California Teacher of English Learner (CTEL) is a certification exam initiated by Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) for validation of skills required by candidates to teach English learners. It is administered by Evaluation Systems group of Pearson. In California, the number of students whose native language is not English has significantly increased. Therefore, CTC required beginning a teaching credential which ensures that the teachers are capable to impart education to such students.
Eligibility-
CTEL is taken by the teachers who want to gain English Language authorization. It also satisfies a part of Bilingual authorization requirements.
Test Overview-
CTEL comprises of three subtests- Language and language development (CTEL 1), Assessment and instructions (CTEL 2), and Culture and inclusion (CTEL 3). The “Language and language development” subtest assesses two areas- a) structure and use and b) first and second language development and their relationship to academic achievements. The questions in the “Assessment and instructions” subtest are based on foundations of English language, literacy development, content instruction, assessment of English learners, approaches and methods of English language development and content instruction. The “Culture and inclusion” subtest includes cultures and cultural diversity, their relationship to academic achievements, and culturally inclusive instructions. The contents of the exam are developed based on text courses of grade K to 12 in public schools of California and in accord with CTC standards.
Test Format-
It is an objective test. There are 50, 60 and 40 multiple choice questions in CTEL 1, 2, and 3 subtests respectively. The exam is administered only on computers. The subtests can be taken separately or all at once. Time periods allotted for CTEL 1, 2, 3 and combined test are 105, 180, 90 and 360 minutes respectively. In combined test, subtests are offered in this order -CTEL 1, 3 and 2. There is an optional break of 45 minutes after CTEL 3 subtest. This is a criterion referenced test, so an examinee is evaluated against a fixed standard instead of performance of other examinees.
Marking Scheme-
Each subtest is awarded a scaled score between 100 and 300. The passing score is 220. An examinee has to pass all three subtests for achieving the certification. The unofficial score is posted on internet and official score is mailed to the candidate and CTC on the designated test score report dates.
Schedule-
The exam is offered in four testing windows of six days each in a year. The registrations are done only through internet on a first come, first serve basis. CTEL can be taken any number of times. However, the candidate has to wait for 45 days before each retest.
Exam Fees-
The fees for CTEL 1: Language and Language Development, CTEL 2: Assessment and Instruction and CTEL 3: Culture and Inclusion subtests are $91, $140 and $91 respectively. If all the subtests are taken at once, it costs $238. There are extra charges for score verification ($50), additional copy of test result ($10), and clearing an account ($20). There is no service fee for change of registration.