The Skills Tests

The skills tests were introduced on 1 May 2000. Prior to this date, teachers did not have to pass any skills tests either to obtain QTS or to complete induction.

Between 1 May 2000 and 30 April 2001, it was not necessary to pass any skills test in order to obtain QTS, but the numeracy test had to be passed in order for induction to be completed successfully.

Between 1 May 2001 and 30 April 2002, QTS could not be obtained without passing the numeracy and literacy tests and QTS had to have been awarded before induction started.

Since 1 May 2002, it has been necessary for all three skills tests (numeracy, literacy and ICT) to have been passed before QTS can be awarded and induction can begin.

As an NQT, you cannot start induction unless you have obtained QTS. Hence induction cannot, as is sometimes thought, lead to QTS.