This guide will explain TESOL certification. We’ll cover what it is, why it’s beneficial, and how to obtain it. In this guide, you will get all the answers of your questions. Let’s start with the basics.

What Is TESOL?

TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. This involves instructing individuals from different language backgrounds in English, both within English-speaking nations and abroad.

The demand for English language teachers is soaring, with a projected 2 billion English speakers and learners worldwide by 2020. This escalating number underscores the critical need for qualified TESOL professionals.

What is the difference between TEFL and TESOL?

TEFL and TESOL are often used interchangeably to describe teaching English to non-native speakers. While TESOL specifically covers teaching English to those living in English-speaking countries, this isn’t its sole focus. Importantly, employers view TEFL and TESOL qualifications equally.

The TESOL world loves acronyms, so here are a few more you may come across:

• TESL: Teaching English as a Second Language
• ESOL: English for Speakers of Other Languages
• ESL: English as a Second Language
• ELT: English Language Teaching
• EFL: English as a Foreign Language
• EAL: English as an Additional Language
• CELTA: Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
• ENL: English as a New Language

TESOL Certification Course

Online TESOL certification is the most popular choice for busy individuals. Our courses offer full tutor support and all necessary materials, allowing immediate course start. With a large global alumni base, The International TESOL Institute is a trusted and recognized provider of TESOL certification for international teaching positions.

Proper exam is conducted and certificates are provided to the successful candidates.

Accreditation:

Accreditation is crucial for quality assurance in TESOL certification. Unlike other fields, there’s no single accrediting body for TESOL. Many providers claim accreditation, so careful research is essential. Look for accreditation from established external organizations. Avoid providers accredited solely by bodies accrediting TEFL or other budget course providers. Reputable accreditors openly list accredited providers and their accreditation criteria. Most quality TESOL programs seek accreditation from well-established bodies that certify various course types.

TESOL Hours: How Many Do You Need?

Most employers, both domestic and international, require a 120-hour TESOL qualification. Opting for a course with at least this many hours is advisable. While more hours might seem beneficial, focusing on a 120-hour course with specialized training in your desired field is often more effective for enhancing your resume. Excessively long TESOL programs without specific relevance to your goals are unnecessary.

International Accreditation:

This very much ties in with accreditation. If a provider is suitably accredited then the qualification should be recognized internationally.

You also want to check out how long the course provider has been around for. New TESOL courses are popping up all the time (often for extremely low prices) and may not have much standing with employers abroad or online. Choosing a provider that is well-known in the industry will give you the best chance of finding work.

What can you do with a TESOL?

TESOL opens doors to global teaching careers. With a TESOL qualification, you can work flexibly with diverse learners. From young children to experienced adults, language schools to universities, online or in classrooms, the possibilities for TESOL teachers are vast.

Online VS. Classroom Certification:

Online vs. Classroom TESOL certification

Do you need to study in a classroom or can you complete your training completely online? Contrary to what some providers will claim, completing classroom training or a practicum isn’t necessary for the overwhelming majority of teaching jobs.

Classroom courses can be costly, with some requiring you to commit to a month of full-time, in-person study! Studying online – provided it’s with a reputable, suitably accredited provider – can be the most ideal way of getting started in TESOL. It’s cost-effective, allows you to fit studying in around existing commitments, and you can study where and when suits you.

How much does it cost to get TESOL certificate?

How much your TESOL course will depend on the provider and type of course.

Around $200 – $500 will bag you a good quality online 120-hour TESOL course. Courses priced lower than this should be approached with caution. The reason being that budget courses can often cost you a lot more than the incredibly low price advertised. Often there are hidden fees and if employers don’t recognize the qualification because of lack of accreditation then it’s a waste of both time and money.

Course priced above this typically involves classroom training, which hikes up the cost. These courses are usually in the $2,000 – $3,000 price bracket, so they’re quite a significant investment both in terms of time and money.

What are the TESOL certification requirements?

To enroll in a TESOL course, only English fluency is needed. However, employment as a TESOL teacher often has extra conditions. Different countries and employers have varying requirements. Visa rules are crucial for determining where you can work. Some places demand a degree and specific nationalities, limiting job options. Non-native English speakers can teach English, but proof of high-level proficiency is usually expected by employers.