Top 11 English Teacher Certifications

Certifications are important for an English teacher in the job market because they provide evidence of a teacher's qualifications and professional development. Certifications demonstrate that teachers have obtained a certain level of knowledge and expertise in their field, as well as indicate that they are up-to-date on current educational trends and methods. This can help them stand out among other applicants and make them more attractive to potential employers. Additionally, certifications offer opportunities for career advancement, such as higher salaries or access to specialized teaching positions.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for English Teachers and explains how they can contribute to an English Teacher's career.

What are English Teacher Certifications?

English teacher certification is a credential that demonstrates a level of qualifications and knowledge in the field of teaching English. It is typically awarded by educational institutions or professional organizations after an individual has completed a certain number of courses and met other requirements, such as passing an exam. Having this certification can help demonstrate to employers that the individual has the necessary skills and knowledge to teach English effectively. This can be especially beneficial for those seeking employment in foreign countries, where English is not the native language. Additionally, having a certification in teaching English may lead to more job opportunities, higher pay, and more recognition among peers. Furthermore, having an English teacher certification can also provide individuals with a greater sense of accomplishment and pride in their work.

Pro Tip: When considering English teacher certification, be sure to research each state’s individual requirements and certifications as they may vary. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the program you choose offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers all aspects of English teaching.

Related: What does an English Teacher do?

Top 11 English Teacher Certifications

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

1. TESOL Certification

TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) Certification is a professional qualification that demonstrates an individual’s ability to teach English as a second language. It is usually required for those who wish to teach English abroad, and it can also be helpful for those looking to work in the United States.

The certification process typically takes between four and eight weeks, depending on the type of program chosen. The most common TESOL certification programs are offered by universities or colleges, which offer courses in linguistics, methodology, and teaching practice. These courses can be taken online or in person.

In order to become certified, individuals must pass a series of exams that test their knowledge of English grammar, pronunciation, and teaching methods. After completing the coursework and passing the exams, individuals will receive their TESOL certificate.

The cost of TESOL certification varies depending on the type of program chosen; however, most programs range from $500-$2,000 USD. Additionally, some employers may require additional training or certifications beyond what is required for TESOL certification.

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. The CELTA course is designed to provide new and experienced teachers with the skills and knowledge they need to teach English effectively.

The CELTA course typically takes four weeks to complete, although there are some intensive courses that can be completed in as little as two weeks. During the course, participants will learn about language analysis, lesson planning and classroom management, as well as how to use materials effectively and teach different levels of learners. Participants will also have the opportunity to observe experienced teachers in action and practice teaching real classes.

To get the CELTA certificate, applicants must attend a course at an approved center and pass an assessment at the end of the course. The assessment includes written assignments, observed teaching practice and a final exam. Applicants must also demonstrate their ability to use English effectively during their studies.

The cost of a CELTA course varies depending on where it is taken, but typically costs between £1000-£2000 GBP (approx $1300-$2600 USD).

3. DELTA Certification

DELTA (Diploma in English Language Teaching to Adults) is an advanced teaching qualification for English language teachers. It is awarded by Cambridge Assessment English, a department of the University of Cambridge. It is designed to help experienced teachers develop their skills and knowledge in order to become more effective and successful practitioners.

The DELTA course typically takes around six months to complete, although this can vary depending on the individual’s circumstances and commitments. The course consists of three modules: Module One covers language analysis, materials design and syllabus design; Module Two focuses on teaching methodology, classroom management and professional development; and Module Three explores assessment, research methods and reflective practice.

In order to gain the DELTA qualification, candidates must successfully complete all three modules as well as a final assignment. Candidates are assessed through written assignments, practical teaching tasks and observed lessons.

The cost of the DELTA course varies depending on where you study it. Generally speaking, it will cost between £2,000-£3,000 for the full course including tuition fees.

4. TEFL Certification

TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification is an internationally recognized qualification for teaching English to non-native speakers. It is the most widely accepted form of qualification for teaching English abroad and can be used in many countries around the world.

The length of time it takes to get TEFL certified depends on the type of course you take. Online courses typically take between 100 and 120 hours, while in-person courses can range from 4 weeks to 6 months.

To get TEFL certified, you will need to complete a course that meets international standards. This means that the course must include at least 6 hours of observed teaching practice with real students, as well as grammar and language components. Once you have completed the course, you will receive your certificate which will be valid for two years.

The cost of getting TEFL certified varies depending on where you take the course and how long it is. Generally speaking, online courses are cheaper than in-person courses, but both can range from $200-$3000 USD depending on the provider and length of the course.

5. Trinity CertTESOL Certificate

The Trinity CertTESOL Certificate is an internationally recognised teaching qualification for those who want to teach English as a foreign language. It is the most widely accepted qualification for teaching English as a foreign language in the world.

The Trinity CertTESOL Certificate takes approximately four months to complete, depending on the course provider and location. The course consists of 120 hours of input, which includes 6 hours of observed teaching practice. During this time, you will learn about language awareness, lesson planning and classroom management skills.

To get the Trinity CertTESOL Certificate, you must first meet certain entry requirements such as having a minimum of B2 level English proficiency and having completed at least two years of secondary education. You must also attend an accredited training centre and complete the required modules, including six hours of observed teaching practice.

The cost of the Trinity CertTESOL Certificate varies depending on the course provider and location but typically ranges from £1,000 to £1,500 (GBP).

6. MA in TESOL/Applied Linguistics

MA in TESOL/Applied Linguistics is a Master of Arts degree program that focuses on the study of language teaching and learning. It is designed to provide students with an advanced understanding of the principles, theories and practices related to language teaching and learning. The program typically takes two years to complete, although some universities offer accelerated programs that can be completed in as little as one year.

The MA in TESOL/Applied Linguistics program typically consists of core courses, electives, and a research project or thesis. Core courses typically include topics such as second-language acquisition, linguistics, language testing and assessment, curriculum design and development, classroom instruction, technology for language teaching and learning, sociolinguistics, discourse analysis, intercultural communication and more. Elective courses may cover specialized topics such as bilingualism or English for Specific Purposes (ESP).

To get an MA in TESOL/Applied Linguistics you will need to have a bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college. You will also need to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or other standardized test if required by the university you are applying to. Additionally, some universities may require applicants to submit letters of recommendation or a personal statement outlining their goals for pursuing the degree.

The cost of an MA in TESOL/Applied Linguistics varies depending on the university you attend and whether you choose to attend full-time or part-time. Generally speaking though tuition costs range from around $15000 - $30000 USD per year for full-time students at most universities around the world.

7. Cambridge CELTA Certificate

The Cambridge CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) is an internationally recognized qualification for teaching English as a foreign language. It is offered by the University of Cambridge and is designed for those who wish to teach English as a second language.

The CELTA course typically takes four weeks to complete, and it can be taken either full-time or part-time. During the course, participants will learn about teaching methodology, classroom management, and language awareness. They will also gain practical experience by teaching real students in the classroom.

To get the CELTA certificate, applicants must first meet certain academic requirements such as having a minimum of two years’ experience in teaching or related fields. Applicants must also pass a written assessment, an oral assessment, and a practical teaching assessment.

The cost of the CELTA course varies depending on where it is taken and how long it takes to complete. Generally speaking, courses range from $1,500 - $3,000 USD.

8. IELTS Teacher Training Program

The IELTS Teacher Training Program is designed to help teachers of English as a foreign language prepare their students for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam. The program consists of two parts: a one-day workshop and an online course.

The one-day workshop is designed to give teachers an overview of the IELTS exam, including its structure, content, and scoring system. During the workshop, teachers will learn how to assess students’ language proficiency levels and develop effective lesson plans for preparing their students for the exam.

The online course provides more in-depth information about the IELTS exam and covers topics such as test preparation strategies, tips for teaching IELTS skills, and sample questions from past exams. It also includes activities that allow teachers to practice what they have learned in the workshop.

It typically takes around 8 hours to complete both parts of the IELTS Teacher Training Program. To get started, teachers can register for the program on the official website of Cambridge Assessment English (the organization responsible for administering IELTS). The cost of registration is usually around $90 USD.

9. PTE Academic Teacher Certificate

The Pearson Test of English Academic Teacher Certificate (PTE Academic Teacher Certificate) is an online professional development program designed to help teachers become more knowledgeable and confident in teaching the PTE Academic exam. The certificate provides teachers with a comprehensive understanding of the exam, including its structure, content, and scoring system. It also offers guidance on how to best prepare students for the exam and how to create effective test-taking strategies.

The PTE Academic Teacher Certificate consists of two parts: an online course and a certification exam. The online course takes approximately 10 hours to complete and covers topics such as test structure, content, scoring system, preparation strategies, and practice questions. The certification exam is taken after completing the online course and tests the teacher’s knowledge of the PTE Academic exam.

To get the PTE Academic Teacher Certificate, you must first complete the online course. Once you have finished the course, you can register for the certification exam at Pearson's website. You will need to pay a fee of $150 USD in order to take the exam. After successfully passing the exam, you will receive your certificate via email within two weeks.

The PTE Academic Teacher Certificate is valid for three years from date of issue and can be used as proof of your expertise in teaching this particular English language proficiency test.

10. Oxford Teacher Training Program

The Oxford Teacher Training Program (OTTP) is an online program created by the University of Oxford to provide teachers with the skills and knowledge they need to become successful educators. The program is designed for both experienced and novice teachers, and covers a range of topics from classroom management to curriculum development. The program consists of three modules, each lasting four weeks.

The first module focuses on teaching strategies and techniques, such as lesson planning, assessment, feedback, classroom management and behaviour management. The second module covers educational theory and practice, such as curriculum design, learning styles and student engagement. The third module looks at professional development topics such as leadership, collaboration and communication.

To get the OTTP you must first complete an application form which can be found on the University of Oxford website. Once your application has been accepted you will be sent a link to access the course materials online. You will then have four weeks to complete each module before moving onto the next one.

The cost of the OTTP varies depending on whether you are a UK or international student; however it typically costs around £400-£500 for UK students and £700-£800 for international students.

11. Edexcel Level 5 Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (DipTESOL)

The Edexcel Level 5 Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (DipTESOL) is a professional qualification designed for experienced teachers who wish to gain an advanced qualification in teaching English as a foreign language. It is accredited by the British Council and recognised internationally.

The DipTESOL typically takes between 12-18 months to complete, depending on the individual's study pattern and commitment. The course consists of four modules: Principles and Practice of Teaching English as a Foreign Language; Curriculum Design and Materials Production; Language Analysis and Teaching Practice; and Research Project. Each module requires around 100 hours of study time, which can be completed through distance learning or part-time attendance at an approved centre.

In order to gain the DipTESOL, applicants must have at least two years’ experience of teaching English as a foreign language, either full-time or part-time, plus a recognised initial teaching qualification such as CELTA or equivalent.

The cost of the DipTESOL varies depending on the provider – some providers offer distance learning packages for around £1,000 while others may charge up to £2,500 for face-to-face tuition.

Do You Really Need a English Teacher Certificate?

Yes, I believe an English teacher certificate is necessary. A certificate provides evidence to employers that a teacher has the knowledge and skills needed to teach English effectively. Even if a teacher already has experience teaching English as a second language, having a certificate can show potential employers that they have the qualifications and credentials required to be successful in this field.

In addition to demonstrating competency, an English teacher certificate also shows commitment and dedication to the profession. Earning a certificate requires taking classes, studying for exams, and completing other requirements. This demonstrates the teacher’s willingness to go above and beyond in order to become an effective educator. It also shows that they take their job seriously and are willing to invest time and energy into learning more about teaching English.

Finally, having an English teacher certificate can improve employability in this field. With so many qualified educators competing for jobs, having a certification can give teachers an edge over other candidates who do not possess one. Employers know that certified teachers have met certain standards of education and are therefore more likely to be successful in their roles. Therefore, having a certificate can make it easier for teachers to find employment in the field of English language instruction.

Overall, I believe earning an English teacher certificate is essential for anyone looking to pursue a career in this field. It provides proof of competency while also showing commitment and dedication to the profession—all qualities employers look for when hiring educators. In addition, it can help teachers stand out from other applicants by demonstrating their qualifications and improving their chances of getting hired for English language instruction positions.

Related: English Teacher Resume Examples

FAQs About English Teacher Certifications

1. What types of English teacher certifications are available?

Answer: There are several different types of English teacher certifications, including TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) and TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language).

2. How long does it take to get an English teacher certification?

Answer: The length of time it takes to obtain an English teacher certification will depend on the type of certification you choose and the program you enroll in. Generally, programs range from 3 weeks to 1 year or longer.

3. What qualifications do I need for an English teacher certification?

Answer: Most programs require applicants to have a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as some experience teaching or working with language learners. Some programs also require applicants to pass an entrance exam or have a certain level of proficiency in the language they plan to teach.

4. How much does an English teacher certification cost?

Answer: Costs for English teacher certifications vary depending on the type of program and institution offering the certification. Prices typically range from $500-$3,000 USD, although some universities may offer discounts for students who qualify for financial aid or scholarships.

5. Where can I find accredited programs for an English teacher certification?

Answer: Accredited programs can be found through a variety of sources, including universities, community colleges and online schools that specialize in language-teaching certificates. Additionally, many organizations such as TESOL International Association offer lists of accredited programs around the world.