QTS Skills Tests

What are QTS Skills tests? Government requirement for all Teacher Training courses Requirement for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) Since 2013, tests must be passed BEFORE starting a Teacher Training Course Tests in Numeracy & Literacy Taken in addition to the requirement for grade C GCSEs in English Language and Maths Set in context of the role of a teacher and tests the use of real data and information that teachers are likely to encounter

When should I apply? You can register with learndirect at any time You can’t take the test until you have an application being processed. You have to evidence this when you take the test Some providers will ask that you pass tests BEFORE you can attend an interview If you haven’t booked your test, do it as soon as possible DON’T LEAVE IT TOO LATE!

How do I apply? Register with learndirect Make sure your personal details when you register match those you used when applying for a course Login to your account and book a test CHARGES First test for both subjects is FREE Resits cost £19.25 Payment is made by credit or debit card when booking

Where can I take a test? Tests are taken at learndirect test centres throughout the country There is no test centre in Lincoln Closest test centres are: Grimsby Hull Nottingham Sheffield Derby Peterborough Leicester

The Numeracy Test Test is divided into two areas Mental Arithmetic section Written Section (Written Arithmetic and Written Data) Test last approximately 48 minutes 28 Questions (12 mental arithmetic, 16 written questions) All questions carry 1 mark irrespective of number of answers

The Literacy Test Literacy Test divided into 4 sections Spelling Punctuation Grammar Comprehension The test must be completed within 45 minutes The total number of marks available ranges from 41 to 49, depending on the test. These are broken down as follows: Spelling – 10 marks Punctuation – 15 marks Grammar – marks Comprehension – marks

General Information about the tests You will not be tested on your knowledge of the English national curriculum or on how to teach it. You will not be tested on your knowledge of the mathematics national curriculum or on how to teach it. All the literacy and numeracy tests have been calibrated statistically against a benchmark test. As with any multiple set of tests, the tests are not identical to each other. This is because each test has different questions, but they are all of an equivalent standard. A test with slightly harder questions will have a slightly lower pass mark and a test with slightly easier questions will have a slightly higher pass mark.

What happens after my test? You get a printed score report when you finish your test. You don’t get a certificate. 48 hours after taking your test, your test results will be uploaded so you can check them in your ‘My account’ Depending on where you are applying, you may need to contact the provider and show them your certificate If you have applied to BGU, you don’t need to let us know how you got on We will update our records If this is your last academic condition, we will make your offer ‘Unconditional Firm’ (UF) on UCAS/UTT

What if I fail? Don’t panic! Rebook your test as soon as possible (you cannot rebook within 48 hours of an unsuccessful test You get a score report that will highlight any areas you need to concentrate on Give yourself time to do any additional revising Let your provider know about your revised test dates You are allowed 2 resits per test If you fail 3 tests in either Literacy or Numeracy, you are not allowed to resit the test for 2 years

What if I have Access Needs? You need to make this clear when booking a test Reasonable adjustment will be made If you have a specific learning difficulty like dyslexia, you may be eligible for 25% extra time You need to take proof of this to your test You can take along coloured overlays Contact your test centre in advance if unsure Other requirements may require an additional paper application form

Other Useful facts You can reschedule your test Log in to your learndirect account No charge if more than 3 days before If you do not attend a test, you may forfeit the fee If it is your first test, you may also forfeit your free test You don’t forfeit one of your chances at the test if you miss it Tests are valid for 3 years

Contact Details BGU Admissions Team The Admissions Office is open from Monday to Thursday, 8.30am to 5pm and 8.30am to 4.30pm on Fridays Learn Direct learndirect's helpdesk is available from Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm Telephone: