English as a Second Language (ESL) certification opens up opportunities to teach English to non-native speakers domestically or abroad. With rising globalization, the demand for qualified ESL teachers continues to grow. If you want to launch a meaningful career teaching English, getting certified is the first step.
This comprehensive guide explains what ESL certification entails and how to earn it.
What is ESL Certification?
ESL certification demonstrates you have the skills and training to effectively teach English as a second language. It shows employers you can help non-native English speakers develop their reading writing, listening and speaking skills.
ESL certification provides:
- Specialized training to teach English learners
- Qualifications to teach in various ESL programs
- Preparation for classroom teaching responsibilities
- Knowledge of ESL teaching methodologies
Unlike general teaching certifications, ESL certification focuses directly on strategies for teaching English language learners. It equips you with the tools you need to help students from diverse linguistic backgrounds develop English proficiency.
Why Get ESL Certified?
Here are some top reasons for earning ESL certification:
Expand Your Teaching Opportunities
ESL certification qualifies you to teach in various ESL programs, including:
- Adult education ESL classes
- Community college ESL courses
- K-12 ESL programs
- Private language schools
- University Intensive English Programs
With certification, you can work with students of all ages and English proficiency levels.
Prepare for ESL Teaching Responsibilities
The ESL classroom differs from a mainstream classroom. ESL certification prepares you to:
- Teach varied proficiency levels in one class
- Use interactive and communicative methods
- Implement scaffolding techniques
- Teach English language skills like pronunciation
- Monitor and assess English language development
The specialized training equips you with the tools you need to help English learners from diverse linguistic backgrounds develop proficiency.
Gain an Advantage in the Job Market
ESL teaching jobs continue to increase exponentially with globalization. ESL certification helps make you more competitive compared to teachers without specialized training.
Schools and programs want to ensure teachers have the qualifications to work with English learners. ESL certification demonstrates you have the expertise to teach language learners effectively.
ESL vs. ESOL: What’s the Difference?
While the terms ESL and ESOL are sometimes interchanged, some key differences exist:
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ESL stands for English as a Second Language, referring to teaching English to non-native speakers in an English-speaking country like the United States.
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ESOL stands for English for Speakers of Other Languages, which involves teaching English to non-native speakers in non-English speaking countries.
However, both ESL and ESOL certifications prepare teachers to work with non-native English speakers. The main distinction is the teaching context. ESL teachers work domestically while ESOL teachers work abroad.
How to Earn ESL Certification
If you want to teach ESL, the first step is completing certification training. Here is the basic process:
1. Research Your Options
With many certification programs available, take time to identify the best fit. Consider factors like:
- Program duration and format
- Costs
- Certification earned
- Hands-on teaching experience
- Job search support
Speaking with program advisors can provide helpful insight.
2. Ensure You Meet Requirements
While each ESL certification program may have unique requirements, general requirements include:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Proficient English skills
- Minimum age requirement
- Application and fee payment
Some programs may require a bachelor’s degree and prior teaching experience.
3. Complete Your Chosen Program
ESL certification programs involve around 120-150 hours of coursework and practice teaching. Courses cover topics like:
- Second language acquisition theories
- ESL teaching methods and strategies
- Lesson planning for varying proficiency levels
- Classroom management for ESL students
- English grammar
- Language assessment principles
- Teaching the four language domains (reading, writing, speaking and listening)
You’ll apply your skills during a teaching practicum. Programs assist you in arranging a practicum if needed.
4. Seek Job Placement Support
Reputable certification programs provide resources to help you secure an ESL teaching job after completing the program. Take advantage of their job search tools, employer contacts, interview preparation, salary negotiation support and more.
Choosing the Right ESL Certification Program
With so many ESL certification options, choosing the right program is crucial. Here are key factors to help you decide:
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Program Duration: ESL certification typically takes 4 to 6 months to complete. Programs with fewer than 120 hours may not provide sufficient training.
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Teaching Practicum: A supervised teaching practicum allowing you to gain classroom experience is essential. Programs lacking this component are less worthwhile.
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Online or In-Person: Online ESL certification programs allow flexibility, while in-person programs offer direct hands-on practice. Choose the option fitting your learning needs.
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Costs: ESL certification costs range from $500 to $3,000. Make sure the program provides quality commensurate with the cost.
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Certification Earned: Compare which certifications each program offers. TEFL and TESOL certifications are internationally recognized.
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Job Placement Resources: Programs should provide guidance for securing ESL teaching positions domestically or globally. Vet each program’s career support services.
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Instructor Qualifications: Opt for programs with instructors holding advanced degrees and ESL teaching experience. This ensures you learn from qualified experts.
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Accreditation: Choose programs accredited by respected TEFL/TESOL accrediting organizations. Unaccredited programs are less worthwhile.
Taking these factors into account helps single out legitimate, high-quality certification programs for your ESL teaching career.
ESL Certification FAQs
How long does ESL certification take?
An ESL certification program typically takes 4 to 6 months to complete. This includes 120-150 hours of coursework and 6-20 hours of supervised teaching practice. Programs under 120 hours may not offer in-depth training.
Does ESL certification qualify you to teach?
Yes, ESL certification demonstrates you have the specialized skills and training to teach English language learners. Earning certification qualifies you to teach in various ESL contexts domestically or internationally.
Can you teach ESL without certification?
You can teach ESL without certification in some contexts, but most reputable schools and programs require certification. ESL certification ensures you have expertise teaching language learners. Getting certified makes you much more employable.
Is ESL certification necessary to teach abroad?
In most cases, yes. Schools and language programs in non-English speaking countries generally require ESL teachers to have TEFL or TESOL certification. The certification shows you can effectively teach English abroad.
What jobs can you get with ESL certification?
With certification, you can teach in adult ESL, K-12 ESL, community ESL programs, intensive English programs, ESL exam preparation courses, international schools, language schools abroad and university English language institutes.
Earning an internationally recognized TEFL/TESOL certification is the essential first step to start your ESL teaching career. Choosing a high-quality certification program that fits your needs will equip you with the specialized skills and qualifications to positively impact English language learners, whether teaching domestically or overseas.
ESL vs ESOL: what’s the difference
So, as we get into the weeds with ESL certification, it’s important to know the distinction between other acronyms you’ll undoubtedly come across. You’re with us here on The TEFL Org, not ESL Org. What’s the difference?
What about ESOL and TESOL? Are these all ways of saying the same thing, or something distinctly different?
Here’s a quick guide:
ESL means English as a Second Language. ESOL, though, means English to Speakers of Other Languages. TEFL is Teaching English as a Foreign Language, whereas TESOL means Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.
Generally speaking, ESL and ESOL tend to be used interchangeably to refer to the same thing – teaching English language learners in any environment.
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With a litany of different ESL programs available, it might be hard to choose, but here are some factors that should influence your decision:
If you’re going to invest time and money into an ESL course, make sure to put your time and your funds in the right hands. A quality ESL course provider will be well-established, with strong accreditation (we’ll get to that), a solid bed of positive reviews and examples of successful former students.
Simply put, if you’re looking at a provider who has none of those things, culminating in a good reputation, that’s a major red flag. Employers want appropriately trained teachers, and English language learners want to learn from ESL teachers who have a high-quality education.
