To pass the CTEL Examination, an examinee must pass all three subtests. Each subtest is scored separately. For
each CTEL Examination subtest, an individual’s performance is evaluated against an established standard. The passing
score for each subtest was established by the CTC based on recommendations from California educators. Passing status
is determined on the basis of total subtest performance. The total subtest score is based on the number of raw score
points earned on each section (multiple-choice section and essay section), the weighting of each section, and the
scaling of that score. Raw scores are converted to a scale of 100 to 300, with a scaled score of 220 representing
the minimum passing score.
There are no requirements that you take or pass one particular subtest before taking or passing another subtest. Once
you pass a subtest, you need not retake that subtest unless your score becomes too old for use in applying for a
certificate. Passing scores on CTEL Examination subtests must be used toward certification within five years of the
test date on which they were achieved.
Retaking the CTEL Examination
The CTEL Examination subtests can be retaken as many times as necessary to achieve a passing score. However, a passing
score for an individual subtest must be achieved on a single day. Performance on sections of a subtest cannot be combined
across test administrations. Each time you wish to retake a subtest, you must register for and take that entire
subtest again.
