Tesol Levels

Just when you thought that choosing the right TESOL course would be simple, you realize there are various different levels to choose from! In fact, TESOL certification comes in a variety of levels, including TESOL level 4, TESOL level 5, and TESOL level 6. Before selecting a TESOL course, it is critical to understand what each of these TESOL levels entails. This will assist you in evaluating what level is best for you to achieve your goal and what courses you need to get the teaching job you want. It is important to understand that TESOL certification levels are based on the UK credentials framework. This framework is categorized in levels 0 through 8. See the diagram below to see what kind of qualification each level relates to: The AS and A levels in the United Kingdom are equal...  [Read more]

There are five generally recognized levels of ESOL students worldwide and these are reflected in the curriculum materials available to students and teachers in the form of book series. The levels are often designated as follows: Note: Levels above these standard levels are typically called ‘advanced’ and are not generally taught in mainstream situations. It should be noted that some curricula cover these levels differently. An example would be the Touchstone series (from Cambridge) which uses a four level scale for their books. These four levels however cover the same content as a typical five level scale. Another popular series by the name “Cutting Edge’ has six levels, as there is also a book at advanced level as well as the five standard levels. For each of these levels we...  [Read more]

If you plan to Teach English as a Second Language (TESOL) in your home country, overseas, or online, you will find there are usually a few requirements laid down by employers that can vary from country to country or job to job. In some cases, teaching positions can be restricted to native English speakers only. However, the good news is that the demand for English teachers is very high in many areas, which means there are typically plenty of jobs available for all fluent English speakers. So what are the main requirements when it comes to non-native English speakers teaching ESL? Before you start looking at potential jobs around the world, the first thing you will need to do is complete a TESOL certification course. With a TESOL qualification in your back pocket you will be taken...  [Read more]

You may or may not be aware that TESOL courses are often assigned to a certain level that reflects their position in the global scheme of ESL teacher training. Thanks to this classification it is much easier for teachers to compare all the options available to them and hopefully pick the best one to suit their personal situation. However, it is also necessary to know that there is not one set of TESOL course levels to be aware of as many countries and teaching organizations use their own system when setting course levels. While this might seem a little confusing, the good news is that they are all generally designed using the same criteria and are usually very similar. The main areas that are used to decide the level of a course include the type of study involved, the number of study...  [Read more]

Yes, a level 5 TESOL should be more than enough to get your teaching adventure underway as courses at this level far exceed the minimum qualification standards expected by most international employers. However, navigating the different levels of TESOL certification can be a bit tricky, which is why we take a closer look at this area of ESL teaching in more detail below. The first thing to make clear when it comes to the different levels of TESOL is that there is not a single system that is used throughout the ESL teaching world. Individual countries, regions, teaching organizations, and TESOL course providers are all free to introduce their own system and many have. Despite there being multiple course level frameworks out there, most are based on the same factors: the type of...  [Read more]

In order to compare our range of TESOL courses with other qualifications we have developed our course-level framework which runs from level 3 to level 7. On this scale most employers will expect their job applicants to have completed a level 4 course as this includes at least 100 hours of course study. However, if you want to start your teaching journey further up the ladder, a level 5 course would put you in a level of certification that is above the average for TESOL qualified teachers worldwide. Unfortunately, there is no one single framework that represents the different levels of qualifications available within the world of ESL teaching. At ITTT we have developed our course-level framework using the same basic criteria as most other countries or organizations, i.e, what type of...  [Read more]

When it comes to picking the right TESOL course to suit your own situation and future plans, it helps to have a clear understanding of the different levels of qualifications that are available. A quick Google search will reveal that a level 3 course can be purchased at a very cheap price and it can be completed in a relatively short space of time. However, this level of study may not be good enough to satisfy the expectations of many employers. At the other end of the scale you will come across a Master’s in TESOL which would clearly be a great qualification to have. On the downside, this level of study can take several years to complete and will require a high level of effort and financial input. Clearly a middle ground is the best place to start for many potential teachers who...  [Read more]

The simple answer to this question is: Yes, a level 4 TESOL certificate is generally considered the minimum standard required to be eligible for the majority of good quality ESL teaching jobs worldwide. However, as it can be difficult to understand the different levels involved, we will first address how the levels are determined, the differences between each level and who each level is aimed at. Firstly, it is important to understand that there is not just one overall framework that is used to represent the different levels of TESOL certification. Some countries such as the USA, the UK, and Australia have their own system, as do other regions and organizations. However, whatever the framework, most are based on similar factors including the type of certification, the number of study...  [Read more]

There are many different systems for ranking educational qualifications by their level of difficulty and many are unique to individual countries. If we look at the system used in the UK, for example, you will see that there are nine levels of courses. While this system is specific to the UK, it is fairly representative of many other systems in use around the world. The UK system for ranking qualifications by their level of difficulty (including examples of real UK courses at each level): As different National Qualification Frameworks (NQF) can vary in design, you might find ITTT’s most popular, entry-level 120-hour TESOL certification course rated as level 2 or level 3. If you were to start at this logical level of qualification, you could then work your way up through the levels...  [Read more]

The Diploma in TESOL course is the highest ranked individual course currently offered by ITTT. This advanced-level course is rated as a level 6 on our course framework, which is a level that opens up a wider range of potential job options, many of which may include a higher level of pay and greater responsibility than most entry-level positions. However, if you choose to take the diploma course as part of our 550-hour Expert Package, your overall level of certification will be raised to level 7, the highest rating we have to offer. The Diploma in TESOL is an advanced course that has been specifically designed to follow on from the subjects covered in our standard 120-hour TESOL certification course. The good news is that the diploma course also includes this initial training course,...  [Read more]

It can be difficult to sort through the various TESOL certification possibilities. Fortunately, we are here to explain the various levels of TESOL courses available on the market. The general characteristics of the frameworks are frequently tied to a variety of elements, including the total amount of hours spent studying, the certification type, if the program contains a practical component, and the method of study (full-time or part-time). A level 5 TESOL course is at the top of the framework, making it one of the most advanced TESOL credentials available. A CELTA or Foundation Degree is equivalent to a level 5 TESOL degree. High-paying TESOL jobs will be simpler to come by, whether online or abroad, with this type of TESOL certification. A level 5 qualification will also allow you...  [Read more]

We understand that sorting through the various TESOL certification options available today can be difficult, but don't worry, we are here to explain the various levels of TESOL courses to you. The general characteristics of the framework are frequently linked to a variety of factors, such as the total number of hours spent studying, the type of certification, whether the program includes a practical component, and the type of study (full-time or part-time). A level 4 TESOL course meets the requirement of at least 100 hours of coursework, which is highly valued by most employers in the EFL field worldwide. A level 4 TESOL certificate is equivalent to a first-year university course. This level is ideal for finding long-term TESOL positions, whether online or in classrooms around the...  [Read more]

We understand how difficult it can be to sort through the various TESOL certification courses on the market. That is why we are here to explain the various TESOL course levels. The general characteristics of the frameworks are frequently linked to a variety of elements, such as the total number of study hours, the type of certification, whether or not the program includes a practical component, and the study technique used (full-time or part-time study). A level 6 TESOL course is near the pinnacle of the framework, making it one of the most advanced TESOL credentials available. An undergraduate or bachelor's degree is equivalent to a level 6 TESOL qualification. Better-paying teaching jobs, whether online or abroad, are easier to find with this level of TESOL certification. A level 6...  [Read more]

  ITTT's 370-hour online Diploma in TESOL course comes with ongoing tutor support. The course is research based and utilizes the internet and other resources to develop a deeper understanding of areas such as, the historical development of English language teaching, syllabus design, assessment procedures, and classroom management. The course will provide you with an in-depth understanding of teaching English, it will give you the skills to enhance your own pedagogy and it will be a valuable addition to your CV. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured...  [Read more]

When considering a career in teaching English as a foreign language, two common certifications that often come up are TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) and CELT-P (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults - Preparation). While both certifications are valuable and can open up opportunities in the field of English language teaching, there are some key differences between them that prospective teachers should be aware of. One of the main differences between TESOL and CELT-P certifications is the focus of the training. TESOL certification programs typically cover a broader range of topics related to teaching English as a foreign language, including language acquisition theory, lesson planning, classroom management, and assessment techniques. On the other hand,...  [Read more]

This is actually an easy question to answer. A level 4 TESOL is certainly a good qualification to have for anyone who wants to teach English as it is generally seen as the starting point for new teachers entering into the world of teaching online or overseas. With a TESOL level 4 certificate you will be able to confidently apply for a wide range of ESL jobs knowing you have a high enough qualification to satisfy the majority of schools, language centers, and online platforms. The different levels of TESOL are designed to rank the many courses available into an easy to understand pyramid of qualifications. Potential teachers, and those with previous experience can use the table to compare their options and to make an informed decision on which courses are best suited to them and their...  [Read more]

TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) and DIPTESOL (Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) are both certification programs that aim to equip educators with the necessary skills and knowledge to teach English as a foreign language. While both programs focus on language teaching methodologies, classroom management techniques, and language assessment strategies, there are key differences between the two. One of the main differences between TESOL and DIPTESOL programs is the level of certification they offer. TESOL certification is typically an entry-level qualification that provides educators with foundational knowledge and skills in teaching English as a foreign language. On the other hand, DIPTESOL is a more advanced certification program that is...  [Read more]

A TESOL certificate can be a valuable asset for teaching English to older adults for several reasons. Firstly, older adults may have different learning styles and needs compared to younger learners. A TESOL certificate equips you with the skills and knowledge to adapt your teaching methods to cater to the specific requirements of older learners. This includes being able to create engaging lesson plans that are relevant and interesting to older adults, as well as understanding how to provide additional support and encouragement when needed. Furthermore, a TESOL certificate can also help you to effectively assess the language proficiency of older adults and tailor your teaching to their individual strengths and weaknesses. This can be particularly important when working with older adults who...  [Read more]

When it comes to choosing the best TESOL certification for advanced learners, it is essential to consider several factors to ensure that the program meets the specific needs and goals of the learners. While there are many reputable institutions offering TESOL certifications, it is crucial to look for programs that are recognized internationally, provide advanced-level coursework, offer practical teaching experience, and have a strong reputation in the field of English language teaching. One of the top institutions offering TESOL certifications for advanced learners is the University of Cambridge, which provides the Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CELTA) and the Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (DELTA). These certifications are...  [Read more]

Around the world there are a large number of countries and individual cities where the market for TESOL qualified teachers is particularly strong. In these areas it is common to find that the best jobs are oversubscribed with applicants, seriously reducing your chances of getting the jobs you really want. One of the best ways to combat this competition for jobs is to complete a higher level of training than the majority of the other contenders. Firstly, it is important to point out that there is no universal course level framework that covers the whole of the ESL teaching community. Many countries such as the USA, the UK, and Australia have designed their own unique systems, as have many other teaching related organizations and TESOL course providers. However, all of these...  [Read more]