English is one of the most commonly spoken languages worldwide and is often considered the lingua franca in business operations throughout many countries with a different native tongue. As such, many people around the world are motivated to learn English to expand their prospects and be better equipped to participate in an increasingly globalized world. On top of that, people immigrating to English-speaking countries often wish to learn English so that they can function easier in society. Whether teaching at home or abroad, there is a need for qualified English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers.  

There are numerous online ESL teaching certifications for those that want to become an ESL teacher, but the certification that’s right for you depends on what you want to do in your career. By understanding the different types of ESL certifications and what to expect from them, you can make an informed decision about which online program can help you achieve your teaching goals.  

What are ESL certifications?

ESL certifications are awarded students that have completed some course of study on how to teach English as a second language. There are several organizations that offer online ESL certifications, and some are more reputable than others, meaning it’s important to do your research before enrolling in any ESL certification course.  

The TEFL Organisation (also called The TEFL Org) is an internationally recognized organization that offers several online Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certifications. With over 185,000 teachers trained, they are one of the preeminent ESL certification providers worldwide. The TEFL Org is also known for facilitating TEFL teaching opportunities abroad.  

“ESL certification comes in many forms, but the industry standard comes from 120 hours of learning, sometimes accompanied by some practical experience either online or in-person,” The TEFL Org says. “An ESL teacher will learn myriad factors of the English language, including syntax, phrasing, grammar and punctuation.” 

The TEFL Org isn’t the only ESL certification provider, however. In addition to other independent online providers, many colleges and universities also offer online certificate programs for people who want to learn to teach ESL in a more traditional academic environment.  

“ESL certification comes in many forms, but the industry standard comes from 120 hours of learning, sometimes accompanied by some practical experience either online or in-person.”

-TEFL Org

Admissions requirements for ESL certifications

Since employers value certifications, earning a certification can help to increase your job security. It may help you to earn promotions and prepare for additional future education and career advancement.

What to expect from an online ESL certification

Getting certified online to teach ESL can vary a lot depending on whether you’re taking a course from an independent provider or an academic provider, like a college or university’s certificate or diploma program.  

Once enrolled and paid for, independent providers like The TEFL Org typically provide a login where you can access all the course materials at once. They are often split up into a sequential progression of topics and include video lessons, readings, activities, quizzes and more. They may also require that you complete certain written assignments—designing a classroom activity, for example—that must be submitted to be graded by one of the organization’s teachers. You can complete the materials at your own pace, though they may impose a time limit (six months, for example) or else you have to pay for an extension. 

Certificate or diploma programs through colleges and universities are a bit different. You’ll take a certain number of relevant college courses which are accessed through an online learning management system (LMS). They may be delivered synchronously (meaning you must log on and participate in a live online lecture at a set time) or asynchronously (meaning you can progress through the course materials at your own pace). In either case, you’ll have an instructor for each class and most classes award college credit. These programs typically take one or several more college terms to complete, or about three to twelve months.

What else do I need to teach ESL?

The overall requirements for teaching ESL really depend on what you intend to do for your career. 

“Generally speaking, an ESL teacher needs a quality ESL certification to teach English at any sort of decent level, either through a company or an educational institution,” The TEFL Org says. 

If you want to teach ESL in most schools as a traditional classroom teacher in the United States, then you most likely need to get the same teaching credentials required of other teachers nationwide. Although these requirements vary by state, you generally need a bachelor’s degree and must complete a teaching training program. You also usually need to complete some qualifying course of study in how to teach ESL as determined by your state.  

Something important to note: Certifications obtained through organizations like The TEFL Org may not be enough to teach ESL within the United States since these certifications are often geared towards teachers that want to teach abroad. Instead, states might require that you get your ESL certification from a college or university program that emphasizes teaching students wanting to learn English within an English-speaking country. However, it really depends on your state’s laws.  

But for those that do want to teach abroad, an ESL certification is usually all you need. Some may also prefer or require that you have a bachelor’s degree. 

Equipping learners (from children to adults) with English language skills can be highly beneficial in an increasingly global world that often relies on English as the linguistic bridge between cultures. This can also be an especially attractive option for teachers that want the chance to live abroad and immerse themselves in another culture. 

How much does online ESL certification cost?

Certifications offered by independent providers like the TEFL Org typically only cost a couple hundred dollars. 

“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,” The TEFL Org says.  

College-level certificate programs, on the other hand, often run you several thousands of dollars because they cost a lot more to put on. Consider the fact, for example, that college courses are conducted by a professor, whereas a go-at-your-own-pace online certification course doesn’t involve an instructor.  

Choosing the right ESL certification for you

As you begin looking for an online ESL certification program, consider some of these important factors to kick off your search: 

• Independent provider or academic provider: Ask yourself whether you’d prefer to get your ESL certification from an independent provider (such as The TEFL Org) or from an academic provider (a college or university). Courses from independent providers are often quicker and less expensive, but some people may prefer the more traditional structured learning format that colleges and universities can provide. Plus, if you want to teach ESL at home, be sure to check your state’s laws about which kind of certification is necessary.  
• Accreditation: Accreditation is a process in which academic programs or institutions are evaluated by a third party to ensure that they meet certain quality standards. Any online ESL certification you pursue should be accredited. Course providers in the United States should be accredited by the Distance Education Accreditation Commission (DEAC). If you want to pursue a certification from an academic institution, make sure that the school is accredited by any accrediting agency approved by the U.S. Department of Education.  
• Reputation: Do a little research into a course provider’s reputation before enrolling in their program. In addition to having the proper accreditation, a provider should be well-established and have a lot of positive reviews and testimonials from former students.  
• Course curriculum: Finally, look through the course curriculum to make sure it can give you the knowledge and skills you need to be a successful ESL teacher. “The ESL certification provider you use should be able to provide superior materials. From worksheets to lesson plans, videos to top tutor support, an ESL course provider worth its salt should provide constant access to support, experienced teaching staff and an online campus which helps students to engage in discourse,” The TEFL Org says.

Parting words

Online ESL certifications can be a fantastic way to jumpstart a career as an ESL teacher. These compact, flexible and cost-effective programs are offered by independent credentialling organizations and academic institutions alike, which both provide a unique online learning experience. When you complete an online ESL certification program, you walk away with a more robust understanding of the English language and the skills you need to teach English to speakers of other languages. Just be sure to check with your state’s department of education to find out exactly what kinds of credentials you need to be an ESL teacher if you intend to teach English language learners in the U.S., since they are more rigorous than if you want to teach abroad.  

Whether you’re a current teacher hoping to expand your skillset or someone who’s at the very beginning of their teaching career, start exploring online ESL certifications today to see the difference you could make helping language learners everywhere.  

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