Key Takeaways
- CTEL is split into three separately scored subtests.
- Official structure is 50 selected-response + 1 essay, then 60 selected-response + 2 essays, then 40 selected-response + 1 essay.
- The current time limits are 1 hour 45 minutes, 2 hours 45 minutes, and 1 hour 30 minutes by subtest.
- The passing standard is a scaled score of 220 on each subtest.
- Current posted fees are $98, $147, and $99 by subtest or $260 combined at a test center.
Last updated: March 2026
CTEL Overview
The California Teacher of English Learners (CTEL) examination is California's English learner authorization exam for candidates who still need to document this knowledge through testing.
Official Structure
| Subtest | Main Focus | Format | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| CTEL 1 | Language structure, additive-language development, assessment | 50 selected-response + 1 essay | 1 hour 45 minutes |
| CTEL 2 | Foundations, methods, ELD and content instruction | 60 selected-response + 2 essays | 2 hours 45 minutes |
| CTEL 3 | Culture, inclusion, and collaboration | 40 selected-response + 1 essay | 1 hour 30 minutes |
If you take all three together in one sitting, the official total test-center session is 6 hours.
Scoring and Fees
| Item | Current Official Information |
|---|---|
| Passing score | 220 scaled on each subtest |
| Separate subtest fees | $98, $147, and $99 |
| Combined fee | $260 for all three in one test-center session |
| Online proctoring | Available for separate subtests; the combined session is test-center only |
CTEL is still a knowledge-heavy pedagogy and language exam. Success depends on connecting language theory to classroom decisions rather than memorizing isolated terms.