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This Is What You Need To Do To Register For A CTC Exam

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Now that you know which CTC test to take, you are probably wondering how to register for an exam. There are so many test registration details, and the last thing you want to be worrying about is how to register for the CTC. You should spend your time studying! We will lay out everything you need to know about registering for an exam.

In this article, we will explain how to register for the CTC, and we will also cover essential details about test registration. We will tell you whether you need an ID to take the test and what kind of ID you might need. We will also give you some tips for test day and let you know if you get a formula sheet or a calculator for the test. This article will also help you figure out what happens if you fail a test. We will let you know if you can retake a CTC test and how long you have to wait.

Time to get started!

How do you register for a CTC exam?

You should register for a CTC exam early so that you get the date you want. The CTC tests are first come, first served, so if you wait too long to register, you might have to choose a different time. You can check the dates a test is offered on the California Educator Credentialing Assessments website here. One thing to keep in mind is that some tests, such as the CBEST, are offered almost every Monday through Saturday, while others, such as the CTEL, are only offered every four weeks in two-week windows.

Once you are ready to register, follow these steps:

  • Go here to the California Educator Credentialing Assessments website
  • Sign in to your account (or register for an account if you don’t have one)
  • Choose your test program (CBEST, CPACE, CSET, CTEL, RICA)
  • Select your test or subtest
  • Register for alternative testing arrangements (if applicable)
  • Select institutions to receive your results
  • Choose whether to have results emailed to you
  • Answer background questions
  • Review and agree to testing rules
  • Pay using credit, debit, or check card
  • Schedule your test appointment

You will get an email after you have completed the registration with the address and phone number of the testing center.

How much does it cost to register for a CTC exam?

The cost of CTC exams varies depending on whether you are taking one subtest, some subtests, or all the subtests. Let’s look at some of the most popular CTC exams:

Find out more specifics on the costs of CTC exams in this article.

Do you need an ID to take a CTC exam?

You must bring an acceptable form of identification with you to the CTC testing center. You will not be admitted into the testing center without an ID. Also, you won’t receive a refund or credit. Acceptable forms of ID include:

  • Driver’s license with photo and signature
  • Passport with photo and signature
  • State ID with photo and signature
  • National ID with photo and signature
  • Military ID with photo and signature
  • Alien Registration Card (green card, permanent resident visa)

When you make an account on the CTC website, make sure you use the middle initial that is on your ID. If your name on your ID is different from the name you used to register for the CTC test, make sure to bring official verification of that change, such as an original marriage certificate or original court order.

What are some day-of-test tips for a CTC test?

The day of the CTC test has arrived, and you are ready to take the exam. We will give you a few tips for the day of the test. We suggest mapping out your route to the testing center before the day of the test. Also, make sure you leave plenty of time to account for bad traffic. You will not be admitted into the testing center if you arrive late, and you won’t receive a refund or credit.

You should bring your government-issued identification with you. You won’t be allowed to bring pens, pencils, or paper into the testing center. You will receive a pen and booklet for taking notes when you enter the testing center. It’s a good idea to dress in layers. You won’t know the temperature in the testing facility, so it’s good to prepare for anything.

There are quite a few items you cannot bring into the testing center, so you should leave them in your car or at home. Here is a list of prohibited materials:

  • Cell phones
  • Electronic devices
  • Eyeglasses with communication and recording devices
  • Calculators (approved graphing calculators are allowed for CSET: Mathematics Subtest II)
  • Handwritten or printed materials
  • Packages and bags
  • Hats
  • Food, drink, or gum
  • Unauthorized aids (slide rules, rulers, translation aids, highlighters, etc.)
  • Unauthorized medical devices

For more information about the day of the CTC test, visit here.

Looking for general preparation tips for the night before and day of your exam? Dr. Kristy Mulkey’s video may help!

Do you get a formula sheet on a CTC exam?

For most CTC tests, you will not get a formula sheet. For the CSET: Science Subtest II Physics, you will receive a reference sheet that contains constants, trigonometric functions, formulas, and notes. You can find this reference sheet here with some sample questions. You will also have an on-screen periodic table for CSET: Science Subtest I and Subtest II Chemistry.

Do you get a calculator on a CTC exam?

Many of the tests have an on-screen calculator available. There is only one CTC exam that allows you to bring a calculator: the CSET: Mathematics Subtest II. Only approved graphing calculators are allowed for this test. The staff at the testing center will clear the memory of your graphing calculator before allowing you to use it. Here is the list of approved calculators:

  • Texas Instruments TI-73
  • Texas Instruments TI-83
  • Texas Instruments TI-83 Plus
  • Texas Instruments TI-83 Plus Silver Edition
  • Texas Instruments TI-84
  • Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus
  • Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus Silver Edition
  • Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus C Silver Edition
  • Texas Instruments TI-Nspire Handheld with the TI-84 Plus Keypad (You cannot remove the TI-84 Plus Keypad while testing.)

What happens if you fail a CTC exam?

If you fail a CTC exam, don’t worry. You can retake a CTC exam. You must wait 45 days from the date you initially took the test before retaking a test. You can retake a test or subtest as many times as you need to. Once you have determined whether you need to retake a CTC exam, you will need to register online. You will log into your account and go through the registration process for the test you are retaking, including paying the test fees.

If you are looking for specifics on the scoring of CTC exams, check out this article.

Can you retake a CTC exam?

If you fail a CTC exam, you can retake it. You will need to wait 45 days to retake the CTC exam. Even if you initially registered for just one subtest, you must wait 45 days to take any of the subtests, even those you haven’t attempted yet. You can take the CTC tests and subtests as many times as you need to pass.

Before registering to retake a CTC exam, consider using a study guide aligned with the CTC exams. The following are links to Ultimate Guides and practice tests for the most popular CTC exams:

Another resource to consider for preparation is a full study guide. 240 Tutoring offers CSET study guides for many of the CTC exams.

How long do you have to wait before you can retake a CTC exam?

If you need to retake a CTC exam, you will need to wait 45 days. If there are multiple subtests and you need to retake just one, you can register to retake only the one subtest. Once you’ve decided to retake the exam, you will need to log into your account on the CTC exams website and register. You’ll need to pay registration fees again. Make sure the date you register to retake the test or subtest is at least 45 days after you took the original test.

Are there any other registration details you should know?

When you are registering for a CTC test for the first time, remember to do it early. The tests are first come, first served, and some of them are quite popular. Also, make sure to review the testing policies. Take your time during registration to make sure you select the correct test/subtest, date, and testing facility. Last but not least, take a practice test before studying and use a study guide that’s aligned with the specific test you’re taking. Here are links to 240 Tutoring Ultimate Guides for the most popular CTC exams:

Picture of: Kari Wasmer

About the author: Kari Wasmer

Kari is a microscopist at an environmental testing company, but her passion is science education. She has experience writing and editing science textbooks and loves helping educators understand how to implement the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). In her free time, she enjoys gardening with her young daughters, sewing, and knitting.

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