Top 10 English Instructor Certifications

Certifications are important for an English instructor in the job market because they demonstrate a certain level of competency and knowledge in their field. Certifications can also provide employers with assurance that the instructor has met certain standards and requirements, which can help them to make informed decisions when hiring. Additionally, certifications can give instructors a competitive edge when applying for jobs, as they show potential employers that they have taken the time to further their education and have acquired the necessary skills to be successful in the role.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for English Instructors and explains how these certifications can help to enhance an English Instructor's career.

What are English Instructor Certifications?

English instructor certification is a professional credential that shows an individual has been trained and certified to teach English as a second language or foreign language. It is typically awarded by organizations such as the International Association of Language Centers (IALC) or the International Association for Language Teaching (IATEFL). The certification provides proof that an individual has achieved a certain level of proficiency in teaching English, which can be beneficial when applying for jobs or promotions. Having this certification can also demonstrate to employers that the individual has gone through rigorous training and is committed to providing quality instruction. Additionally, having this credential may open up opportunities for networking with other professionals in the field, which could lead to additional job opportunities or even collaboration on projects.

Pro Tip: When considering English instructor certification, make sure to research the various types of certifications available and select one that best meets your needs. Additionally, it is important to consider the time and financial commitment associated with obtaining certification and whether or not it will be beneficial for your career goals.

Related: What does an English Instructor do?

Top 10 English Instructor Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to English Instructors today.

1. TEFL/TESOL Certification

TEFL/TESOL Certification stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language/Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. It is an internationally recognized qualification that allows individuals to teach English in countries where it is not the native language.

The length of time it takes to get TEFL/TESOL certification depends on the type of course you take. Generally, most courses range from 120-150 hours and can be completed in a few months or up to a year. However, some intensive courses are available that can be completed in as little as four weeks.

To get TEFL/TESOL certification, you must first decide which type of course you would like to take and then find an accredited program that offers it. You will need to complete the course requirements, which may include online lessons, classroom instruction, and teaching practice with real students. Once you have completed all the requirements and passed the final assessment, you will receive your certificate.

The cost of TEFL/TESOL certification varies depending on the type of course you take and where it is located. Generally speaking, online courses tend to be more affordable than in-person classes due to their convenience and flexibility. Prices usually range from $200-$2,000 USD depending on the length and quality of the program.

2. CELTA Certification

CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) is an internationally recognized qualification for teaching English as a foreign language. It is awarded by Cambridge Assessment English, part of the University of Cambridge, and is one of the most widely accepted qualifications for teaching English as a foreign language.

The CELTA course typically takes 4-5 weeks to complete and includes 120 hours of instruction, 6 hours of observed teaching practice with real students, and assessment tasks. The course covers topics such as understanding language systems, lesson planning, classroom management, and assessing student progress.

To get CELTA certification, you must complete an accredited CELTA course from an approved provider. The cost of the course varies depending on the provider and location but can range from $1,000 - $3,000 USD. You will also need to pass the assessments at the end of the course in order to receive your certificate.

In addition to completing a CELTA course, you may also need to meet other requirements such as having a certain level of English proficiency or having relevant experience in teaching or related fields.

3. DELTA Certification

DELTA (Diploma in English Language Teaching to Adults) is an internationally recognized qualification for experienced teachers of English as a foreign language. It is offered by Cambridge Assessment English, part of the University of Cambridge. The DELTA focuses on the development of teaching skills and knowledge, and provides an in-depth understanding of how to teach English effectively.

The course typically takes six months to complete and consists of three modules: Foundations, Specialism and Extension. The Foundations module covers topics such as classroom management, lesson planning and assessment. The Specialism module focuses on areas such as teaching methodology, materials development and testing. Finally, the Extension module looks at topics such as professional development and research methods.

In order to get DELTA certification, you must have a minimum of two years' experience teaching English as a foreign language. You will also need to pass a written exam for each module, as well as complete assignments related to your teaching practice.

The cost of the DELTA course varies depending on where you take it; however, it typically ranges from £1,500-£2,000 GBP (approx $2,000-$2,900 USD).

4. Cambridge English Teaching Qualification

The Cambridge English Teaching Qualification (CETQ) is a professional qualification designed to provide teachers with the knowledge and skills they need to teach English as a foreign language. It is an internationally recognized qualification, which is endorsed by Cambridge English Language Assessment.

The CETQ consists of two parts: a written assessment and a practical teaching demonstration. The written assessment covers topics such as language teaching methodology, classroom management, materials design and evaluation, and assessment. The practical teaching demonstration requires candidates to plan, prepare and deliver a 30-minute lesson for a group of learners in an unfamiliar context.

It typically takes up to 12 months to complete the CETQ. This includes time for studying the course material, completing assignments and preparing for the written assessment and practical teaching demonstration.

To get started on the CETQ, you must register with Cambridge English Language Assessment and pay the registration fee (currently £150). You will then be sent course materials, which include textbooks and online resources that you can use to study for the written assessment. Once you have completed your studies, you can book your written assessment and practical teaching demonstration at an approved centre.

The cost of taking the CETQ varies depending on where you take it. In general, it costs around £400-£500 in total (including registration fees).

5. IELTS Teacher Training Certification

IELTS Teacher Training Certification is a professional qualification that allows teachers to become certified to teach the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The certification is offered by the British Council and IDP Education, and it is recognized by universities, employers, and governments around the world.

The IELTS Teacher Training Certification program consists of two parts: an online course and an in-person assessment. The online course provides a comprehensive introduction to teaching IELTS, covering topics such as test format, assessment criteria, strategies for teaching different skills, and tips for helping students succeed. It takes approximately 40 hours to complete the online course.

The in-person assessment is conducted at an approved IELTS test center. During the assessment, candidates must demonstrate their ability to plan and deliver effective lessons based on sample materials provided by the British Council or IDP Education. Candidates also have to answer questions about IELTS topics during a one-on-one interview with an examiner.

To get certified as an IELTS teacher, you must successfully complete both parts of the certification program. The cost of the program varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $500-$1,000 USD.

6. English Language Teaching to Adults (ELTA) Certification

English Language Teaching to Adults (ELTA) Certification is a professional certification program designed for teachers who are interested in teaching English as a second language to adults. The certification focuses on the skills and knowledge required to effectively teach adult learners, including cultural awareness, curriculum development, and assessment techniques.

The ELTA certification requires completion of a minimum of 30 hours of training and coursework. This includes an online or in-person orientation, three core courses that cover topics such as classroom management, lesson planning, and instructional methods; two elective courses; and a practicum experience. The practicum is typically completed at an approved language school or organization.

To get the ELTA certification, you must submit an application form with supporting documents such as transcripts from previous education programs, letters of recommendation from employers or colleagues, and proof of English proficiency. Once your application has been reviewed and accepted by the ELTA board of directors, you will be invited to take the certification exam.

The cost of the ELTA certification varies depending on where you take the courses and exams. Generally speaking, it can range from $500 to $1,000 USD for the entire program.

7. International House Teacher Training Certificate (IHTTC)

The International House Teacher Training Certificate (IHTTC) is an internationally recognized qualification for English language teachers. It is designed to provide teachers with the skills and knowledge they need to teach English as a foreign language.

The IHTTC takes approximately four weeks to complete, depending on the individual's learning pace. The course consists of two parts: a theoretical component which covers topics such as classroom management, lesson planning and materials development; and a practical component which includes teaching practice with real students.

To get the IHTTC, applicants must first submit an application form and provide evidence of their qualifications in English language teaching. They must then attend an interview with an International House representative before being accepted onto the course. Once accepted, applicants will have to pay a fee for the course which varies from country to country but typically ranges from €1,000-€2,000.

Upon successful completion of the IHTTC, participants will receive a certificate that is valid for five years and can be used for professional development or job applications in any part of the world where English language teaching is required.

8. Pearson Test of English Academic (PTEA) Teacher Training Certificate

The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTEA) Teacher Training Certificate is a professional qualification designed to help teachers develop their knowledge and understanding of the PTEA exam. It is an online course which can be completed in 10-12 hours, with an additional assessment at the end.

The course covers topics such as: the structure of the PTEA exam, how to assess student performance, how to use the test results to inform teaching practice and strategies for helping students prepare for the exam. It also includes guidance on marking and feedback techniques.

To get the certificate, teachers must complete all modules of the course, pass the assessment and submit their certificate application form. The cost of this certificate is £200.

9. Cambridge ESOL Young Learners Exam Preparation Course Certificate

The Cambridge ESOL Young Learners Exam Preparation Course Certificate is an internationally recognized qualification that provides young learners with the skills and knowledge they need to prepare for the Cambridge ESOL Young Learners Exams. The course is designed to help students become familiar with the format of the exam and to develop their language skills in order to succeed in the exams.

The course typically takes around 8-10 weeks to complete, depending on the pace of learning of each individual student. It consists of 10 weekly lessons, which cover all aspects of English language learning including reading, writing, listening and speaking. Each lesson includes activities such as practice tests, grammar exercises and vocabulary building tasks.

In order to obtain the certificate, students must successfully complete all 10 lessons and pass a final assessment at the end of the course. The final assessment consists of a written paper and an oral interview conducted by a qualified examiner.

The cost of taking this course varies depending on where it is taken but typically ranges from £200 - £400 (GBP).

10. Advanced Professional Development in English Language Teaching (AP-DELT)

Advanced Professional Development in English Language Teaching (AP-DELT) is an internationally recognized professional development program designed to help teachers of English as a second language (ESL) develop the skills and knowledge necessary for effective teaching. The program is offered by the British Council, a leading international organization that provides educational and cultural opportunities to people around the world.

The AP-DELT program consists of three stages: Foundation, Intermediate, and Advanced. Each stage requires completion of a series of courses, activities, and assessments that are designed to give participants the skills and knowledge they need to teach English effectively. The Foundation level focuses on basic language teaching principles and methods; Intermediate covers more advanced topics such as lesson planning and assessment; while the Advanced level focuses on curriculum design, materials development, classroom management, and other topics related to teaching English as a foreign language.

The AP-DELT program takes approximately 12 months to complete if all courses are taken consecutively. However, it is possible to take courses at different times or even take some courses online if needed.

In order to get started with AP-DELT you must first register with the British Council. This can be done online or in person at one of their offices around the world. Once registered you will receive information about course availability, fees, and other important details regarding the program.

The cost of AP-DELT varies depending on which country you are taking it in but generally ranges from £1,000 - £2,500 ($1,300 - $3200 USD). This cost includes all course materials and assessments as well as access to online resources such as webinars and discussion forums. It is also possible to apply for financial assistance if needed.

Do You Really Need a English Instructor Certificate?

When it comes to becoming an English instructor, there is no single answer as to whether or not you need a certificate. It depends on the type of job you are looking for and the qualifications that your potential employers may require.

If you are looking to teach English in an academic setting, such as a college or university, then having an English instructor certificate may be beneficial. This type of certificate would demonstrate to potential employers that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to teach at the required level. It can also provide evidence of your ability to successfully plan and manage courses and evaluate student progress.

On the other hand, if you are looking to teach English in a more informal setting, such as tutoring students one-on-one or working with adult learners in a community center, then a certificate may not be necessary. In these types of roles, potential employers will likely be more interested in your experience and enthusiasm for teaching English than any formal qualifications. Having prior teaching experience can be helpful in this case, as well as demonstrating your ability to communicate effectively with students from diverse backgrounds.

In conclusion, whether or not you need an English instructor certificate depends on what kind of job you are seeking and what qualifications your potential employers require. An instructor certificate may be beneficial if you are seeking employment in an academic setting but not necessarily necessary if teaching in a more informal setting. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide whether or not obtaining an instructor certification is worth pursuing for your career goals.

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FAQs About English Instructor Certifications

1. What qualifications do I need to become an English instructor?

Answer: To become an English instructor, you typically need a bachelor's degree in Education or English, as well as a teaching certification from your state. In some cases, other degrees may be accepted and additional certifications may be required.

2. How long does it take to get certified?

Answer: The length of time it takes to get certified can vary depending on the specific certification and the requirements of your state. Generally, it takes around 6 months to complete the process.

3. Are there any online courses available for becoming an English instructor?

Answer: Yes, there are several online courses available for becoming an English instructor. These courses generally cover topics such as language teaching methods, curriculum development, and assessment strategies.

4. Is the certification valid internationally?

Answer: Depending on the program and organization that issued the certification, it may be valid in different countries or regions around the world. It’s important to check with the issuing organization for more information about international validity of their certifications.

5. Are there any continuing education requirements associated with being certified as an English instructor?

Answer: Yes, most certifications require ongoing professional development in order to keep them current and valid. This could include attending workshops or conferences related to language instruction, taking classes or completing online courses related to teaching methodology or pedagogy, and maintaining membership in professional organizations related to language instruction.