CETL Exam Information

Certified Education Technology Leader (CETL)
CoSN Certificate Program

CoSN CETL Logo
What’s On the CETL Exam?

The CETL certification exam is based on The Framework of Essential Skills of the K-12 CTO, which is the body of knowledge defining the skill areas critical to today’s education technology leaders. The Framework was created and is kept up-to-date by two volunteer panels of education technology leaders. The Framework is divided into three primary areas:
  •     Leadership & Vision
  •     Understanding the Educational Environment
  •     Managing Technology & Support Resources
Under each of these areas, the Framework further identifies specific responsibilities and the knowledge needed to perform these responsibilities in order to be a successful CTO in today’s educational environment. All questions on the exam are tied to the Framework.

How is the Exam Structured?

There are two parts to the exam:

Part I is a multiple-choice exam administered through Internet-Based Testing (IBT) at proctored test sites throughout the country.

Part II of the exam is essay based and also uses the IBT system; however, this part of the exam is not proctored and may be completed using your own computer. Candidates will have seven days to submit their essays (submission instructions and the deadline will be provided via email). Essays will be graded by a panel of CTO subject matter experts specifically trained by testing specialists using a pre-determined rubric.

Only those who pass Part I are eligible to take Part II. Those who pass both parts of the exam earn the CETL designation.

What are the Eligibility Requirements?

Candidates must have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree plus four years of education technology experience.

Education technology experience is defined as: Demonstrable experience in the three overarching skills areas of the Framework of Essential Skills of the K-12 CTO. In addition, all those seeking or holding the CETL designation, must agree to abide by the Code of Conduct and Terms of Confidentiality.

If the candidate doesn’t meet the minimum requirements, he or she must have at least seven years of demonstrable experience in education technology. To be deemed eligible using these criteria, the candidate must appeal to the Certification Governance Committee. This appeal, in writing, must include an explanation of this experience plus a signed recommendation from the candidate’s supervisor.

Do I Have to Recertify My Credential?

Yes, to maintain the CETL designation, certificants must complete 60 hours of continuing education activities every three years. By recertifying your credential, you demonstrate to your colleagues and peers that you are committed to staying current in the education technology field and bringing this knowledge to your school district.
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