A Guide for How to Pass the QTS Skills Test in 2024

For those aspiring to become a teacher in England, QTS Skills Tests are one of the most important milestones to pass.

While not all schools require their prospective teachers to take this test, you may be asked to do so and need to prepare for it accordingly.

Here is a comprehensive guide on the QTS Skills Tests and a few examples of questions you can expect on this assessment.

Let’s get started!

What Is the QTS Skills Test?

The QTS Skills Test was developed by the Department for Education in 2008. Passing the test enables candidates to obtain the Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Similar to the PGCE maths and English test, the purpose of this test is for prospective teachers to demonstrate their ability to complete various teaching-related professional tasks. This professional skills test is for trainee teachers.

Candidates take this test after obtaining an undergraduate degree and completing a teacher training program.

As of April 2020, the test has ceased to be mandatory in all schools. However, state-funded schools and other special schools still require candidates to take QTS Skills Tests.

If you're applying for a teaching job, you might be asked to pass this test beforehand.

If you've finished your training program in England, you'll be automatically recommended to take the QTS Skills Tests. If you've earned your degree in another country, you'll need to apply for the QTS.

What Is the QTS Test Format?

The QTS Skills exam tests two types of skills:

• Numeracy
• Literacy

These are assessed in two different tests, and each of these has subcategories too.

The form of questions you have on QTS numeracy and literacy skills tests will depend on the skills the questions are meant to test.

The testing is in digital form, with some questions appearing only in written form, while others are presented as part of an audio test.

Below, you'll find both test formats broken down into subcategories based on these skills.

1. Numeracy Skills Test

The QTS maths test has 28 questions, which you'll have to answer within 48 minutes.

The questions on the QTS maths test are divided into two sections:

• Mental arithmetic
• Written arithmetic and data

Mental Arithmetic

This part has 12 questions, which you'll receive in audio form. You'll need to prepare headphones for this part.

You'll need to answer the question by calculating the solution in your head. You can’t use a calculator for this part.

Mental arithmetic tests assess your aptitude for solving basic arithmetic problems using:

• The four operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division)
• Percentages
• Fractions
• Conversions
• Decimals
• Measurements
• Time

Written Arithmetic and Data

This part of the maths QTS Skills Test has 16 questions, which you'll receive in written form.

You'll be presented with tables, graphs and other collections of data.

To answer the questions, you'll need to understand, apply and correctly interpret the data that's in front of you.

You may also need to contrast, compare and identify patterns in the data presented to you.

You'll have access to an on-screen calculator.

Problems you'll be asked to solve test your ability to use arithmetic functions like:

• Measurements
• Time
• Ratios
• Fractions
• Averages
• Conversions
• Ranges and similar formats to mental arithmetic

For this part, you'll also need to activate your critical thinking abilities.

These will allow you to filter out irrelevant details on the complex graphs and interpret only information relevant to the question.

In addition, you'll also need to ensure you're doing precise calculations in a timely manner.

2. Literacy Skills Test

The QTS literacy skills test has 45 to 49 questions, which you'll need to answer within 45 to 49 minutes, depending on the number of questions you have.

The QTS English test is split into four subcategories, with each carrying a different number of questions:

• Spelling (10)
• Punctuation (15)
• Grammar (10 to 12)
• Comprehension (10 to 12)

Spelling

In the spelling part of the QTS English test, you'll be presented with 10 sentences, which you'll hear in audio form.

You'll hear each sentence twice, and they'll also appear on the screen.

Here, you might be asked to spell certain words you hear in the sentences correctly.

Alternatively, you may be asked to complete a sentence with a word you'll find spelled in several different ways in the possible solutions. You'll need to identify the correct solution.

On the other hand, you may be asked to spell the word out in the clear space provided under the question.

Either way, the words your spelling skills will be tested on are ones you'll use in your day-to-day life as a teacher, so don’t worry too much about the QTS literacy skills test.

Punctuation

In this section of the QTS literacy test, you'll be presented with a text consisting of 150 to 200 words.

It contains a number of punctuation errors. This number typically corresponds to the number of questions you'll need to answer, as the purpose of this part is to test your punctuation skills. You won't have to rewrite the text.

Instead, you'll be asked to read it and replace the incorrect punctuation with the correct ones by answering the question below. Written communication is a fundamental part of a teacher's job.

You'll need to be precise when handling written texts and have great editorial skills for communication and student work.

Grammar

This section assesses your aptitude in identifying the differences between grammatically correct and incorrect texts.

You'll be presented with incomplete passages and possible solutions for them.

Some of the answers contain grammatical errors, and you'll be asked to complete the sentences using the grammatically correct version of the solution.

Once again, the skills you're tested on in this section are essential for day-to-day communication in your professional teaching career.

Comprehension

The comprehension part of the exam measures your ability to read and understand written information, typically an official-style text.

You'll be presented with complex passages you'll need to analyze and questions related to each text.

You'll need to identify the main points of the text, draw correct deductions and inferences, distinguish between facts and opinions and perform similar tasks that prove your comprehension skills.

You'll demonstrate these by answering the follow-up questions correctly.

QTS Skills Test Practice

You'll find plenty of sample tests online for QTS Skills Test practice.

However, to help you get started, here are a few examples of the questions you may expect on both parts of the QTS Skills Test.

Numeracy Skills Test Example

Literacy Skills Test Example

QTS Test Scores

To pass the numeracy skill test, you'll need to correctly answer at least 63% of the 28 questions.

This means at least 18 or more correct answers on the two parts of the numeracy test. To pass the literacy tests, you must provide accurate answers to 60% to 65% of the 45 to 49 questions.

Having less than 29 correct answers on all four parts of the literacy test combined means you've failed the test.

If this happens, you'll have two more attempts to pass it free of charge.

If you fail all three sits, you can still make further attempts even within a year, but you'll be charged for each of them.

The school you've applied for may also reserve the right to hire candidates who passed the tests with fewer attempts.

In addition, the results of the candidates applying for the same positions are always compared to each other.

Due to this, if you want to be successful it's not enough to achieve the passing score.

To compete with other candidates, you should aim to score more than 90% on both tests.

How much time you need to prepare for the QTS Skills Test depends on several factors. Regardless of how much time you need, choose the method that works best for you.

Whether you study for two days straight or an hour a day for several weeks, here are a few pointers on how to prepare for taking the QTS Skills Tests.

Taking the QTS Test

Once you've gained confidence with the practice tests, you'll be ready to take the QTS Skills Tests. Here are a few tips on taking real-time tests.

Read the Questions Carefully

For both the numeracy and the literacy tests, it's vital to read the questions carefully. For the literacy parts, it's important to read the entire passage before attempting to answer the question.

However, reading the questions will give you a clue on what to look for in the text. This way you'll be able to answer the questions correctly without spending too much time on either one.

Make Notes When Reading/Listening to the Questions

Feel free to take notes when reading or listening to the questions. This will help you avoid misinterpreting the information you read and hear.

Some questions, like the mental arithmetic ones, you'll only hear twice, so make sure you record any key information right away. If you've understood the question and are prepared to answer it, you can start working on it as soon as possible.

Not only that, but more often than not, you'll be able to revisit unanswered questions. Answer the questions you understand first. However, having notes about those you don't understand will allow you to go back and find a resolution for the questions you've missed.

Don’t Assume Information Outside of What’s Given

For the literacy test, it's also critical to read the questions without making any assumptions outside of what's in front of you. After reading texts, you'll need to answer questions based on what you've read. You should assume any information in front of you is the truth.

Do not consider any outside information that may suggest otherwise. There is no need to consider other information because everything you need to answer the questions will be in the text you're given to analyze.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

The QTS Skills Test assesses candidates' abilities to perform teaching jobs. It's required for those wanting to teach in state-funded schools in England.

The assessment has two main components:

• The literacy test
• The numeracy test

Three attempts to take the test are free, and you'll also have the right to pay for additional retakes.

However, preparing for the test will help you get your Qualified Teacher Status much faster. Feel free to refer to this guide when preparing for your QTS Skills Test.