+ What is the TKT?

The TKT is an exam from Cambridge that tests your basic teaching knowledge.

+ How well recognised is the TKT?

TKT is offered by Cambridge ESOL, probably the world’s most well-known and well-respected provider of qualifications in EFL and TEFL. However, the TKT is not at the same level as a TEFL certificate course or Cambridge ICELT, and if you have the time, money and level of English to take one of those instead, you probably should.

+ What kinds of jobs can I get with the TKT?

No employers specifically ask for the TKT in the way that some job ads ask for the Cambridge CELTA or Trinity CertTESOL (or equivalent). However, showing that you are interested in your professional development and having an internationally recognised certificate proving your subject knowledge can’t hurt!

+ Is the TKT suitable for people with no teaching experience?

Yes.

+ How can the TKT show my teaching skills if it is just a paper exam?

Just taking the TKT test is no proof of your practical teaching skills, although as with language learning it is probable that subject knowledge has at least some positive practical effects. To prove your actual teaching skills, you will need to take the TKT: Practical or (preferably) a course with observed and graded teaching practice included.

+ Who is the TKT most suitable for?

It is most suitable for people who have few or no qualifications in teaching English as a foreign language or people whose training did not include more up-to-date methodologies. That could include people with no teaching experience. However, these groups of people would probably gain more from a course with observed teaching practice such as a TEFL certificate like the Cambridge CELTA or the Cambridge ICELT, so the TKT is often taken by people who do not have sufficient time or a good enough level of English to enter those kinds of courses. The TKT: CLIL test is also suitable for those with initial qualifications in teaching who want to know more about this specific area.