CTEL 1: Language and Language Development (031) Exam Overview
Planning to teach English language learners in California? You’ll likely need to pass the CTEL exam. The CTEL consists of three separate subtests, including CTEL 1: Language and Language Development (031).
The scope of the CTEL exam may feel overwhelming, but don’t stress—you’re in the right place. The following article will detail the structure of the CTEL 1: Language and Language Development (031) exam and offer valuable tips and resources to help you ace it.
The CTEL 1: Language and Language Development (031) test gauges your understanding of how language is structured, used, and acquired. Given its importance, it’s natural to feel some anxiety about passing. But there are ways to take charge of your testing experience. For instance, getting familiar with the exam structure can boost your confidence. A suite of effective study tools will also set you up for success on the CTEL 1: Language and Language Development (031) test.
With that in mind, let’s delve into the details of the CTEL 1: Language and Language Development exam and explore some strategies for preparation. Whether you’re taking a CTEL exam for the first time or gearing up for a retake, this article will empower you to tackle the CTEL Language exam with confidence. Let’s get to work!
Overview of the CTEL 1: Language and Language Development (031) exam
Knowing what to expect can help ease your nerves on test day. Let’s take a broad look at the CTEL 1: Language and Language Development (031) test to understand what it covers.
The Language and Language Development (031) exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions and one written essay. You will have 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete this test. The multiple-choice questions cover the following skill areas:
- Language Structure and Use
- Phonology and Morphology
- Syntax and Semantics
- Language Functions and Variation
- Discourse
- Pragmatics
- Additive-Language Development
- Theories, Processes, and Stages of Language Acquisition
- Theories, Models, and Processes of Second-Language Acquisition
- Cognitive, Linguistic, and Physical Factors Affecting Language Development
- Affective Factors Affecting Language Development
- Sociocultural and Political Factors Affecting Language Development
The essay question will be related to the Additive-Language Development domain. You will not be writing about topics related to Language Structure and Use.
Familiarizing yourself with these content expectations should help you allocate study time. As you begin preparing for the CTEL 1: Language and Language Development (031) exam, prioritize topics you know will be challenging.
Overall, a balanced approach to studying the test’s content areas will set you up for success on the CTEL 1: Language and Language Development exam.
Time Limit
You will have 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete the CTEL 1: Language and Language Development (031) test.
Passing Score
You must score 220 or higher on the CTEL 1 (031) exam to pass.
Number of Questions
The CTEL 1: Language and Language Development (031) test has one essay question on Additive-Language Development. It also has 50 multiple-choice questions on both Additive-Language Development and a second content domain, Language Structure and Use.
Cost
The CTEL 1: Language and Language Development (031) test costs $98. However, if you take all three CTEL subtests together in a single session, you’ll only pay $260, as opposed to $347. (This option is only available to on-site test takers. If you are testing remotely, you must register and pay separately for all three subtests of the CTEL exam.)
Visit the CTC website for more information on fees and payment. Be sure to check whether you are eligible for a fee waiver for the CTEL (031) exam.
Registration Information
There are four different testing windows for the CTEL 1: Language and Language Development (031) test, one for each season of the year (view the current dates here). When you’ve chosen a two-week testing window, start the registration process by creating an account, and then choose a convenient time and place. You can take the CTEL 1: Language and Language Development as a standalone exam, or you can register for more subtests to be taken on the same day.
If you’re able to abide by online proctoring rules, it’s also possible to take the CTEL 1: Language and Language Development exam at home. (Note that the remote version of this exam has different testing windows.) Learn more about the remote testing option for CTEL exams.
Scoring Information
Visit the CTC website to find the day your CTEL 1: Language and Language Development (031) scores will be released. (Scroll down to “Test Results.”) Typically, you will have access to them within five weeks.
Want to learn more about CTEL 1: Language and Language Development (031) scores? Explore the details with our CTEL 1: Language and Language Development scoring guide!
Test Preparation Tips
Given its importance, the CTEL 1: Language and Language Development (031) 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:
Take a Proactive Approach
- Get familiar with the format and content of the Language and Language Development (031) exam as soon as you can. The longer you put off studying, the more anxiety you’ll feel. (Reading this article is a great start!)
- Avoid procrastination by using a calendar app to schedule study time. When you’ve made a formal appointment to study, it’s harder to skip.
- Split your study blocks among all content areas, and consider setting a timer to stay on track. It’s important that you be ready for every topic that appears on this exam.
Review Key Facts and Skills
- 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.
- With a full essay question to write, it’s important that you have the skills to quickly and thoughtfully 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.
Study Sample Questions and Take Practice Tests
- Attempt sample questions of all types. While you may already have a sense of your strengths and weaknesses, you should test those assumptions against exam materials.
- Take full-length practice tests on a regular basis to ensure you’re comfortable with the exam’s format and timing. If you’re unable to finish tests within 1 hour and 45 minutes, avoid attempting a drastic time cut. Try gradually accelerating your pace instead.
- Use official CTEL 1 exam preparation materials. Studying content that aligns with the real CTEL will help prevent surprises on test day.
Develop Effective Study Strategies
- Whenever you miss a practice question, don’t just move on. Read the explanation behind each answer and ensure it makes sense.
- Break down your study routine into manageable chunks. It’s better to dedicate 20 minutes to studying every night than to burn out after 10 hours of nonstop prep.
- Use charts, diagrams, and flashcards to organize concepts and terms. Visualizing complex ideas can make them easier to remember.
- Engage in active learning techniques, such as defining terms in your own words, explaining an idea to someone else, or participating in study groups. These strategies will help ensure you’re truly mastering the material, as opposed to memorizing surface details.
Important Exam Day Instructions
On the day of your CTEL 1: Language and Language Development exam, read all pre-test instructions carefully. Allow ample time for travel—and verify that you’re headed to the location named in your confirmation email. Be sure to arrive 15 minutes before the time of your exam.
If you’re taking your exam at home, read all instructions carefully to understand how and when you need to sign in.
Check Required Items
Before your exam, double-check that you have all you need. Essential items can include:
- Valid identification: You must present a current, government-issued ID that bears your photo and signature. Examples of acceptable ID include driver’s licenses and passports.
- Sensible clothing: If you’ll be at a test site, the CTC website recommends bringing clothes that 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 testing 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.
Read the official instructions to learn more about testing policies and what to bring to the exam site.
If you are taking the exam at home, make sure that you’re viewing the tab that reads “Online Proctoring” when you browse the link above. Test takers who plan to use online proctoring should pay special attention to these requirements. The rules for remote testing are very strict, and a violation will cancel your score.
Understand Exam Format and Instructions
To prevent confusion on test day, familiarize yourself with the format and basic instructions of the CTEL 1: Language and Language Development (031) exam well in advance. Key things to remember include:
- Time limits: Be aware of the time limit and set your pace accordingly. You will have 1 hour and 45 minutes to answer all 50 multiple-choice questions and complete the written essay. Note that if you’re taking all three subtests at once, issues surrounding time limits and breaks become more complicated. Before the test, you should carefully review relevant information on the CTC website (click the link under “Session Length”).
- Marking scheme: Make sure you know 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.
Manage Time Effectively
Time management is crucial to finishing the CTEL (031) exam in 1 hour and 45 minutes. The following tips can help you manage your time effectively.
- Read and understand the instructions: Take a moment at the beginning of each section to go over all instructions thoroughly. This will help prevent errors and wasted time.
- Pace yourself: Don’t spend an excessive length of time on the multiple-choice section and then leave yourself scrambling to complete the written prompt. When you’re in a rush, it’s very hard to outline and write a thoughtful essay.
- Know when to move on: There is no guessing penalty on the CTEL 1: Language and Language Development exam, so if you’re stuck on a question, it’s in your best interest to guess. You can always return to the question if you have time.
On exam day, you can use these tips to streamline your test-taking process and maximize your chances of success. Working efficiently, staying calm, and maintaining your focus are all essential to doing well on the CTEL 1: Language and Language Development (031) test.
Conclusion
The Language and Language Development (031) exam is a crucial part of the CTEL, which is in turn very important to your future career. To pass this test, you’ll need to show proficiency in content areas such as linguistics, language development, and language acquisition.
Despite its depth and breadth, don’t let this test intimidate you. If you familiarize yourself with the exam structure, review all content areas, and follow our test prep tips, you can approach the CTEL 1: Language and Language Development (031) exam with confidence, increasing your chances of success.
More CTEL 1: Language and Language Development Resources
