: Subtest II (032) Exam Overview
CTEL: Subtest III (033) Exam Overview
Scoring and Results
Visit the CTC website to find the day your CTEL scores will be released. (Scroll down to “Test Results.”) Your results will also be sent to the CTC and to each institution you indicated during registration. Typically, you will have access to your scores within five weeks of testing.
You can dig deeper into scores using our CTEL scoring guide.
Test Preparation Tips
Given its importance to your career, the CTEL 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:
Reviewing Key Concepts and Skills
- Start familiarizing yourself with the CTEL exam outline and content areas. This will help you prioritize study topics and focus on areas that need attention.
- Create a study schedule and allocate dedicated time to both subtests and all content areas. It’s important that you be prepared for all topics you may encounter on this exam.
- 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.
Practicing Sample Questions and Practice Tests
- Make regular use of practice tests to ensure you’re comfortable with the exam’s format and timing. Review your performance afterward, identifying subjects and content areas where you may need improvement. Be sure that you understand the reasoning behind correct answers before moving on.
- If you’re unable to finish the overall exam within 6 hours, avoid attempting a drastic time cut. Try gradually accelerating your pace instead.
- Use official CTEL exam preparation materials. Studying content that aligns with the real CTEL exam will help prevent surprises on test day.
Developing Effective Study Strategies
- Break down your study materials into smaller, manageable chunks. Focus on understanding the main ideas, key details, and concept connections. It’s better to dedicate 20 minutes to studying every night than to burn out after 10 hours of nonstop prep.
- With multiple essay questions to write, it’s important that you have the skills to quickly complete this task. To put yourself in the best position possible, this is a great time to brush up on your brainstorming, outlining, and composition skills.
- Use diagrams, charts, and flashcards to organize concepts. Visualizing complex ideas can make them easier to remember.
- Engage in active learning techniques, such as summarizing content in your own words, teaching concepts to someone else, or participating in study groups. These strategies can deepen your understanding and retention of the material.
Managing Test Anxiety and Stress
- Test anxiety is a common challenge, but there are ways to calm your nerves. Before and during the exam, practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, visualization, and positive self-talk.
- Be sure you get enough sleep the night before the exam. A lack of sleep can seriously affect your focus and cognitive performance.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle leading up to the exam. Eat nutritious meals, exercise regularly, and stay hydrated. Physical well-being can positively influence your mental state.
Remember, everyone’s study journey is unique. Find the best methods for you and adapt them to your learning style. Stay organized, stay consistent, and stay positive. Be confident that you have the power to succeed on the CTEL exam.
Important Exam Day Instructions
Before your CTEL exam, review all pre-test instructions carefully. Allow ample time for travel—and verify that you’re headed to the right location! Take care not to arrive late, or you risk having your exam canceled.
Checking Required Documents
On the day of the exam, double-check that you have all you need before leaving home. Essential items can include:
- Valid identification: You must present a current, government-issued photo ID that bears your legal name and signature. Examples of valid ID could include your driver’s license or passport.
- Sensible clothing: To combat cold exam rooms, the CTEL website recommends bringing clothing 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 taking this exam 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.
Review the official instructions to learn more about testing policies and what to bring to the exam site. If you are taking a subtest at home, make sure that you’re viewing the tab that reads “Online Proctoring” when you browse this link. Test takers who plan to use online proctoring should pay special attention to these requirements, as the rules for remote testing are very strict.
Understanding Exam Format and Instructions
To prevent confusion on test day, familiarize yourself with the format and basic instructions of the CTEL exam well in advance. Key things to remember include:
- Time limits: Be aware of the time limit for each subtest and plan accordingly. Pace yourself to ensure you have enough time for each question.
- Marking scheme: Make sure you understand 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.
Managing Time Effectively
Time management is crucial during the exam to ensure enough time to answer all the questions. Here are some tips for managing your time effectively:
- Read and understand the instructions: Take a moment at the beginning to go over all instructions thoroughly. This will help prevent errors and wasted time.
- Pace yourself: Don’t spend excessive time on the multiple-choice questions and then rush through the essay prompts. It’s very hard to compose a thoughtful argument when you’re in a hurry, so be sure to leave enough time for these responses.
- Know when to move on: There is no guessing penalty on the CTEL exam, so if you’re stuck on a question, it’s in your best interest to guess.
On test day, you can use these tips to streamline your test-taking process and maximize your chances of success. Working efficiently, staying calm, and maintaining focus are all essential to doing well on the CTEL exam.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the CTEL exam gauges your knowledge of topics such as language structure and development, methods for assessing and supporting English language learners, and best practices for cultural inclusion. If you familiarize yourself with the exam structure, review all content areas, and follow our prep tips, you can approach the CTEL exam with confidence, increasing your chances of success.
More CTEL Resources
