TKT helps teachers improve their teaching skills and get recognition for their skills. It increases teachers' confidence and enhances job prospects by focusing on the core teaching knowledge needed by teachers of primary, secondary or adult learners. This flexible certificate 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
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.
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 - eg PET or IELTS band score of 4.5.
British Council is now offering all TKT modules except for the Practical ones.
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
KAL and CLIL are optional modules of TKT; each consists of a single paper lasting one hour and 20 minutes and containing 80 questions.
The Knowledge about Language (KAL)
Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL)
Candidates should familiarise themselves with the language of teaching as represented in the TKT and CLIL glossaries.
Specialist module
TKT: Young Learners – A test of the background knowledge related to teaching young learners in the 6–12 age range.
What is TKT: Young Learners?
TKT: Young Learners is a test of the knowledge of the strategies and skills required to teach young learners.
TKT: Young Learners is ideal if you are an international teacher working, or intending to work, in the primary sector of education.
What does TKT: Young Learners test?
TKT: Young Learners tests the background knowledge related to teaching young learners in the 6–12 age range. It also tests understanding of planning lessons, different teaching strategies and assessing learning.
The test
This module consists of a single paper lasting 80 minutes and containing 80 questions. The test is divided into four parts: learning and development in young learners, planning lessons for young learners, teaching strategies for young learners and classroom-based assessment for young learners.
We do not organise courses at present, except within certain projects, though a facilitated online course will be launched this year. Present options:
Buy the Cambridge University Press course book called The TKT Course which is available at ILB bookshop. This is priced at approx LE 100. The book contains all the material you need to prepare for the three modules of TKT together with exam practice questions.
Buy the book and get together with a group of fellow teachers. Each of you could lead a particular session.
Study the sample papers available from the Cambridge ESOL website (see link below)
Cambridge has an excellent website which caters to students, teachers and centre administrators.
On this website, you will find:
TKT Handbook and sample papers
TKT Information for Candidates
TKT Glossary
Online Teacher Resources
To register in our next examinations session, please complete the TKT application form
Examination DatesRegistration Fees: LE320 per module
Future examinations sessions:
Dates have not yet been fixed. Please register your name at Reception or email us at information@britishcouncil.org.eg and we will inform you when the next session till take place.
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