English for Professional Purposes by Cambridge ESOL

Teaching Knowledge Test (TKT)

We offer training and testing for Cambridge ESOL TKT examinations (TKT, TKT-CLIL and TKT-KAL). This flexible and accessible award focuses on the core teaching knowledge needed by teachers, whatever your background and teaching experience. This exam is intended for those who need proof of their theoretical knowledge about teaching  English to speakers of other languages and/or those who teach subjects through the medium of English language (TKT:CLIL). TKT has three core modules that can be taken in one exam session or separately and two optional modules TKT:CLIL and TKT:KAL that can be added  to the three core modules above, or can each be taken independently.

We offer a wide range of preparation courses for all the modules and to support your other individual language learning needs. Please, check TKT Training.

What is TKT?

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.

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.

What does TKT involve?

Module 1 - Language and background to language learning and teaching:

Module 2 - Planning lessons and use of resources

Module 3 - Managing the teaching and learning process:

What is TKT:CLIL?

TKT: Content and Language Integrated Learning describes an evolving approach to teaching and learning where subjects are taught and studied through the medium of a non-native language.
The global need for language learning, particularly for English, means the potential for CLIL is enormous. For teachers of other curriculum subjects, being able to add language teaching to their existing skills could be the key to greater career opportunities.

Who is it for?

• TKT: CLIL is suitable for pre or in-service teachers and for international candidates teaching across all sectors of education. It will be of particular interest to:
• content teachers who need to teach their subjects in English, or who want to add language teaching to their portfolio of skills
• English language teachers who are required to teach curricular subjects in a second, third or further additional languages
• classroom assistants working in CLIL contexts
• English as an Additional Language (EAL) teachers who have non-native speaker students in their classes.

What does TKT: CLIL test?

It tests knowledge about content teaching in a target language and the learning, thinking and language skills which are developed across different curriculum subjects. It tests knowledge of how to plan lessons as well as knowledge of activities and resources used to support a CLIL approach. It also tests knowledge of lesson delivery and how assessment is carried out in CLIL contexts.

TKT:CLIL does not test subject specific knowledge but tests awareness of the skills that are taught across all subjects.

Areas of knowledge

1 Knowledge and Principles of CLIL
2 Planning, Teaching and Assessing

What is TKT:KAL?

TKT: Knowledge About Language tests a candidate’s knowledge of the language systems needed by teachers for planning and teaching their lessons.

Who is it for?

TKT: KAL  is suitable for pre or in-service teachers and for international candidates teaching across all sectors of education: primary, secondary and tertiary

What does TKT: KAL test?

It tests a candidate’s knowledge of the language systems needed by teachers for planning and teaching their lessons. It tests knowledge of how the different features of English work from a teaching perspective.

It also focuses on the teacher’s awareness of the language needs of learners, and the difficulties involved in learning a second language.

Areas of language knowledge

1 Lexis

2 Phonology

3 Grammar

4 Discourse

Some articles about TKT

Recognition of TKT around the world. ‘ Working with the state sector’

‘Exam board responds to global demand for skills’ in The Guardian

More information

Milla-Maarit Salo, Education Planner, 040 764 2587, firstname.lastname@jamk.fi

Eila Burns, Senior Lecturer, 040 532 3126, firstname.lastname@jamk.fi