What is TKT?

TKT (Teaching Knowledge Test) is a flexible set of modules that gives a strong foundation in the core areas of knowledge needed for English language teaching. TKT concentrates on:

• Language teaching terminology
• The language used to describe teaching methods
• How teachers use different resources
• The key elements of lesson planning
• Classroom management skills for different needs

TKT core modules content outline

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 - Lesson planning and use of resources of 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 consists of three core modules. These can be taken together in one exam session or separately, in any order, over three sessions. For each module, candidates are required to answer 80 questions by selecting a letter for the correct answer within 80 minutes.

TKT: Young Learners

TKT: Young Learners is a specialist module that focuses on the strategies and skills required to teach young learners in the 6–12 age range.

Content outline: knowledge of concepts related to young learner learning and development, knowledge about planning young learner lessons and knowledge of teaching strategies, practice activities and resources used to support and challenge young learners’ language learning, assessment of young learners’ work.

TKT: Young Learners module consists of a single paper containing 80 questions divided into four parts:

• Learning and development in young learners
• Planning lessons for young learners
• Teaching strategies for young learners
• Classroom-based assessment for young learners
 

TKT: Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL)

CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) describes a developing approach to teaching and learning where subjects are taught and studied through the medium of a non-native language.

TKT: CLIL is an optional extension module of the Teaching Knowledge Test (TKT) for both subject teachers and English language teachers involved in CLIL programmes.

TKT: CLIL tests knowledge of concepts related to a CLIL approach and knowledge of CLIL from a teaching perspective: the planning, teaching and assessing curriculum subjects taught in English. It also focuses on teachers’ awareness of learning demands (content, language, communication, cognition) and support strategies for learners in CLIL programmes

TKT: CLIL module consists of a single paper containing 80 questions divided into two parts:

• Knowledge of CLIL and principles of CLIL
• Lesson preparation and lesson delivery
 

Who is TKT for?

TKT is intended for an international audience of non-first languguage or first language teachers of English as a foreign language. Teaching Knowledge Test is suitable for:

• teachers of primary, secondary or adult learners
• teachers who would like to refresh their knowledge
• teachers who are moving to teach English after teaching another subject
• people who would like to teach English but have not yet started teaching

What will TKT help you do?

As a part of the wide range of University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations teaching awards and tests for teachers, TKT will help you extend and deepen your knowledge of teaching English as a foreign language. TKT is a step of your professional development as a teacher of English which would help you to acquire teaching qualifications on a further level.