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Key Facts: CTEL Exam
154
Total Questions and Essays
Official CTEL preparation manual
1h45 / 2h45 / 1h30
Subtest Time Limits
Official CTEL preparation manual
220
Scaled Passing Score Per Subtest
Official CTEL test guide
$260
Combined 3-Subtest Fee
Official CTEL fee table
70% / 30%
MC / Constructed-Response Scoring Split
Official CTEL preparation manual
Feb 2026
Latest CTC EL Authorization Guidance
CTC English Learner and Bilingual Authorizations page
As of March 7, 2026, the official CTEL structure remains three separately scored subtests: CTEL 1 with 50 multiple-choice questions and 1 essay in 1 hour 45 minutes, CTEL 2 with 60 multiple-choice questions and 2 essays in 2 hours 45 minutes, and CTEL 3 with 40 multiple-choice questions and 1 essay in 1 hour 30 minutes. The passing score remains 220 per subtest, and the current fee schedule lists $98, $147, and $99 by subtest or $260 for all three in one test-center session. I did not find an official 2026 redesign notice; the main current policy context is the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing’s English Learner and Bilingual Authorizations guidance updated in February 2026, which continues the established CTEL/CLAD route.
About the CTEL Exam
CTEL is California’s English learner authorization exam for teachers who need to demonstrate knowledge of language structure, additive-language development, assessment, ELD and content instruction, culture, inclusion, and collaboration with families and communities.
Questions
154 scored questions
Time Limit
6h total or 1h 45m / 2h 45m / 1h 30m by subtest
Passing Score
220 scaled on each subtest
Exam Fee
$98 / $147 / $99 by subtest or $260 combined (California Commission on Teacher Credentialing / Pearson Evaluation Systems)
CTEL Exam Content Outline
Language Structure and Use
Phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, sociolinguistics, academic language, and differences between oral and written English.
Additive-Language Development
First- and second-language development, literacy transfer, bilingualism and biliteracy, error analysis, and the relationship between language development and academic achievement.
Assessment of English Learners
Screening, diagnostic, formative, summative, and language-proficiency assessment; interpreting results; placement; progress monitoring; and matching data to instruction.
Foundations of English Language/Literacy Development and Content Instruction
Oral language, literacy development, integrated and designated ELD, academic language, and core principles for making grade-level content comprehensible.
Approaches and Methods for ELD and Content Instruction
SDAIE and sheltered instruction, scaffolds, differentiation by proficiency and grade span, grouping, primary-language support, and content-area literacy strategies.
Culture and Cultural Diversity
Culture, identity, acculturation, bias, expectations, and the relationship between cultural variables and academic achievement for English learners.
Culturally Inclusive Instruction
Inclusive classroom climate, family and community partnership, collaboration with specialists, advocacy, and instructional decisions that sustain access, dignity, and participation.
How to Pass the CTEL Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: 220 scaled on each subtest
- Exam length: 154 questions
- Time limit: 6h total or 1h 45m / 2h 45m / 1h 30m by subtest
- Exam fee: $98 / $147 / $99 by subtest or $260 combined
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
CTEL Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the CTEL exam structured?
Official CTEL materials list three separately scored subtests. CTEL 1 has 50 multiple-choice questions and 1 essay in 1 hour 45 minutes, CTEL 2 has 60 multiple-choice questions and 2 essays in 2 hours 45 minutes, and CTEL 3 has 40 multiple-choice questions and 1 essay in 1 hour 30 minutes. You can also register to take all three in one 6-hour test-center session.
What score do I need to pass CTEL?
You need a scaled score of 220 on each CTEL subtest. Because the subtests are scored separately, passing one part does not pass the others.
How much does CTEL cost in 2026?
The current official fee schedule lists CTEL 1 at $98, CTEL 2 at $147, and CTEL 3 at $99 when taken separately. If you register for all three in a single test-center session, the posted combined fee is $260.
What matters most on CTEL?
CTEL is not just a legal-rights or vocabulary exam. The heaviest preparation areas are language structure and additive-language development in Subtest 1, then assessment plus ELD/content instruction in Subtest 2, followed by culture and inclusive practice in Subtest 3. Strong candidates can connect theory to classroom decisions, not just define terms.
Did CTEL change in 2026?
As of March 7, 2026, I did not find an official CTEL blueprint, time-limit, passing-score, or fee redesign notice. The relevant current policy context is the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing’s English Learner and Bilingual Authorizations guidance updated in February 2026, which continues the established authorization routes rather than announcing a new CTEL test model.
Who typically still takes CTEL?
Many California-prepared teachers now earn English learner authorization through approved credential programs, but CTEL still matters for some candidates, including certain out-of-state teachers, added-authorization routes, and credential situations where exam passage remains the cleanest way to document the required knowledge. Always confirm your exact route with your program or the Commission before paying to test.