So you want to teach English abroad? That’s great! Teaching English is an amazing way to immerse yourself in a new culture, meet new people, and travel the world. But before you pack your bags, it’s important to get qualified with one of the main English teaching certifications.
There are a few major organizations that offer accredited TEFL/TESOL certificates. These certifications show employers and schools that you are qualified to teach English as a foreign language. While a bachelor’s degree is required for most teaching jobs, the TEFL/TESOL certificate is essential as it provides training in language instruction.
In this article, we will overview the top 5 English teaching certifications and help you decide which one is right for you.
The Top 5 English Teaching Certifications
1. CELTA
The CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) is one of the most widely recognized and respected TEFL/TESOL certificates. It is administered by Cambridge English and focuses specifically on teaching English to adult learners.
Some key facts about the CELTA:
- Level 5 qualification on the UK’s Regulated Qualifications Framework
- 120-hour intensive course with 6 hours of assessed teaching practice
- Teaching practice is assessed by qualified CELTA trainers
- Open to native and non-native English speakers alike
- Focuses on classroom essentials like lesson planning, language skills, classroom management, and learner motivation
The CELTA certificate is required by many employers, especially in Europe. It provides comprehensive training for aspiring English teachers. The downside is that the 120 hour course is very intensive and can be expensive. CELTA courses are offered around the world by approved CELTA centers.
2. CertTESOL
Similar to the CELTA, the Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CertTESOL) is administered by Trinity College London. Some key details:
- Level 5 qualification on the UK’s Regulated Qualifications Framework
- 120-hour course with 6 hours of assessed teaching practice
- Teaching practice assessed by qualified CertTESOL trainers
- For native and non-native English speakers
- Covers planning lessons, classroom management, language skills development, and learner needs
Like the CELTA, the CertTESOL is a highly respected certification that meets high standards. It’s required by many employers in the UK and Europe. The intensive course can be demanding, but overall it provides in-depth teacher training.
3. TEFL/TESOL Certificate
Besides the CELTA and CertTESOL, there are many TEFL/TESOL certificate programs worldwide. These programs are offered by private TEFL/TESOL organizations, colleges, and universities. Things to look for in a quality TEFL/TESOL certificate program:
- 100+ hours of instruction and 6+ hours of teaching practice
- Coursework in language teaching theory and methods
- In-class training from experienced ESL teachers
- Lesson planning and materials development practice
- Teaching practice with real ESL students
- Onsite or online training options available
A TEFL/TESOL certificate from a reputable provider demonstrates that you have received quality English teacher training. Programs are available in many countries and often cost less than the CELTA or CertTESOL. Just be sure to choose an accredited program.
4. TKT (Teaching Knowledge Test)
The TKT is administered by Cambridge English and focuses on core teaching knowledge that’s applicable for any teacher of English. Some key facts about the TKT:
- Does not include a teaching component
- Assesses knowledge of teaching strategies, language skills, planning lessons, classroom management, etc.
- Open to both native and non-native English speakers
- modular exam structure, there are 5 modules that can be taken together or separately
- certificates awarded for each module passed
The TKT provides an affordable and flexible way to demonstrate your foundation of TEFL knowledge. By passing modules, you can build up your skills and qualifications over time. It doesn’t include teaching practice, so it’s often combined with other training.
5. Bachelor’s Degree
Many countries require English teachers to have a bachelor’s degree along with their TEFL/TESOL certification. A degree shows that you have an education background and strong English abilities. Degrees related to education linguistics and humanities are preferable when teaching ESL.
Some TEFL/TESOL providers offer combined certification-bachelor’s degree programs. You get certified while earning credits towards a degree. There are also many universities that offer TEFL/TESOL certificates along with bachelor’s degrees in education, linguistics or English.
Consider your long-term goals before committing to a 4-year degree. But if you want to teach English long-term, having a degree and TEFL/TESOL certificate will open more doors.
Choosing the Right English Teaching Certification
With so many options for TEFL/TESOL training, how do you choose the right program? Here are a few key factors to consider:
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Type of teaching – What age group and level do you want to teach? Adult learners or kids? Beginners or advanced? Different certifications cater to different teaching environments
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Location – Requirements vary greatly between regions and countries. Do your research on visa and certification requirements for locations you want to teach in.
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Cost – TEFL/TESOL courses range from $200 to $2500+. Factor in your budget constraints.
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Format – Do you prefer in-person or online training? Intensive or part-time? Combine self-paced modules with a practicum.
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Duration – Short tefl courses are quick but don’t go as in-depth. Programs with 100+ hours allow you to develop your skills fully.
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Teaching practice – Programs with observed teaching practice help you gain confidence and get feedback.
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Reputation – Choose an accredited program with a proven reputation. CELTA and CertTESOL have international brand recognition.
No matter which certification you choose, the most important things are that your program prepares you to teach effectively and that it meets requirements for your target countries. The certification itself will get your foot in the door, but your teaching skills will make or break the English learning experience.
With this overview of the top English teaching certificates, you hopefully feel equipped to choose the TEFL/TESOL qualification that’s right for you. Teaching English abroad is an amazing way to see the world. So get certified and start your journey! Wishing you success as you inspire others through the power of language learning.
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Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
CELTA from Cambridge is a qualification for teaching English as a foreign language. It is the most widely recognised English teaching qualification in the world and the most often requested by employers; three out of four English language teaching jobs require a CELTA qualification*.
It focuses on developing practical techniques, and includes face-to-face or online teaching practice with groups of learners, which will give you the confidence you need to begin teaching in as little as four weeks.
Whether you’re looking for your first teaching job, or you want to prove to employers that you have the required teaching skills with a recognised certificate, CELTA from Cambridge is the qualification you need.
BEST TEFL ONLINE CERTIFICATION: How to Choose a TEFL, TESOL, CELTA Course
What are English language certifications for teaching?
English language certifications for teaching are professional credentials that validate proficiency in methodologies for instructing non-native speakers of English.
What is a teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) certification?
A Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certification provides all the specialized training and skills you need to make a positive impact by teaching students the English language. If you’re ready to launch an exciting career teaching English abroad, our guide outlines how to get a TEFL certification.
Do you need a certification to teach English as a second language?
Certification for English Teachers can be a significant asset, though not always a strict requirement. For teaching English as a Second Language (ESL), certifications like TEFL or CELTA are highly regarded and often essential, especially for teaching abroad or in language institutes.
Who should teach TEFL certification courses?
Instructors who teach TEFL certification courses should be qualified to teach the subject. A qualified instructor is typically a university-level instructor who has a master’s degree in TEFL or TESOL, linguistics or a similar discipline, in addition to experience teaching English as a foreign language.
