TESOL certification: the basics
TESOL certification: what is it, why do you need it, and how do you get it? In this guide, we’re going to cover all you need to know about getting TESOL certified, so let’s dive in first with the essentials!
What is TESOL?
TESOL is an acronym that stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. It concerns teaching English to non-native English speakers both abroad and in English-speaking countries.
Every year the number of English language learners grows rapidly. The British Council has estimated that in 2020 the number of English speakers and learners globally will hit a staggering 2 billion. As this number increases so does the need for qualified TESOL teachers!
What is the difference between TEFL and TESOL?
TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) and TESOL are terms that are usually used interchangeably. The only slight difference is that TESOL encompasses teaching English language learners who are residing in English-speaking countries – but it is by no means only concerned with this. When it comes to applying for jobs it doesn’t matter if your qualification says TESOL or TEFL, employers will regard them the same.
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
Which TESOL certificate is the best?
There are a lot of different TESOL certification courses out there so it can get a bit confusing. Here’s what to look out for:
- Accreditation from external bodies
- Length of course
- International reputation
- Tutor support
Let’s take a closer look at each of these points.
Accreditation
Accreditation is quality assurance and it really is key when choosing a TESOL certification provider. There is no over-arching accrediting body for TESOL, so while many course providers can claim to be accredited it’s important to do a little digging yourself.
What you’re looking out for is accreditation from established external bodies. An easy way to spot less reputable accreditation is if the body only appears to accredit TEFL providers or other course providers that you can find advertised on budget sites like Groupon. You can check out our cheap TEFL certification program, which is fully accredited by ACCREDITATION.
When you look into an accrediting body you want to easily be able to find two things: 1) the list of providers they accredit, and 2) information about their criteria and processes. Most good providers of TESOL certification programs seek out accreditation from established bodies that will accredit a wide range of different course providers.
How many hours of TESOL do I need?
With most employers – both abroad and online – requiring teachers to have a 120-hour qualification it’s recommended to take a TESOL course with at least these hours.
The more hours the better, right? Not necessarily. If you want to boost your CV the best way of doing this is to complete a 120-hour TESOL course and add on specialist training in areas you’re aiming to go into. Doing a course that consists of hundreds of hours of TESOL training is unnecessary if it isn’t tailored to your aims.
International reputation
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.
Tutor support
A good TESOL course should come with full tutor support. And these tutors should be highly experienced English teachers.
It’s really important to be able to get feedback throughout your course from someone who knows their stuff. And if you’re studying online this couldn’t be more important; without this support and feedback you’ll have no guidance throughout the course and little idea of whether or not you’re on the right track.
What can you do with TESOL?
Qualified TESOL teachers can find teaching opportunities across the globe. And there’s a diverse range of jobs out there! You can work with children and adults, with beginners and advanced speakers, in language schools and universities, online and in classrooms – the possibilities go on.
Find out more about TESOL 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 sign up for a TESOL course the only requirement is fluency in English. It’s as simple as that.
When it comes to applying for jobs there can be additional requirements depending on the employer and country. Visa requirements are very important to research to establish where you’re able to secure work. Requirements can stipulate a degree (in any field) and particular nationality (typically US, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa), which can be a barrier for some teachers.
If you’re a non-native English speaker, you can still teach English but it’s important to have evidence of proficiency when applying for jobs. Most employers will require non-native English speakers to have at C2 level .
Where to teach English abroad with TESOL?
Wherever there are English language learners you can find opportunities to teach English! Check out the below table for information about some of the most popular TESOL destinations in the world, including requirements and how much you can expect to earn.
- Asia
- Europe
- The Americas
- Middle East and Africa
- Oceania