The Teaching Knowledge Test (TKT) is a test of the skills you need to be successful in teaching English to speakers of other languages. It is suitable for teachers of all age groups and abilities. There are various test modules available. 

Who should take this exam? 

TKT gives you an internationally accepted qualification that proves your language-teaching abilities. The qualification is suitable if you are a new teacher and want to build your confidence and skills, or if you are an experienced teacher and want to specialise in a certain area, or are starting to teach English for the first time. 

TKT is also a good foundation if you want to study for a further qualification in teaching English, such as the CELTA or Delta. 

You don’t need any formal English qualifications to take the test.

What modules are available?

You can choose to take any of the TKT modules in combination or on their own. 

Core modules 1-3

  • TKT Module 1: Background to language teaching
  • TKT Module 2: Planning for language teaching
  • TKT Module 3: Classroom management

Specialist modules

  • TKT Knowledge about language (KAL)
  • TKT Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL)
  • TKT Young Learners (YL)

Sitting a Cambridge English exam in Saudi Arabia

Find out how to register for TKT exams in Saudi Arabia.

Find out when and where you can sit for the TKT exam in Saudi Arabia and the cost for each module. 

Each module consists of 80 questions and lasts 80 minutes. Find out what to expect on the exam day

Results for exams are available three weeks after you take the exam. There is no pass or fail and your result will be indicated by a band score. Band 1 is the weakest, indicating you have restricted knowledge and skills in that area, and band 4 is the strongest, indicating extensive knowledge and skill. 

How can I prepare for the test in Saudi Arabia?

We do not organise courses at present, except within certain projects, though a facilitated online course will be launched this year. To prepare, you can:

  • Buy the Cambridge University Press course book called The TKT Course. The book contains all the material you need to prepare for the three modules of TKT together with exam practice questions
  • Buy the book and get together with a group of fellow teachers. Each of you could lead a particular session
  • Study the sample papers available from the Cambridge English Assessment website.

What resources are available on the internet?

Cambridge has an excellent website which caters to students, teachers and centre administrators.

On this website, you will find:

  • TKT Handbook and sample papers
  • TKT Information for Candidates
  • TKT Glossary
  • Online Teacher Resources