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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.
TKT Glossary
This contains all the main terms and concepts used in teaching which are necessary to understand for the successful completion of the TKT modules. The glossary is regularly reviewed and revised to ensure that all modules reflect continuing developments in core areas of teaching. The current glossary was released in March 2011.
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TKT Modules 1–3 Band descriptors
This document outlines what each of the four band scores means in terms of ability for TKT modules 1–3.
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TKT Information for Candidates
A handy guide to the test, with an overview of what is involved and examples of papers.
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Summary regulations for Candidates
All the important information you need to know when taking the test.
TKT: Practical Handbook for teachers
Detailed information for centres and candidates.
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Core modules
Paper-based tests
If all three modules are taken in one day, it will be according to the following schedule:
| Module 1 |
Morning |
1 hour 20 minutes |
| Module 2 |
Morning |
1 hour 20 minutes |
This test is taken in the same morning as Module 1 |
| Module 3 |
Afternoon |
1 hour 20 minutes |
Computer-based tests
TKT modules 1–3 are available as computer-based tests on the following dates:
2012
| Sat 28 January |
Fri 4 May |
Sat 22 September |
| Fri 17 February |
Sat 26 May |
Sat 20 October |
| Sat 3 March |
Sat 9 June |
Fri 2 November |
| Sat 24 March |
Sat 7 July |
Sat 24 November |
| Sat 14 April |
Sat 11 August |
Sat 8 December |
2013
| Sat 26 January |
Fri 3 May |
Sat 21 September |
| Fri 15 February |
Sat 25 May |
Sat 19 October |
| Sat 2 March |
Sat 8 June |
Fri 1 November |
| Sat 23 March |
Sat 6 July |
Sat 23 November |
| Sat 13 April |
Sat 10 August |
Sat 7 December |
Specialist modules
TKT: CLIL, TKT: KAL and TKT: YL are available as on-demand tests. Talk to your centre about what dates they are offering.
View a summary of all exam dates for 2012 | 2013 (PDF).
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.
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.
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.
TKT results are issued through centres approximately two weeks after receipt of answer sheets by Cambridge ESOL.
NEW!
From October 2008, two new optional modules of TKT will be available - these can be added to the three core modules above, or can each be taken completely independently
TKT: Content and Language Integrated Learning
TKT: Content and Language Integrated Learning tests a candidate’s 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 candidate’s knowledge of the language systems needed by teachers for planning and teaching their lessons.
Entries for TKT: Content and Language Integrated Learning and TKT: Knowledge about Language can be made at approved centres beginning mid August
Please note: existing TKT centres do not need to re-apply to become CLIL/KAL centres.
