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Ask the Union

Q

 I am a student teacher and I’ve heard that the QTS skills test requirements are changing. How will this affect me?

A

The Government has changed the requirements for the QTS (qualified teacher status) skills tests in England. Trainees in Wales do not have to complete the skills tests to gain QTS.

From September 2013 any new trainee teachers must pass their skills tests (literacy and numeracy) before starting their course. The ICT skills test has been removed from the test requirements. Trainees who have already started their course and have yet to pass the ICT test will no longer be required to do so.

Existing trainee teachers will be allowed a maximum of two re-sits per subject (literacy and numeracy) from September 2012. Any test taken from September 2012 will count as their first attempt and so will be free of charge. Re-sits will incur a charge, but the exact cost was unavailable from the helpdesk at the time of writing.

Trainees will, from September 2012, be able to take the skills tests at any point during their course and are encouraged not to leave it until the end. Test dates can be booked through the Skills Test Helpline on 0845 450 8867. They will tell you your nearest centre, make the booking and take any payments from you.

The pass mark for the skills tests will be raised from September 2012. This will apply to all candidates, including those who started their training before 1 September 2012. Information on the new pass marks is currently unavailable.

Find NUT guidance on the changes at www.teachers.org.uk/node/1280

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