CTEL — California Teachers of English Learners Examination (Subtests 031, 032, 033)
The exam that earns a California teacher's English learner authorization — language, instruction, assessment and culture.
About the exam
The CTEL examination earns the CTEL Certificate, which authorizes credentialed teachers to provide instruction to English learners — English language development (ELD) and specially designed academic instruction in English (SDAIE). Teachers who didn't receive an EL authorization through their preparation program often take CTEL.
There are three subtests: CTEL 1, Language and Language Development (50 multiple-choice + 1 essay); CTEL 2, Assessment and Instruction (60 multiple-choice + 2 essays); and CTEL 3, Culture and Inclusion (40 multiple-choice + 1 essay). Each is passed separately.
Our practice covers all seven domains — from phonology and second-language acquisition to ELD standards, SDAIE strategies, assessment of English learners and culturally inclusive instruction.
How we track your progress
Every blueprint domain moves through five levels as you study:
- Not startedNo questions answered in this domain yet.
- Getting startedFirst questions answered — not enough yet to judge.
- DevelopingAt least 5 answered and 50% or better on your recent questions.
- ProficientAt least 15 answered and 70% or better on your recent questions.
- Exam readyAt least 25 answered, 80% or better recently, and holding up on hard questions.
The exam blueprint
CTEL content specifications — CTC — 3 subtests, 7 domains — language, assessment and instruction, culture and inclusion. Tap a domain to see its topics.
1 Language Structure and Use CTEL 1 · 25 MC of the exam
75 practice questions in this domain so far
2 Additive-Language Development CTEL 1 · 25 MC of the exam
75 practice questions in this domain so far
3 Assessment of English Learners CTEL 2 · 15 MC of the exam
45 practice questions in this domain so far
4 Foundations of ELD and Content Instruction CTEL 2 · 25 MC of the exam
75 practice questions in this domain so far
5 Approaches and Methods for ELD and Content Instruction CTEL 2 · 20 MC of the exam
60 practice questions in this domain so far
6 Culture and Cultural Diversity CTEL 3 · 20 MC of the exam
60 practice questions in this domain so far
7 Culturally Inclusive Instruction CTEL 3 · 20 MC of the exam
60 practice questions in this domain so far
What you get when you access this exam
Free with your QuizMe account.
Questions built on the official framework
Every question is tagged to a CTEL content area and topic — linguistics, language acquisition, ELPAC and assessment, ELD and SDAIE, and culture.
Hints that teach
Reveal the principle behind the question when you're stuck. Every answer comes with the full rationale.
Adaptive practice
Questions steer toward your weakest areas, weighted like the real exam, and get harder as you get stronger.
Timed practice exams
Framework-weighted exams at a realistic pace — all three subtests at a realistic pace — with a pacing indicator and full review.
Flashcards, case simulations and guides
120 flashcards, 8 unfolding classroom or school cases where every decision shows its consequence, and interactive illustrated guides you explore hotspot by hotspot.
Progress in every content area
Each area moves from Not started to Exam ready, so you know exactly what to study next.
Test at home or at a center
California educator exams are delivered by Pearson VUE for the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). Register on the official CTC Exams site, ctcexams.nesinc.com.
At a Pearson VUE test center
- Computer-based testing by appointment, year-round, Monday–Saturday at most centers.
- Arrive about 30 minutes early with current government-issued photo ID that matches your registration.
- Phones, bags, watches and notes go in a locker.
- Plan for 15 extra minutes for the nondisclosure agreement and tutorial.
Online proctored (where offered)
- Offered for many tests in one-week windows each month — check the test page; not every test or subtest is available online.
- A live proctor watches through your webcam for the whole session.
- Run the system check on the same computer and network well before test day.
- Test alone in a quiet room with a clear desk — no notes, phone or second monitor.
Exam-day game plan
How to walk in ready — and how to pace 150 multiple-choice questions across the three subtests.
Pacing checkpoints
Our checkpoints cover the multiple-choice questions. Each real subtest adds one or two essays — leave about 20–30 minutes for each.
The week before
- Take one full-length timed practice exam 3–5 days out, then rest.
- Review the vocabulary of linguistics — phonemes, morphemes, syntax, semantics, pragmatics — with an example of each.
- Know the California ELD Standards, the ELPAC, integrated vs. designated ELD, and the main SDAIE strategies.
- Confirm your appointment, ID and route — or run the online system check.
During the exam
- Read the whole question and find the cue: best, first, most appropriate, most likely.
- Favor answers that build on students' home language and culture and are matched to their English proficiency level.
- For assessment questions, separate language proficiency from content knowledge.
- Pick your best answer, flag it and move on; revisit flags at the end.
- Answer every multiple-choice question — there's no penalty for guessing.
Keep your head
- A few nerves sharpen focus. If you freeze, take three slow breaths and reread the question.
- You're measured against a fixed passing standard, not other test-takers.
- Change an answer only when you find a real reason in the question.
After you pass
- Pass all three subtests (or combine CTEL subtests with approved coursework) to apply for the CTEL Certificate.
- Each passed subtest is banked; you only retake a subtest you didn't pass.
- Check the CTC site for how long passing scores stay valid.
Official sources and further reading
- CTC Exams — CTEL ↗Official test page, content specifications and study guide.
- CTC — CTEL Certificate ↗Requirements for the English learner authorization.
Ready to start?
450 questions and scenarios across the blueprint — and growing.
QuizMe and thinQtank Learning are not affiliated with or endorsed by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing or Pearson. Details are summarized from the official CTC Exams site; fees and policies change — always confirm at ctcexams.nesinc.com. Our Exam ready level asks for 80% or better.