QTS Skills Tests
www.bishopg.ac.uk
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
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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!
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How do I apply?
Register with learndirect
https://www.skillstestbooking.com
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
www.bishopg.ac.uk
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
www.bishopg.ac.uk
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
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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 – 10-12 marks
Comprehension – 10-12 marks
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
www.bishopg.ac.uk
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
• admissions@bishopg.ac.uk
• 01522 583658
Learn Direct
• learndirect's helpdesk is available from Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm
• Telephone: 0300 303 9613
• Email: support@sta.learndirect.com
www.bishopg.ac.uk