Teaching Knowledge Test (TKT)
'An important stepping stone in your career'
What is TKT?
The Teaching Knowledge Test (TKT) is a test from Cambridge ESOL about teaching English to speakers of other languages. It aims to increase teachers' confidence and enhance job prospects by focusing on the core teaching knowledge needed by teachers of primary, secondary or adult learners, anywhere in the world. This flexible and accessible award will help you to understand:
- different methodologies for teaching
- the 'language of teaching'
- the ways in which resources can be used
- the key aspects of lesson planning
- classroom management methods for different needs.
After taking TKT, teachers who want to develop their knowledge further can progress to Cambridge ESOL's well-established Teaching Awards, such as ICELT and CELTA.
Who is TKT for?
TKT gives teachers a strong foundation in the core areas of teaching knowledge needed in the English language teaching classroom. It is ideal for all teachers, whatever their background and teaching experience, and is also suitable for people who would like to teach English but do not yet have a teaching position.
There are no formal entry requirements. However, anyone wishing to take TKT is strongly advised to have at least an intermediate level of English — Level B1 of the Council of Europe's Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) — e.g. PET, IELTS band score of 4.
What does TKT involve?
Most teachers are likely to follow a preparation course before taking the test but you can also prepare yourself through your own reading and study, if you prefer.
TKT has three core modules. These can be taken together in one exam session or separately, in any order, over three sessions. Each module consists of a test of 80 objective questions, lasting 80 minutes, which require you to select the correct answer and mark this on a computerised answer sheet.
Module 1 — Language and background to language learning and teaching:
- describing language and language skills
- background to language learning
- background to language teaching
Module 2 — Planning lessons and use of resources for language teaching:
- planning and preparing a lesson or sequence of lessons
- selection and use of resources and materials.
Module 3 — Managing the teaching and learning process:
- teachers' and learners' language in the classroom
- classroom management.
TKT uses an indicative glossary of english language teaching terminology that is regularly reviewed and revised to ensure that all modules reflect continuing developments in core area of teaching knowledge. The current glossary, released in August 2009, can be downloaded from the link on this page.
Results
Results for TKT are described as being in one of four band scores, 1-4.
TKT band descriptors (PDF 17Kb)
This document outlines what each of the four band scores means in terms of ability for each of the three core TKT modules.
There is no Pass/Fail. Every candidate receives a certificate for each module taken.
TKT results are issued through centres approximately two weeks after receipt of answer sheets by Cambridge ESOL.
Resources available
- TKT handbook and sample papers (PDF 930Kb)
- TKT Information for Candidates (PDF 408Kb)
- TKT Glossary (PDF 349Kb)
- Online Teacher Resources
Three optional modules of TKT are available - these can be added to the three core modules above, or can each be taken completely independently
This award offers teachers the opportunity to gain certification for their practical teaching abilities, and can be taken at any stage in their career.
TKT: Content and Language Integrated Learning
TKT: Content and Language Integrated Learning tests a candidate's knowledge of Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) and the practice of planning, teaching and assessing curriculum subjects taught in English.
CLIL describes an evolving approach to teaching and learning where subjects are taught and studied through the medium of a non-native language. In CLIL, learning a curricular subject in a second, third or sometimes fourth language involves best practice from a range of different educational contexts.
English teachers need to be both linguistically aware and able to understand the difficulties students may encounter in the language learning process. To help meet this need, TKT: Knowledge About Language tests a candidate's knowledge of the language systems needed by teachers for planning and teaching their lessons.
Entries for TKT: Practical; TKT: Content and Language Integrated Learning and TKT: Knowledge about Language can be made at approved centres.
Please note: existing TKT centres do not need to re-apply to become TKT: Practical or CLIL/KAL centres.
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