If you would like to become a trainee, you have to pass the professional skills tests in numeracy and literacy before you begin your teacher training. You’ll have unlimited attempts at resitting the skills tests and you will be able to book three tests per subject, free of charge.
These tests assess the core skills that teachers need to fulfil their professional role in schools, rather than the subject knowledge needed for teaching. We advise applicants to take them as soon as possible after making your application.
The professional skills tests are run by the Department for Education. You can find out more information about the tests on the STA website. It is the applicant’s responsibility to prepare for, book and sit the tests. Our School Direct partners, Nottingham Trent University, offer professional skills tests support courses in both literacy and numeracy.
