Teacher Training & Development

The Teaching Knowledge Test

What is TKT?
Teaching Knowledge Test

A test of professional knowledge for English
language teachers

For all teachers, whatever their background
and teaching experience

For people who would like to teach English
but do not yet have a teaching position

Who is TKT for?

What are the aims of the award?
To test candidates knowledge of concepts related to
language, language use and the background to and
practice of language teaching and learning.

To provide an easily accessible test in teaching English
to speakers of other languages, which is prepared and
delivered to international standards, and could be used
by candidates to access further training, and enhance
career opportunities.

To encourage teachers in their professional
development by providing a step in a developmental
framework of awards for teachers of English.
Are there any entry requirements?
No formal entry requirements are needed

It is strongly advised to have at least an
intermediate level of English - level B1
(Council of Europe) e.g. PET, IELTS band
score of 4

TKT and other Cambridge ESOL Teaching
Awards
CELTA, CELTYL, YL
Extension to CELTA, ICELT
and DELTA
Content areas:
subject knowledge
pedagogical knowledge
pedagogical content
knowledge
knowledge of context

TKT

Content areas:
subject knowledge
pedagogical knowledge
pedagogical content
knowledge

TKT Format
Three core modules

Each module consists of 80 objective
questions, lasting 80 minutes

TKT Content outline
Module 1
Three parts with 80 objective format questions 80 minutes

Module 2
Two parts with 80 objective format questions 80 minutes

Module 3
Two parts with 80 objective format questions 80 minutes

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 Task Type
There are four types of task in the exam:

Type 1 Matching
Type 2 Multiple choice
Type 3 Sequencing
Type 4 Odd one out

TKT Test Administration

Modular structure free-standing modules

Entry procedures regulations and dates

Marking OMR

TKT Bands
Band 4 - approximately 85% of the available
marks
Band 3 - approximately 50%
Band 2 - approximately 20%
Band 1 - less than 20%

Band 4 very good knowledge of the content areas for
the relevant module.
Band 1 reflects limited knowledge of these areas.