Getting a TEFL certificate is fairly easy if you already have a high level of proficiency in English. You need just four weeks to complete the Cambridge CELTA which is the world’s most respected TEFL certificate. The Trinity course also takes just four weeks to complete. There are several other TEFL certificates that can be completed in 4 or 6 weeks. Most of these courses can also be done part-time over a period of 12 or 18 months.
What about distance-learning TEFL courses?
Distance-learning TEFL courses are available, but many employers do not accept them mainly because a distance-learning program doesn’t equip teachers with real teaching experience. Practice teaching sessions with real students are part of any good TEFL course. This onsite training is essential to gain the skills necessary for teaching students.
Some distance learning programs have partnership with local ESL schools where they send you for training. However, these training programs often lack credibility. As far as possible, try to enroll in a regular TEFL course. If you can’t, try getting an online certificate. Having an online TEFL certificate is much better than having no certificate at all.
Which TEFL certificate is best?
The most widely recognized TEFL certificates are Cambridge CELTA, the Trinity CertTESOL and the SIT TESOL Certificate.
How do I find a TEFL course?
TEFL teaching training courses are available worldwide. Check out your local British Council office for more information. While choosing a course or a course provider make sure that the course is externally validated. Internally validated courses – that means courses validated by the course providers themselves – lack credibility. Externally validated courses are checked by an officially recognized body such as the UCLES (University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate).