What is TESOL certification?

TESOL certification is a vital credential for those looking to teach the English language, as it is a prerequisite for most teaching positions. Yet, with no standardized regulations overseeing TESOL certification, choosing the right course can become a daunting task. Any online search will unveil a myriad of options, each varying in study duration and cost, adding layers of complexity to the decision-making process.

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How many study hours should I look for when researching TESOL certification?

A practical way to differentiate TESOL certification courses is by the average number of study hours they offer, often highlighted in the course title. On the shorter end, you will find economical courses that can be wrapped up in as little as 20 hours. While these might seem attractive due to their quick turnaround, they often fall short for many mainstream TESOL opportunities. Such courses might be apt for volunteer roles, but for a well-paying job, aiming higher is advisable.

For most ESL teaching roles, a TESOL certification of at least 120 hours is the standard benchmark. At ITTT, we provide three core routes to achieve this foundational certification. Additionally, we present a variety of package deals and specific courses to further bolster your credentials beyond this primary threshold.

In-class TESOL certification

Embarking on an in-class TESOL certification entails a four-week intensive program in one of our designated training centers supervised by expert teacher trainers. Usually, trainees opt to stay in accommodation close to the center and engage in academic endeavors from Monday through Friday, reserving weekends for social activities and local explorations.

A standout feature of this course format is its emphasis on real-life teaching practice within an authentic ESL classroom environment. Such sessions allow trainees to transition from theory to practice. Under the mentorship of a dedicated course trainer, you will receive comprehensive support both during the lesson planning stages and through detailed feedback post-teaching.

Moreover, our in-class TESOL course locations often coincide with regions that have a high demand for qualified ESL teachers. For trainees considering employment in the same region post-certification, our dedicated team is available to provide assistance in spotting job opportunities and helping with CV/resume and interview preparation.

Apart from the rich educational experience, the social aspects of the in-class TESOL course are always popular. Sharing the learning journey with fellow trainees can lead to enduring bonds and knowledge exchange, creating a support system during the training period. In essence, the in-class TESOL course offers:

Direct, face-to-face instruction
Real-world teaching practice
Strong job placement potential
A collaborative and enjoyable learning environment

Online TESOL certification

Online TESOL courses offer a flexible and accessible route to certification, allowing individuals from all over the world to study at their own pace, provided they have a stable internet connection. This method of learning is particularly beneficial for those on a tight budget or those who cannot commit to a location-based course. Because of their reduced overheads, course providers can pass on the savings, making online courses an affordable option. Once certified, and with a minimum of 120 hours of training from a globally respected institution like ITTT, you will be well-equipped to apply for teaching roles in various countries.

Our premier online course, the 120-hour TESOL certification, mirrors the curriculum of our on-site courses. It is a highly respected qualification within the TESOL industry and is widely accepted by employers globally. While the online format doesn't naturally come with hands-on teaching practice, we offer all our online students the chance to undergo optional teaching practice sessions, without the need to be physically present at a training center.

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Combined TESOL certification

Our combination TESOL certification offers a blend of the best features from both online and in-class courses. The course is split into two sections: the online phase and the in-class phase. Initially, the online segment delves into the theoretical underpinnings of the English language and core teaching techniques. This online portion provides the flexibility to learn at your own speed, free from rigid timelines. Once this foundation is firmly in place, the focus shifts to the hands-on, in-class phase.

The in-person segment requires your presence at one of our designated training centers for a period ranging between eight and ten days, depending on the chosen venue. During this immersive experience, you will be involved in actual teaching scenarios and will also benefit from various classes led by our seasoned training professionals.

The in-class section of the combined TESOL course spans eight days at our centers in:

New York City, USA
Paris, France

Or ten days at our centers in:

Bangkok, Thailand
Barcelona, Spain
Phuket, Thailand
Rome, Italy

ITTT FAQs - How does the combined TEFL course work?

Other types of TESOL certification

The primary TESOL certifications we offer open doors to sought-after teaching opportunities in key regions such as:

Asia
Europe
Latin America

For those looking to further distinguish themselves in the competitive ESL job market, adding supplemental TESOL qualifications is a prudent move. A notable next step is the advanced-level Diploma in TESOL. This rigorous program can be undertaken after completing the foundational 120-hour course, offering a continuum of professional development. Armed with this diploma, you will possess a robust qualification that not only distinguishes you from others but also amplifies your chances of securing diverse and high-tier teaching positions.

ITTT FAQs - What is the Diploma in TESOL course?

TESOL course packages

Choosing a bundled course package is an economical way to broaden your TESOL qualifications. Each of our packages starts with the essential 120-hour online TESOL certification course. From there, you can progress through the additional courses in your selected package at your own speed and in any order.

If you are keen on tapping into the booming online English teaching market, our 170-hour TESOL course with an online teaching specialization is a top pick. This package provides a solid foundation in TESOL teaching and dives deep into the unique nuances of online instruction.

For those aiming to gain a wider competitive edge, our 220-hour Master Package and the ultimate 550-hour Expert Package are ideal. Beyond the foundational 120-hour TESOL course, the Master Package includes two specialized 50-hour courses: one focused on teaching English to young learners and another on business English instruction. The Expert Package offers all the aforementioned courses plus the comprehensive 250-hour Diploma in TESOL and an additional 50-hour course tailored for online English teaching.