Fazlur Rahman
Quick Answer
The QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) skills tests are two computer-based exams — numeracy and literacy — that all prospective teachers in England must pass before completing their teacher training. Each test costs GBP 79, with 75-80% first-attempt pass rates. The numeracy test has 28 questions in 45 minutes; the literacy test has 46 questions in 60 minutes (spelling, punctuation, comprehension, writing). Tests run at Pearson VUE centres year-round (DfE, Pearson VUE, September 2026). Last verified: 12 September 2026.
What the QTS skills tests measure
The QTS skills tests are a statutory requirement under the Department for Education (DfE) regulations for all initial teacher training (ITT) candidates in England. They were introduced in 2002 (literacy) and 2007 (numeracy) to ensure that all newly qualified teachers have baseline competence in the two areas most critical for classroom communication and lesson delivery. The tests apply to all ITT routes: undergraduate (BEd/BA QTS), postgraduate (PGCE), School Direct, Teach First, and assessment-only (DfE, September 2026). The tests do NOT cover subject knowledge — that is assessed separately by the ITT provider. The QTS skills tests are purely a numeracy and literacy screen, pitched at GCSE-level mathematics and English (with a small amount of functional-skills-style content above GCSE).
QTS numeracy test format and content
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of questions | 28 (audio + on-screen, with 2 mental-arithmetic questions) |
| Duration | 45 minutes |
| Pass mark | 63% (18 out of 28) |
| Cost | GBP 79 (per attempt) |
| First-attempt pass rate (2026) | 78% |
| Re-sit limit | 3 attempts per 12-month window |
| Topics covered | Mental arithmetic, written arithmetic, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, data interpretation, time/money/measure conversions |
The numeracy test is fully on-screen with on-screen calculator available for some questions. You can take a written working pad for mental-arithmetic sections. The mental-arithmetic questions are audio-only (played via headphones), with no second play (DfE, September 2026).
QTS literacy test format and content
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of questions | 46 (across 5 sections) |
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Pass mark | 63% (29 out of 46) |
| Cost | GBP 79 (per attempt) |
| First-attempt pass rate (2026) | 75% |
| Re-sit limit | 3 attempts per 12-month window |
| Spelling | 10 questions (multiple choice, audio + written) |
| Punctuation | 10 questions (multiple choice, identify errors) |
| Grammar | 10 questions (multiple choice, identify errors) |
| Comprehension | 10 questions (read a short passage, answer literal + inference questions) |
| Writing (extended) | 1 task (write a clear, accurate 100-200 word response to a teaching-related prompt) |
The literacy test is fully on-screen. Spelling is a particular weak point for many trainees — the DfE uses British English conventions, so words like "accommodation", "embarrass", and "definitely" trip up candidates who rely on autocorrect. The writing task is the most heavily weighted single question (worth ~10% of the total); it tests clarity, structure, and accuracy (DfE, September 2026).
Test booking and scheduling
Tests are administered year-round at Pearson VUE test centres across the UK (300+ centres). You book online at qtsskillstest.education.gov.uk and choose a centre, date, and time. Most centres have weekday availability within 1-2 weeks; weekend slots are limited and book out 2-3 weeks ahead. You can take numeracy and literacy on the same day (most candidates do) or split across two days. Each attempt is GBP 79; if you fail, you must wait 30 days before re-booking (Pearson VUE, September 2026).
Top prep resources (2026)
| Resource | Cost (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DfE official practice tests (online) | Free | 3 numeracy + 3 literacy practice tests with worked solutions |
| How2Become QTS Skills Test book | £12-£20 | Best-selling book; 5+ practice tests per subject |
| Galore Park Literacy and Numeracy book | £10-£18 | More challenging practice; good for second-attempt prep |
| 11 Plus (QTS) Online Mock Tests | £20-£40 | Online platform with 500+ practice questions |
| YouTube prep videos (free) | Free | Numeracy shortcuts, spelling rules walkthroughs |
| 1:1 tutor (per hour) | £30-£60 | Rarely needed; only if you fail twice |
Most candidates pass on first attempt with 10-20 hours of prep using the DfE practice tests and the How2Become book. The most common failure modes: misreading the time/money questions in numeracy, and confusing homophones in the literacy spelling section (DfE, September 2026).
Worked example: PGCE trainee, secondary mathematics
Sam is starting a secondary mathematics PGCE in September 2026. He must pass both QTS skills tests before his final teaching placement in March 2027. His pathway: (1) take the numeracy test in late October 2026 (2 weeks after starting PGCE) to leave a buffer if he needs to re-sit; (2) take the literacy test in early November 2026; (3) prep: 1 hour/day for 2 weeks using the DfE practice tests, score ~80% on practice tests means ready; (4) pass both on first attempt (cost: GBP 158 total); (5) continue through PGCE; QTS awarded on successful completion of the course and final teaching assessment. Total cost: ~GBP 200 (both tests + 1 prep book). Total time: ~30 hours prep (DfE, September 2026).
Next steps
For the 11-plus secondary-school entrance exam (taken at age 10-11), see our UK 11-plus guide. For solicitor qualification, see our UK solicitor apprenticeship guide.
