TKT
Teaching Knowledge Test
Prove your teaching knowledge with this series of flexible tests
TKT is a series of modular teaching qualifications which test your knowledge in specific areas of English language teaching. It will help you to build your confidence, and is a cost-effective way to get an internationally recognised qualification. Whether you are a new teacher or have years of experience, TKT is ideal for people who need to prove their teaching knowledge with a globally recognised certificate.
You can take as many modules as you want, over any time period. You receive a Cambridge English certificate for each module you complete.
Who is TKT for?
- New and experienced teachers
- Recommended for teachers with an English level of B1 or above
- Teachers who teach primary, secondary or adult learners
- Teachers who want to prove their teaching knowledge
- Teachers who need a globally recognised certificate
The CEFR
An A2 Key for School certificate has no expiration date. However, some institutions have their own language requirements or policies on how recent they require exam results to be. They may ask you for evidence that you have maintained or improved your level of English since you took your exam. Speak to the institution you are applying to and confirm their individual requirements.
A2 Key is a truly international certificate, recognised around the world for business and study purposes. Thousands of employers, universities and government departments officially recognise KET as a basic qualification in English.
Who is the A2 Key for School exam for and why should I take it?
The A2 Key for School exam is suitable for:
- A2 Key is based on language used in real life and most social situations, such as travelling.
- A2 Key is helpful for anyone who wishes to take B1 Preliminary or B2 First at a later stage.
- Learners with an elementary level of English
- Candidates should be able to understand simple texts.
- Understand notices and simple directions and communicate in familiar situations.
What is the format of the exam?
About the test
TKT is taken as a series of multiple-choice tests. There are five modules that can be taken in any order or combination:
Core modules:
-
Module 1
Background to language learning and teaching -
Module 2
Lesson planning and use of resources for language teaching -
Module 3
Managing the teaching and learning process
Specialist modules:
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TKT: CLIL
Content and Language Integrated Learning -
TKT: YL
Young Learners
How to register for TKT
You can enter for any module by registering at one of our approved centres.
You can take TKT whatever your background and teaching experience. It is suitable if you are:
- a pre-service or a practising teacher
- teaching primary, secondary or adult learners
- a non-first language or first language English speaker
- a teacher who wants to gain formal recognition of your experience, keep your teaching skills up to date and develop your career opportunities.
You should ideally have English proficiency at CEFR Level B1 or above.
Results
The grade is based on the total score of all 3 papers.
Certificates are awarded to candidates who score 100 and above and are despatched approximately 10 days after the results release window has ended.
Two Fail grades:
- Council of Europe Level B2 (160 and 179)
- Not Reported (159 and below).
- There is no minimum pass mark for individual papers.
There are three Pass grades:
- Pass with Distinction (score between 140 and 150)
- Pass with Merit (score between 133 and 139)
- Pass (score between 120 and 132)
- Reading and Writing carries 50% of the total marks for A2 Key, while Listening and Speaking each carry 25% of the marks.
- Candidates can access their results through the University of Cambridge results website
- For paper-based exams, these will be available after 4 to 6 weeks
- For computer-based exams, they will be available after 2 to 3 weeks
- From 2016, results will be reported on the new Cambridge English Scale (replacing the candidate profile and standardised scores).
- You will receive a separate score for each of the three skills (reading and writing, listening and speaking)
- These scores are averaged to give you an overall result for the exam
There are three Pass grades:
- Pass with Distinction (score between 140 and 150)
- Pass with Merit (score between 133 and 139)
- Pass (score between 120 and 132)
A2 Keys For Schools
A2 Key for Schools is the next step in a learner’s language journey after our qualifications for young learners. It’s also a good place for older students to start learning English too. Learners can start having conversations with English speakers which builds their confidence, step by step.