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TKT

Teaching Knowledge Test    

TELL ME MORE ABOUT TKT   

The Teaching Knowledge Test (TKT) is a test from Cambridge ESOL - English of 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.

ALTE LEVELS       Council of Europe (CEF)     Description      Cambridge ESOL certified examinations at these levels      
Level 5     C 2     Upper Advanced     CPE    
Level 4     C 1     Advanced     CAE, BEC Higher     
Level 3     B 2     Upper Intermediate     FCE, BEC Vantage     
Level 2     B 1     Intermediate     PET, BEC, Preliminary     

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.    

TELL ME MORE ABOUT TKT'S MODULES   

TKT has 5 modules of which the first three are core modules:

• Module 1: Language and background to language learning and teaching (core)
• Module 2: Lesson planning and use of resources for language teaching (core)
• Module 3: Managing the teaching and learning process (core)
• Module 4: Knowledge about Language
• Module 5: Content and Language Integrated Learning

These can be taken together in one exam session or separately, in any order.

Each module consists of a test of 80 objective questions.

Each question carries one mark, so the maximum mark for each module is 80.

HOW IS MY PERFORMANCE REPORTED?   

Candidate performance is reported using four bands:

• Band 1 limited knowledge of TKT content areas
• Band 2 basic, but systematic knowledge of TKT content areas
• Band 3. breadth and depth of knowledge of TKT content areas
• Band 4 extensive knowledge of TKT content areas

HOW CAN I PREPARE FOR THE TEST?   

• You can contact our Exams office.
• You can register for a TKT course at our Teaching Centre.