The qualified teacher status (QTS) skills tests cover the core skills in numeracy, literacy and information and communications technology (ICT) needed to fulfil your wider professional role in a school.
Passing the skills tests in numeracy, literacy and ICT is one of the standards that all trainee teachers in England have to meet before they can be recommended for the award of QTS by their initial teacher training (ITT) provider. Computerised QTS skills tests were introduced in 2001 for anyone seeking to qualify as a teacher. Trainees seeking to obtain QTS since 1 May 2002 need to pass all three skills tests.
About the skills tests
Why the skills tests were created and what they mean for trainee teachers.
Who has to pass the tests?
All qualified teachers have to pass the skills tests, and since September 2008 it is no longer possible for trainees who haven't passed to be employed as unqualified teachers. Find out more.
Intending to teach or qualified outside of England?
Find out what you need to know about passing the skills tests if you've either qualified to teach outside of England or are intending to take a teaching post outside of England.
Popular questions
Get the answers to commonly asked questions about the skills tests.
