Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does TKT test?

What level of language is needed to take TKT?

Are there any support materials for TKT?

Is there a course component for TKT?

Who can take TKT?

When and where can TKT be taken?

Do candidates have to take all three modules of TKT?

What sources and text types feature in TKT?

How are results reported?

When are results issued?

What does TKT test?
TKT is a test of professional knowledge about the teaching of English to speakers of other languages. It consists of three modules, each testing a different area of knowledge which teachers need. It does not test teaching ability or a teacher’s language proficiency.

What level of language is needed to take TKT?
Although no English language qualification is required for candidates to take TKT, a level of English of at least Level B1 of the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference for Languages is needed in order to access TKT. This level is specified in the Council of Europe’s Threshold document (Threshold 1990, J A van Ek & J L M Trim; CUP August 1998). TKT candidates are also expected to be familiar with language relating to the practice of English Language Teaching (ELT). A non-exhaustive glossary of this language can be found in the TKT Glossary.

Are there any support materials for TKT?
In addition to the materials available on this website, a coursebook called The TKT Course, published by CUP in collaboration with Cambridge ESOL, is now widely available. This coursebook provides approximately 60-90 hours of classroom-based or self-access study, and includes practice tasks and tests.

Further support will also be available in the form of seminar programmes in different countries. For more information contact ESOLinfo@ucles.org.uk

Is there a course component for TKT?
TKT is designed to offer maximum flexibility and accessibility for candidates and, therefore, does not include a compulsory course component or compulsory teaching practice. However, it is likely that centres and other institutions will wish to offer courses for TKT preparation and these may also include some teaching practice if desired.

Candidates taking TKT will also keep a portfolio which contains records of their qualifications and achievements as well as reflections on their teaching. The portfolio does not form part of the assessment of TKT, but encourages teachers in their professional development by offering a structured means of reflecting on teaching and keeping records of their development.

Who can take TKT?
TKT can be taken by teachers of English in primary, secondary or adult teaching contexts and is intended for an international audience of non-first language or first language teachers of English.

TKT can be taken at any stage in a teacher’s career, and is designed to be relevant to:

• pre-service teachers
• teachers who wish to refresh their teaching knowledge
• teachers who are moving to English teaching after teaching another subject
• teachers who have some experience of teaching English to speakers of other languages.

There are no specific entry requirements for TKT, e.g. previous teaching experience, teaching or language qualifications, and/or course requirements.

The full specifications for TKT are available in the TKT Handbook.

When and where can TKT be taken?
TKT is available throughout the year and can only be taken at an authorised Cambridge ESOL Centre. For further information please contact your local Centre. An electronic list of Centres providing TKT will be available soon.
For information about centres near you, email ESOLcentresupport@ucles.org.uk

Do candidates have to take all three modules of TKT?
No. All three modules of TKT are free-standing and can all be taken together at the same time, or in any order, over a period of time.

What sources and text types feature in TKT?
Extracts, original or adapted, from various sources may appear in TKT, e.g. ELT coursebooks or supplementary materials or handbooks on English language teaching and learning.

For a more comprehensive list please refer to the TKT Handbook

How are results reported?
Each module of TKT is free-standing and there is no aggregate score. Candidates will receive a certificate for each module they take. TKT is not a pass/fail test.

Candidate performance is reported using the four bands below:

Our trialling research indicates that for a candidate to achieve TKT Band 3, a score of at least 45-50 marks (out of 80) is required.

When are results issued?
Results are issued in the form of certificates which are despatched to Centres approximately two weeks after receipt of answer sheets by Cambridge ESOL.

If you have any other questions about TKT, please contact us and we'll answer the most frequently asked questions here.