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British Council India
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UK EXAMS IN INDIA
English tests
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Development of TKT
Read article on the development of the Teaching Knowledge Test by Mick Ashton and Clare Harrison, University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations.
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Cambridge Teacher Training Course (CELTA)
Teacher Support Programmes for Examinations (TSP)
English Language Teaching Qualifications
Teachers' resources
Cambridge Teaching Knowledge Test (TKT)
Teaching Knowledge test
Helps teachers' test their knowledge of teaching English

What's new!

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What is TKT?

TKT is a new test awarded by the highly prestigious University of Cambridge ESOL. It tests teachers’ knowledge of teaching English to speakers of other languages. 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’
  • how to cater to different learner styles
  • the ways in which resources and teaching aids can be used
  • the key aspects of lesson planning
  • classroom management methods for different learners’ needs

Who is it 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 your background and teaching experience, and is also suitable for people who would like to teach English but do not yet have a teaching position.

When can I do the test?

Teaching Knowledge Test – India 2009/10

Candidate Support Programme Dates
TKT Exam Dates
Closing Dates for Registrations
Module 1 - Thursday 16 April 09                 
Module 2 - Friday 7 April 09
Module 3 - Saturday 18 April 09
Saturday 23 May 2009
Friday 03 April 2009
Module 1 - Thursday 28 May 09
Module 2 - Friday 29 May 09
Module 3 - Saturday 30 May 09
Saturday 27 June 2009
Friday 8 May 2009
Module 1 - Thursday 16 July 09
Module 2 - Friday 17 July 09
Module 3 - Saturday 18 July 09
Saturday 8 August 2009
Friday 12 June 2009
Module 1 - Thursday 06 August
Module 2 - Friday 07 August
Module 3 - Saturday 08 August
Saturday 5 September 2009
Friday 17 July 2009
Module 1 - Thursday   08 October
Module 2 - Friday 09 October
Module 3 - Saturday 10 October
Friday 13 November 2009                       
Friday 25 September 2009                     
Module 1 - Thursday 5 November
Module 2 - Friday 13 November
Module 3 - Saturday 14 November
Saturday 12 December 2009
Friday 23 October 2009
Module 1 - Thursday 14 January 10
Module 2 - Friday 15 January 10
Module 3 - Saturday 16 January 10                                                        
Saturday 13 February 2010
Friday 2 January 2010

Terms and conditions:

  1. All candidates must register before the published closing dates.
  2. We recommend that all TKT candidates take the corresponding CSP in order to help them prepare for the test.
  3. We reserve the right to cancel or postpone a CSP if we do not have a minimum number of registered participants at least 1 week before the CSP date.
  4. Exam dates are subject to change or cancellation.
  5. Not all exam dates are offered by all centres. Please check in advance.

Am I eligible?

There are no formal entry requirements. However, anyone wishing to take TKT is strongly advised to have at least an intermediate level of English - level B1 of the Council of Europe's Common European Framework of Reference for Languages - eg PET, IELTS band score of 4. If your language skills are higher than CEF B1, then you should consider taking a higher level English language exam to supplement the TKT.

After taking TKT, teachers who want to develop their knowledge further can progress to Cambridge ESOL's well-established teaching awards, such as CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults).

What does TKT involve?

TKT has three core modules:
Module 1 - Language and background to language teaching
Module 2 - Lesson planning and use of resources for language teaching
Module 3 -  Managing the teaching and learning process

These can be taken together in one exam session or separately, in any order, over three sessions. Each module consists of a test of 80 objective questions, lasting 80 minutes, which require you to select the correct answer and mark this on a computerised answer sheet. Read more information on the Cambridge ESOL website.

How will it help me?

The TKT is an internationally recognised qualification. All candidates receive an award from the University of Cambridge ESOL for each module of the TKT. This qualification can enhance your job prospects as it demonstrates that you have a certain level of knowledge of up-to-date ELT issues.

How much does it cost?

Each module costs Rs 2,400. Register for all three modules at once for a special fee of Rs 6,500.

How can I prepare?

All candidates receive a TKT handbook and a self-study book *, The TKT Course, when they register. Individuals can also use the TKT sample papers which are available from  Cambridge ESOL website and by downloading the glossary of terms tested in the TKT and by using the resources available on the Cambridge Teaching resources website.

* Free book for registration of first module only.

Does the British Council offer any training programmes?

Yes, we offer a Candidate Support Programme (CSP) for each module of the TKT; CSP 1, CSP 2 and CSP 3.  CSPs last for one day (7 hours).  They aim to:

  • introduce candidates to the TKT and the particular module of the TKT
  • give candidates some tips and advice about how to prepare for the TKT
  • practice some of the tasks from the TKT
  • discuss ELT issues related to the particular module of the TKT

Candidates will need to continue their preparation through self-study after the course.

Each CSP costs Rs 500 per person. Contact your nearest office for more information.

How can I apply?

For details contact:
Examination Services
British Council Division
17 Kasturba Gandhi Marg
New Delhi 110001

           or

Call at: 011-42199000

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