The Teaching Knowledge Test (TKT)

The TKT is divided into modules which are tested separately. Modules can be taken at the same time or as many as needed. There is total flexibility in how and when modules are taken and successful candidates receive a certificate for each one they complete.

Module 1: Background to language teaching

It tests knowledge of the terms and concepts of English language teaching. It focuses on the factors underpinning the learning of English.

TKT: Module 1 has one paper and lasts 1 hour 20 minutes and has 80 questions.

The test is divided into three parts:

• describing language and language skills (40 questions)
• background to language learning (15 questions)
• background to language teaching (25 questions)

Module 2: Planning for language teaching

It focuses on the knowledge and skills needed to plan lessons or a series of lessons. It also looks at assessment and resources that can guide lesson planning.

TKT: Module 2 has one paper and lasts 1 hour 20 minutes and has 80 questions.

The test is divided into two parts:

• planning and preparing a lesson or a sequence of lessons (40 questions)
• selection and use of resources (40 questions).

Module 3: Classroom management 

It tests knowledge of what happens in the classroom during language learning, the teacher’s role in classroom management, and methods used to manage and make the most of interactions in the classroom.

TKT: Module 3 has one paper and lasts 1 hour 20 minutes and has 80 questions.

The test is divided into two parts:

• teachers’ and learners’ language in the classroom (40 questions)
• classroom management (40 questions).

+ TKT: Practical

+ TKT: Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL)

It tests knowledge of the aims and rationale of a Content and Language Integrated Learning (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.

TKT: (CLIL) has one test paper, which has 80 questions and lasts 1 hour 20 minutes.

The test is divided into 4 parts:

• knowledge of CLIL and principles of CLIL (25 questions)
• lesson preparation (25 questions)
• lesson delivery (20 questions)
• assessment (10 questions)

+ TKT: Young Learners (YL)

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

TKT: YL has one test paper, which has 80 questions and lasts 1 hour 20 minutes.

The test is divided into 4 parts:

• Knowledge of young learners and principles of teaching English to young learners (13 questions)
• Planning and preparing young learner lessons (21 questions)
• Teaching young learners (33 questions)
• Assessing young learner learning through classroom based assessment (13 questions)

The TKT examinations are for both new and experienced teachers of English.

Teachers can take the TKT exams to:

• receive an internationally recognized qualification so as to gain formal recognition for their teaching experience
• to improve their career opportunities by widening their teaching experience into specialist areas
• to keep their teaching skills up to date.

TKT is respected internationally. It is recognized or used by organizations.

Visit the Cambridge English related webpage.

The Hellenic American Union is an examination center, authorized to administer the TKT in Greece.

The Hellenic American Union administers the TKT examinations in Athens and Thessaloniki.

Following are dates, fees, and registration periods for the upcoming TKT examinations administered in Greece under the auspices of the Hellenic American Union:

Candidates who wish to register for the TKT examinations administered by the Hellenic American Union must submit the appropriate application form to the Hellenic American Union Center for Examinations and Certifications within the registration period set for each administration.

Download the application form:

• TKT Application Form

A wide range of preparation materials is available to language schools and teachers through the ORFEAS online platform and by Cambridge English.

Cambridge English Language Assessment usually releases test results approximately two weeks after the test date. Candidates receive a certificate for each module taken. There is no Pass/Fail.