Cambridge ESOL: Teaching Knowledge TEST (TKT) 11-1-11 8:08

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.
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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.
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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
Summary regulations for candidates (PDF 59Kb)

Three optional modules of TKT are available - these

can be added to the three core modules above, or can
each be taken completely independently
TKT: Practical - NEW
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
candidates 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.

TKT: Knowledge About Language

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 candidates knowledge of the language systems
needed by teachers for planning and teaching their lessons.

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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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