Everything you need to know for the Teaching Knowledge Test (TKT)

English is one of the most popular languages ​​in the world, but more importantly, it is the language through which hundreds of millions of people communicate every day in countries where it is not the main language. If you have developed as an English teacher, are in the process or are planning to become one, you will agree that speaking, understanding and writing it correctly is an important part of an individual's profile, both professionally and in their personal life.

The  Teaching Knowledge Test  (TKT) , or Knowledge Test for Teachers, reveals how you are developing as a teacher in this language. Furthermore, it is the best way to prove your knowledge and teaching skills with an international acceptance certificate.

This is a very popular professional credential among non-native English teachers, as it prepares a newbie with the skills necessary to be successful in teaching the language in the context of ESL (English as a Second Language) and EFL (English as a Second Language Foreign).

Benefits of the Teaching Knowledge Test (TKT)

The  TKT  is a modular series of skills that assesses your abilities in very particular areas of English language teaching. You can take the modules you want and in the period of time that you decide. In return, you will receive a Cambridge English  certificate  for each unit completed.

The importance of this certification is that it not only applies in a modular way to certain areas, but also helps to keep the skills developed as a teacher up to date. It also significantly improves the confidence of those who take it and does not require demonstrating a teaching background or experience, or having a specific level of English.

Being issued and endorsed by Cambridge English Language Assessment , one of the three recognized examination boards that are part of the  Cambridge Assessment Group  at the University of Cambridge, it has great international prestige, being highly respected and a benchmark in terms of quality.

Who is the Teaching Knowledge Test (TKT) for

Cambridge Assessments  suggests this type of exam for:

- New and experienced teachers.

- Teachers with a level of English B1 or higher.

- Teachers who instruct students of all ages.

- Teachers who wish to demonstrate, to themselves or to third parties, their teaching knowledge.

- Teachers who need a globally recognized certificate.

How to prepare for the Teaching Knowledge Test (TKT)

Although you can prepare yourself to take the TKT exam on your own, it is best to take a preparation course for each module in one of the preparation centers that exist in your territory.

On your own

For those who want the first option, the preparation materials can be obtained free of charge from the Cambridge English website  . Here you can download  some exam samples.

Take a prep course

There are more than 2,800 training centers in 130 countries around the world, all of them certified by the University of Cambridge.

To locate a training center,  simply go to the center location page  , choose the country and the type of exam, which in this case should be TKT. Although once completed, you can find information about other Cambridge English teaching skills that may interest you.

After the search and selection, you will obtain the details of the authorized exam center closest to your home, with which you can contact to request information on the preparation courses.

What is the exam?

The TKT consists of three modules. In each of them you must answer 80 questions selecting a correct answer.

Since candidates' knowledge for teaching is assessed here rather than their English language proficiency or performance in classroom situations, you won't have to listen, speak or do extensive writing during the exam.

Modules

Module 1. Language and background of its learning and teaching

This module assesses the knowledge of common terms and concepts in the teaching of the English language of the candidates. It also focuses on the elements related to language learning and mastery of each category, as well as the management of the different didactic options that the teacher has to address these learning factors.

Module 2. Lesson planning and the use of resources for language teaching

This module focuses on what teachers consider and do as they plan to teach the lessons. Likewise, teaching in this context is intended to refer to evaluation. It also focuses on the linguistic and methodological reference resources that are available to guide teachers in planning their lessons, as well as the range and function of teaching materials and resources that teachers might consider using in their lessons. Knowledge of any particular book is not required.

Module 3. Management of the teaching and learning process

This module assesses the candidates' knowledge of what happens in the classroom in terms of the language used by the teacher or students, the roles that the teacher or students can fulfill, and the ways in which they can handle and exploit the events in the classroom and their interaction .

Recommendations for the Teaching Knowledge Test (TKT)

Here are some notes that could answer your questions.

- You must answer each question by shading with a pencil (and only pencil) the boxes on the answer sheets and use an eraser in case of any changes.

- Each module is designed to take one hour and twenty minutes.

- The answer sheet should not have notes, since the answers are registered by scanning.

- The modules are independent. It is possible to complete any number of modules in any order and receive a certificate for each approved module.

- You can register to take the exam up to six weeks in advance.

- TKT certificates take approximately two weeks after receipt of the answer sheets.

In a globalized world with fewer and fewer job opportunities, preparing through the various professional development options for teachers offered by  Cambridge Assessments  with its  Teaching Knowledge Test (TKT) is an option that professionals in this area should not waste.

Below you can check the dates and places available to do it here