Examinations in English for Adults

Teaching Knowledge Test - (TKT)

For working teachers of English, assessment of core areas of language teaching and learning.

The Teaching Knowledge Test (TKT) is a new form of assessment for teachers of English that has been developed by Cambridge ESOL. It aims to provide working teachers with a measure of their professional skills in specific areas. It is also suitable for people who are planning to work as teachers.

Candidates who pass the TKT gain increased confidence and enhanced job prospects.

The preparation courses are designed to help teachers develop their teaching knowledge in core areas of language teaching and learning by building on their strengths and focusing on areas in need of improvement.

The modular structure of the Test provides flexibility in the number and sequence of the modules taken.

Candidates who want to develop their skills further can progress to Cambridge ESOL’s well-established teaching awards, such as CELTA (see information in this website for CELTA courses available at IH Costa Rica Instituto Britanico).

Most candidates are likely to follow a preparation course before taking each module of the Test, but it is possible to prepare through independent study.

TKT has three core modules. They can be taken together or separately in any order. They do not test teaching ability or a teacher’s language proficiency. Each module focuses on different aspects of English teaching.

Each module lasts 80 minutes and consists of 80 multiple-choice questions which are answered by marking selections 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

For further information about the TKT and its preparation courses available at IH Costa Rica Instituto Britanico, see Schedules and Prices.

TKT can be taken at registered TKT examination centres. Certificates are sent to the examination centre 4 – 6 weeks after the examination date.

For further information, see the TKT website at http://www.cambridgeesol.org/teach/tkt/index.htm