The Cambridge TKT (Teaching Knowledge Test) is an internationally recognized certification for English language teachers, developed and administered by Cambridge Assessment English. It assesses foundational knowledge of language teaching concepts, lesson planning, and classroom management — making it an ideal qualification for new teachers and a strong credential for experienced EFL/ESL teachers seeking formal recognition. This free printable practice test PDF covers all three Core Modules so you can study offline and identify gaps before exam day.

Module 1: Language and Background to Language Learning and Teaching tests your knowledge of the English language system and how learners acquire it. Lexis questions cover word meaning (denotation vs. connotation), collocation (words that naturally co-occur, e.g., "make a decision"), and word formation (prefixes, suffixes, compounding, conversion). Phonology questions cover individual phonemes (the 44 sounds of English), word stress patterns, sentence stress, and connected speech features such as linking, elision, and assimilation — all highly relevant for teaching pronunciation effectively.

Grammar in Module 1 spans parts of speech (nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, articles), tense and aspect (simple, progressive, perfect), modality, and clause structure. The module also tests understanding of language learning theories — you must be able to compare behaviorist approaches (habit formation through drills and repetition), the Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) approach (emphasis on meaningful interaction and real-world tasks), and Task-Based Learning (TBL, in which tasks drive language acquisition rather than pre-taught grammar structures).

Module 2: Lesson Planning and Use of Resources for Language Teaching focuses on the practical craft of designing effective lessons. Lesson aims must be specific, measurable, and learner-focused — the TKT distinguishes between main aims (the primary learning outcome), subsidiary aims (supporting language or skills), and personal aims (the teacher's own development goal for the lesson). Lesson staging describes the sequence of activities: a warmer or lead-in activates prior knowledge and motivates learners; presentation introduces new language; controlled practice (drills, gap-fills) allows accuracy focus; freer practice (role plays, discussions) builds fluency.

Module 2 also assesses knowledge of teaching techniques such as eliciting (drawing language from students rather than telling), checking comprehension (concept checking questions, timelines, visuals), and error correction strategies. You must know when to correct immediately (during accuracy-focused tasks) versus when to delay correction (during fluency tasks to avoid interrupting communication). Teaching materials questions contrast authentic texts (real-world materials not designed for language teaching: newspaper articles, menus, podcasts) with graded texts (simplified or purpose-written for specific proficiency levels).

Module 3: Managing the Teaching and Learning Process covers the human side of the classroom. Classroom management includes physical setup (horseshoe, pairs, circles, rows — each with distinct interaction implications), seating decisions based on task type, and the teacher's use of voice and proximity. Interaction patterns — individual work, pair work, group work, whole-class teaching — are tested in terms of when each is most appropriate. Module 3 also covers monitoring techniques (circulating to check understanding, noting errors for delayed feedback), giving instructions clearly, and assessing learning informally through observation, questioning, and self-assessment tasks.

TKT scoring uses a four-band scale. Band 4 (69–80 correct out of 80) represents the highest level of performance, indicating comprehensive knowledge across the module. Band 3 (56–68) reflects solid understanding with some gaps. Band 2 (45–55) indicates partial knowledge. Band 1 (below 45) signals that the candidate needs further study. Most employers and teacher training programs consider Band 3 or Band 4 an acceptable passing standard, though Cambridge itself does not define a formal pass mark — all results are reported as bands.

There is no official minimum English proficiency requirement to sit TKT, but Cambridge Assessment English recommends a level of at least B1 on the CEFR scale for meaningful engagement with the exam content. In practice, most serious candidates are at B2 or above. The exam is available worldwide at authorized Cambridge exam centers and can be sat on a rolling basis throughout the year, with results released approximately six weeks after the exam date.

The TKT is a recognized and respected qualification for EFL and ESL teachers across more than 60 countries. It is particularly valued by language schools and employers in Latin America, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Eastern Europe as evidence of foundational teaching knowledge. For teachers pursuing further qualifications, TKT provides a strong conceptual grounding before advancing to CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) or DELTA (Diploma in Language Teaching to Adults). Download this free practice PDF, work through all three module sections systematically, and use the answer explanations to deepen your understanding of every concept tested.