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Teacher Knowledge Test (TKT) – Examinations for Core Modules 1, 2 and 3 and Specialist Modules

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  • Level of study:
    Professional
  • Entry Requirements:
    More information
  • Start date:
    TBC - Probably Spring 2027 (If you have a large group of learners requiring an earlier sitting, please get in touch)
  • Duration:
    80 minutes per paper with breaks between papers.
  • Course delivery:
    On-campus (City Campus)
Teacher teaching verbs

About this course

What is TKT and who is it for?

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 receive a Cambridge English certificate for each module you complete.

It is a great way to kick-start a career in language teaching, opening up a whole world of exciting opportunities. It is also ideal for existing teachers who want to gain formal qualifications to complement their classroom experience and enhance their employment opportunities. The tests are suitable for current or future teachers of primary, secondary or adult learners.

TKT is held in high regard internationally by organisations which employ English Language teachers. Because it is awarded by Cambridge English, part of the world-renowned University of Cambridge, you can rely on its quality and recognition.

Why sit TKT exams at NTU?

We are one of a select number of TKT exam centres in the UK. Our dedicated team work tirelessly to ensure your exam experience is as comfortable and rewarding as possible. We were rated as an ‘Excellent’ TKT Exam centre in our most recent inspection.

What does TKT involve?

TKT has three core modules comprising of an exam. The format is multiple choice.

Specialist modules are also available. Candidates usually self-study and then each exam is taken in-person on NTU's City campus.

Candidates can do between one and three exam papers on the day. Many candidates choose to do all three core papers in one sitting.

Module 1 tests your knowledge of:

  • Terms and concepts of English language teaching
  • Factors underpinning the learning of English
  • A range of materials, tasks and activities for English language teaching.

Module 2 tests your knowledge of:

  • The knowledge and skills you need to plan lessons
  • The types of assessment and resources that can guide your lesson planning.

Module 3 tests your knowledge of:

  • Teachers’ and learners’ language
  • Classroom management

We also offer the following specialist module exams

TKT Young Learners

  • This is an exam for teachers and classroom assistants who want to teach English to young learners.
  • It tests knowledge of concepts related to young learner learning and development.
  • It also tests knowledge of young learners from a teaching perspective, including the planning, teaching and assessment of young learners’ work.

TKT Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL)

  • This module tests knowledge of the aims and rationale of a CLIL approach.
  • It covers the planning, teaching and assessment of CLIL.
  • It also focuses on teachers’ awareness of learning demands and support strategies for learners in CLIL programmes.

Module information

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll be studying throughout the course:

We regularly review our course content based on student and employer feedback to ensure they remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or availability in future years. Optional modules will only run where there is sufficient demand. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis to protect the academic and student experience.

Entry requirements

UK students

You should normally:

  • have English proficiency at CEFR Level B1 or above.
  • be aged 18 or over.

For more information about this course, please email tkt@ntu.ac.uk

International students

You should normally:

  • have English proficiency at CEFR Level B1 or above.
  • be aged 18 or over.

For more information about this course, please email tkt@ntu.ac.uk

Fees and funding

UK students

- see the fees for this course, as well as information about funding and support.

£65 per paper (Candidates may take between one and four papers in one sitting).

Additional costs

Candidates doing the three core modules may wish to buy The TKT Course Modules 1, 2 and 3: Teaching Knowledge Test (Second Edition - 2011) official preparation textbook by Mary Spratt, Alan Pulverness and Melanie Williams (Cambridge University Press).

Candidates doing the specialist Young Learners module may wish to buy The TKT Course Young Learners Module (2024) by Kate Gregson (Cambridge University Press).

International students

- see the fees for this course, as well as payment advice and scholarships.

£65 per paper (Candidates may take one, two or three papers in one sitting).

Additional costs

Candidates doing the three core modules may wish to buy The TKT Course Modules 1, 2 and 3: Teaching Knowledge Test (Second Edition - 2011) official preparation textbook by Mary Spratt, Alan Pulverness and Melanie Williams (Cambridge University Press).

Candidates doing the specialist Young Learners module may wish to buy The TKT Course Young Learners Module (2024) by Kate Gregson (Cambridge University Press).

Careers and employability

English language tuition is in extremely high demand throughout the world and there are a plethora of employment opportunities open to those interested in pursuing English teaching as a career abroad or here in the UK or as an opportunity to travel and work abroad to more generally broaden their horizons.

  • Employability Promise

    Personalised support, one-on-one coaching and industry-specific advice – it’s all part of our Employability Promise. And it doesn’t end when you leave NTU – you’ll have access to all our careers services for three years after you graduate (conditions apply).

  • NTU Enterprise

    If you’re a budding entrepreneur, NTU Student Enterprise can help you to develop your ideas and innovations and turn them into a reality. We also offer training, mentoring, workshops, financial advice and more to develop your business skills.

Campus and facilities

As a TKT candidate you will be taking your exams on our city campus, conveniently located in the City Centre and easily accessible by public transport. We can recommend a budget hotel just two minutes away from the exam building should you require an overnight stay before exam day.

On campus catering facilities are available on the day.

Applying

UK students

Registrations will open later this year for our next exam session.

If you are interested, please email tkt@ntu.ac.uk and we will let you know as soon as registrations open.

Please also email tkt@ntu.ac.uk with any other queries about the exams.

Enquiries are warmly welcomed both from individuals and on behalf of larger groups. We look forward to meeting you!

Apply now

International students

Registrations will open later this year for our next exam session.

If you are interested, please email tkt@ntu.ac.uk and we will let you know as soon as registrations open.

Please also email tkt@ntu.ac.uk with any other queries about the exams.

Enquiries are warmly welcomed both from individuals and on behalf of larger groups. We look forward to meeting you!

Application support

If you have any questions, just drop us a line – we’re here to help every step of the way. You can fill in our online form or give us a call on +44 (0)115 848 2999.

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