CSET English Language Development Practice Tests and Exams

You are ready to become a teacher in the state of California and are made aware that CTC exams are required. What exactly are CTCs all about?

The Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC)?

The Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) is responsible for selecting, administering and interpreting the California Educator Credentialing Assessments used to meet certification requirements in the state of California. These examinations include the CBEST, CPACE, CSET, CTEL, and RICA. Prospective teachers need to complete the CBEST or CSET (multiple subjects and writing skills) before certification is awarded.

California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST)

The California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) provides information about basic proficiency skills in reading, mathematics, and writing. The CBEST has 3 sections, one for each skill area. Four hours are allotted to take one, two, or all three sections. This includes 15 minutes for a nondisclosure agreement and tutorial. Breaks are considered part of the testing time. An option in available for taking a computer-based test or a paper-based test. The reading portion and the math portion both consist of 50 multiple-choice questions, while the writing portion contains 2 essays. A minimum score of 123 is considered passing for all three sections with each section scaled at 41. It is possible to pass with a scaled score as low as 37 on one or 2 sections, provided the total is 123 or higher. Preliminary results are available at the conclusion of testing for the computer-based reading and mathematics portions. Final results are available within 2 weeks. The paper-based test results ae available within 3 weeks of testing.

California Preliminary Administrative Credential (CPACE)

CPACE, or California Preliminary Administrative Credential Exam, assesses knowledge of California school law, finances, and organization for candidates seeking a school administration career. The CPACE consists of two subtests, content and performance. A candidate must pass both computer-based tests to pass the CPACE. The CPACE – Content allows 3 hours and 15 minutes for the 70 multiple-choice questions and 3 focused constructed-response items. CPACE – Performance contains 2 modules: teacher effectiveness and school leadership. The candidate will be asked to review exhibits and provide a written analysis of a hypothetical situation. Four hours is allotted for the CPACE – Performance exam. A passing score is 220 per subtest and results are available within 5 weeks of testing.

California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET)

The California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) are designed to evaluate mastery of subject matter content by prospective K-12 teachers. Individual subject area tests vary in number of subtests (generally 2 – 4) and number of items (generally 30 – 50 questions per subtest). The minimum passing score is 220. A candidate may take any one subtest or all subtests in a single session. All CSET exams are computer-based tests using multiple-choice and/or constructed-response format. Tests results are available within 5 – 7 weeks of testing. See the CTC website for more specific information on each subject area test: http://www.ctcexams.nesinc.com.

California Teacher of English Learners (CTEL)

The CTEL, or California Teacher of English Learners exam, assesses a candidate’s knowledge and skills necessary for effectively instructing English Learners. The CTEL is a computer-based, 3 subtest examination. The Language and Language Development portion contains 50 multiple-choice questions and 1 essay. One hour and 45 minutes is allowed for this section. The Assessment and Instruction subtest contains 60 multiple-choice items and 2 essays with 2 hours and 45 minutes given for completion. One hour and 30 minutes is given for the Culture and Inclusion subtest which has 40 multiple-choice questions and 1 essay. A candidate can take one, two, or all three subtests in one session. The passing score is 220 per subtest. Scores are available within 5 weeks of testing.

Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA)

The Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) evaluates a candidate’s knowledge and application of skills for effective reading instruction across 5 domains. The 5 domains include: 1) planning, organizing, and managing instruction based on ongoing assessment, 2) word analysis, 3) fluency, 4) vocabulary, academic language, and background knowledge, and 5) comprehension. The RICA offers two assessment options: a written, computer-based exam or a video performance submission. Passing either option represents successful completion of RICA requirements. There are 70 multiple-choice questions, 4 focused educational problems and instructional tasks, and 1 case study in the written RICA exam. Four hours are given to complete this option. The minimum passing score is 220 and scores are available within 4 weeks of the testing date. The video performance option is based on actual classroom performance. Three videos must be created in which candidates must record themselves teaching reading in three different settings: whole class, small group, and individual. Each ten-minute video must include an instructional context form and a reflection form related to the recording. 220 is the minimum passing score for this option. Results are available within about 3 weeks after the submission deadline.

For more information on CTC exams visit Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

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