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Bule_Gila

Hello all

I have some general questions and I hope that someone could answer them for me.

FIRST, my contract with my current employer ends on July 1,2011. There is another school that wants to hire me when my contract ends. I was wondering if there would be any problems for them starting the KITAS process, since I am already in possession of a KITAS, that will expire in July. Also, will i have to provide another medical check up to get the new KITAS?

SECOND, the school that wants to hire me wants me to take the TKT (Teacher's Knowledge Test) in Jakarta before they can officially hire me. I have never heard of this test so I was wondering if anyone here knows about this test? Any info about this test would be appreciated.

phis · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 250

The TKT is the first of the Cambridge series of language teaching proficiency examinations which culminate in CELTA and DELTA. It's fairly new, and is designed to fill the gap between having no experience and/or qualifications at all, and having enough knowledge and/or experience to take the CELTA.

It is primarily aimed toward non-native speakers who want an entry level language teaching qualification, but can also be used as an assessment tool for all teachers, which seems to be the case with you. Theoretically, if you can get a reasonable score in the three modules, you are safe to be let loose in a classroom. If you are a native speaker, modules 1 and most of 2 shouldn't give you problems. However, module 3 can give problems even to the most experienced teacher.

If you already have CELTA, you should point out to your prospective employer that it is a higher level qualification than TKT. If you don't have CELTA, then there is no harm in taking the TKT. However, take care, if it is the official TKT, then the exam can only be administered by an authorized Cambridge examination testing centre. If they are just using the exam as an 'unofficial' assessment tool, you will not be entitled to certification from Cambridge.

If you'd like more info, please pm me.

phis · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 250

Whoops, sorry! I missed the part about sending you to Jakarta.... that seems to indicate that they want you to go to an authorised testing centre.

However, one other thing has occurred to me.... are they footing the bill for the test + travelling expenses? If not, then I would be wary... they may have an arrangement to get paid for everyone they enter for the official examination. Again... if you already have a teaching certificate such as CELTA, you do not need TKT.

travelNteach · Joined: 14 Jul 2009 Posts: 222

@phis: is there anyway to find out what is on these modules or practice tests for them? would probably be a bit stressful to walk in off the streets having no idea what any of the modules were or how to prepare for them
thanks

aku_tonpa · Joined: 03 May 2004 Posts: 63

You can get the teacher's handbook and sample test papers from

http://www.cambridgeesol.org/exams/teaching-awards/tkt.html

Bule_Gila · Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2011 1:27 am Post subject:

Thanks to everyone who posted responses here. They are helpful.

I already have a CELTA from Cambridge and I pointed this out to the employer. They agreed that the CELTA training is much more challenging than the TKT but they require all teachers to take the test because their program, and subsequent certificates will be issued or recognized by Cambridge (no paper mill certificates). they told me that Cambridge requires ALL teachers, no matter what the level of education, to take the TKT in order for the program to be "official". I personally have no problem with this because they will send me to Jakarta, to a registered test center to take the test (all expenses paid by them), but I was just wondering what the test consisted of, since I have never taken it before.

phis · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 250

Well if they are paying I would go for it. I don't quite understand their comment about your CELTA certificate though as that is also a Cambridge examination. Are they saying they don't think yours is genuine? If you write to Cambridge, they can authenticate your certificate, and get it notarized for you as well if you choose. I lost my original during one of my frequent travels, but Cambridge got an authenticated, notarized copy to me within a couple of weeks.

The link from aku_tonpa will give you more information and there is also a book (The TKT Course; Mary Spratt, Alan Pulverness, Melanie Williams: Cambridge University Press), which will help you brush up on your existing skills.

As a native speaker, you shouldn't have any particular problems with the test, but I would pay special attention to sections in the book on the role of error, categorizing mistakes, and correction techniques. These are usually the sections that give the biggest problems to native and local teachers alike.

Anyway, good luck on the test. Let us know how you get on and whether you feel it was worthwhile doing it.

travelNteach · Joined: 14 Jul 2009 Posts: 222

thanks aku tonpa

Georgeisnthere · Joined: 08 Mar 2011 Posts: 9

OP I know most EF's are making their teachers (native speakers and some locals) take the TKT. They are only requiring you take the first module though, is this the same with you? Or are you doing all 3?
All the best with the test.

extradross · Joined: 23 Apr 2010 Posts: 81

Interesting that EF are requiring their teachers to take this exam....would be interested to know who's paying for it.

Bule_Gila · Posted: Mon Mar 28, 2011 7:45 am Post subject:

Ef pays for all expenses related to getting the TKt test. Since it is available only in Jakarta, EF would pay for your ticket, hotel stay, etc while you are there taking the test. This is what i was told by the DOA at EF Samarinda.

scuba066 · Joined: 03 Oct 2010 Posts: 34

The latest job post on this sites job board for EF First Eduka Group in Surabaya says the TKT is required by EF. Also, it says the cost is not covered by EF.

extradross · Joined: 23 Apr 2010 Posts: 81

Maybe this test is part of some arrangement that EF have with the education ministry, a compromise of sorts since many of the applicants aren't qualified according to the ministries new regulations? If some EF franchises are making the employees 'foot the bill' as it were for this test and those franchises are located other side of Java, Surabaya for example, I'd suggest any potential employees think twice about signing-airfaire/test fee/ accomodation in Jakarta-even for one night, that's a substantial portion of a month's EF salary...

Zorobabel · Joined: 13 Feb 2006 Posts: 82

Georgeisnthere · Joined: 08 Mar 2011 Posts: 9

To the best of my knowledge there is no need to go to Jakarta to sit the test. The EF that I'm familiar with had the tests sent to them. All they needed was a man off the street who the candidates didn't know, to hand the test out and check they didn't cheat. In this case it was some guy from another EF, which is keeping the in-house ethos that they are renowned for.
Ef indeed did pay for this, but it was only module 1. If any teachers want to take the remaining modules then it will be at their own expense.