A valve tappet actuated by a cam of an internal combustion engine comprises a cup (1) having a hollow cylindrical skirt (2) and a cup bottom (3) which closes the skirt (2) at one end. On an outer surface, the skirt (2) comprises a peripheral groove (4), and on an inner surface, at least one bead (5). Concentrically arranged within the cup (1) is an inner element (6) whose casing (9) bears against the bead (5, 21). A hydraulic valve clearance compensation element (10) is guided for axial displacement in the inner element (6). To simplify the manufacturing of this valve tappet, it is proposed that the cup (1) is hardened in a heat treatment process, and the inner element (5) is unhardened.