Teaching Knowledge Test (TKT)

TKT is a test developed by Cambridge ESOL for teachers of English to speakers of other languages. It tests your knowledge of concepts related to language, language use and the background to and practice of language teaching and learning. It does not test your practical teaching skills or your level of English.

The TKT can be taken by teachers of English in primary, secondary or adult teaching contexts and is intended for an international audience of non-first language or first language teachers of English.

There are no entry requirements for TKT, such as previous teaching experience and/or teaching or language qualifications. However, you should have at least an intermediate level of English (PET, IELTS 4, and CEF: B1). You are also expected to understand around 400 terms describing the practice of English language teaching. These can be found here.

More detailed information about the exam can be viewed here.

Trainer Training

The aim of the regional trainer training course is to support the current infrastructure of teacher training and development for government school English teachers in each country in the Middle East region.

The regional trainer training course will do this by updating all trainers in each country who are already delivering teacher training to teachers in government schools, via the trainer training course written by BC teachers and local MoE representatives.

The course consists of 4 strands:

For more information about Trainer Training programmes in your country, please contact us:  MEDEnglishforthefuture@britishcouncil.org

Teaching English Global Products

The English global products are for learners and teachers of English. They are our response to one of the British Council's corporate outcomes: to ensure that every teacher and learner of English worldwide has access to quality language services from the UK.

Click on the individual products to get an overview of their components, the promotional materials available, and for guidance about how to use and promote the products.

Hornby summer school

The A.S. Hornby Educational Trust was established in 1961. The Trust supports ELT practitioners from developing countries and countries in transition and works in conjunction with the British Council to facilitate professional development for teachers around the world.

The workshops, or schools, take place all year round.  They usually last for two weeks and provide opportunities for teacher and trainer development. They take place all over the world, particularly where Hornby alumni are already involved. Each one is focused around a topic of relevance to teachers in the host country. Past topics have included: building citizenship; project management; ICT in the classroom; and English teaching by radio.

Schools have enabled trainers from different countries in a region to work as equals with British trainers. Teachers return home with a greater understanding of UK expertise and that of their neighbours and with a desire to continue to work together with their new international colleagues.

Each summer school runs for two summers in consecutive years to ensure that there is sufficient follow up.

Find out more about Hornby summer school and how to apply.

ELT Network

The ELT Network provides opportunities for English language teaching professionals for whom English is an additional language to network and exchange teaching ideas and experience and provides input on innovative teaching approaches and techniques.  The ELT Network is a free service for practising English language teachers and teacher trainers in the Middle East region.

Find out more about the ELT network.