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Top 11 English Tutor Certifications

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Updated 16 min read

Certifications are important for an English tutor in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and experience. Having certifications shows potential employers that you have a solid foundation of knowledge in the subject matter and that you are capable of providing quality instruction. Certifications can also give tutors an edge in the job market, as they help to differentiate them from other applicants who may not have the same qualifications. Furthermore, certifications can be used to provide credibility and trustworthiness to tutors, which is essential in building relationships with students and their parents.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for English Tutors, and explains how they can help enhance an english tutor's career.

What are English Tutor Certifications?

English tutor certification is a program designed to give English tutors the skills and knowledge necessary to help students improve their language skills. This certification typically includes courses in English grammar, writing, reading, pronunciation, and other areas related to teaching English. The program also covers topics such as classroom management, student assessment, lesson planning, and curriculum development.

By obtaining English tutor certification, tutors will be equipped with the skills needed to provide effective instruction to students of all ages. With this certification, tutors can help their students become more proficient in their use of the English language in everyday life by providing them with resources and strategies for learning. Tutors can also assist their students in understanding difficult concepts and preparing for tests or exams. Additionally, having an English tutor certification allows tutors to demonstrate their commitment to the profession and build credibility within the field.

Pro tip: When considering an English tutor certification program, make sure the program is accredited and recognized by a reputable educational institution. This will ensure that your tutor has received the highest quality of training and can provide the best educational experience for their students.

Related: What does an English Tutor do?

Top 11 English Tutor Certifications

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

1. TESOL Certification

TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. It is a certification that allows individuals to teach English as a second language (ESL) in countries around the world.

The requirements for TESOL certification vary from country to country, but typically involve completing a course or program related to teaching ESL. The duration of these courses can range from several weeks to several months, depending on the institution and program. Most courses include instruction in grammar, pronunciation, lesson planning, classroom management, and other topics related to teaching ESL.

In order to get certified, individuals must pass an exam administered by an approved certifying body or organization. In some cases, it may also be necessary to complete additional coursework or workshops before taking the exam.

The cost of TESOL certification varies depending on the provider and location. Generally speaking, it can range from $200-$2,000 USD for the entire process. This includes any applicable fees for the course itself as well as the cost of the exam.

2. CELTA Certification

CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) is an internationally recognised qualification for teaching English as a foreign language. It is awarded by Cambridge Assessment English, part of the University of Cambridge. CELTA is designed for people who have little or no experience of teaching English and provides them with the essential skills and knowledge required to teach English as a second or foreign language.

The CELTA course typically takes four weeks full-time (or up to 12 months part-time) to complete, and involves a combination of input sessions, practical teaching practice, written assignments, and observation of experienced teachers. The cost varies depending on where you take the course but generally ranges from £1,000 - £2,500.

To get your CELTA certification you need to apply directly to a Cambridge-approved centre offering the course. You will be required to provide evidence of your qualifications and experience in order to be accepted onto the course. Once you have successfully completed all components of the course you will receive your certificate from Cambridge Assessment English.

3. DELTA Certification

DELTA Certification is an international teaching qualification that is designed to recognize excellence in English Language Teaching (ELT). It is awarded by Cambridge English, part of the University of Cambridge.

The DELTA qualification takes around six months to complete and consists of three modules. The first module focuses on understanding language and methodology, the second module looks at classroom management and materials design, while the third module involves a practical teaching assignment.

In order to get DELTA certified, candidates must have an initial teaching qualification such as CELTA or TESOL, as well as two years of full-time ELT experience. Candidates must also pass a written exam and complete all three modules successfully in order to be awarded the certificate.

The cost of getting DELTA certified varies depending on the institution offering it. Generally speaking, it can range from $1,500 - $4,000 USD depending on the type of course you choose.

4. Trinity CertTESOL Certification

Trinity CertTESOL (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) is an internationally-recognized qualification for teaching English as a foreign language. It is designed to provide teachers with the skills and knowledge necessary to teach English effectively and confidently. The course covers a range of topics, including classroom management, lesson planning, language awareness and teaching methodology.

The Trinity CertTESOL course typically takes four weeks to complete. It is usually offered by accredited training centres in countries where English is not the first language. The course consists of 120 hours of theoretical and practical work which includes six hours of observed teaching practice.

In order to be eligible for the Trinity CertTESOL certification, applicants must have a minimum level of proficiency in English (CEFR B2 or equivalent). They must also be at least 18 years old and have completed secondary education.

The cost of the Trinity CertTESOL course varies depending on the provider and location. Generally speaking, it costs between £1,000 - £1,500 GBP ($1,300 - $2,000 USD). This cost includes tuition fees as well as materials such as textbooks and other resources.

5. TEFL Certificate

TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. It is a certification that allows individuals to teach English in countries where it is not the primary language. A TEFL certificate is usually obtained through an accredited program or institution and demonstrates that the holder has the knowledge and skills necessary to teach English as a foreign language.

The length of time it takes to get a TEFL certificate depends on the type of program chosen. Generally, most programs require between 120 and 200 hours of coursework, which can be completed in as little as four weeks if studying full-time. There are also online courses available that allow students to work at their own pace, but these typically take longer than traditional classroom-based courses.

To get a TEFL certificate, individuals must first find an accredited program or institution offering the certification. Once they have selected a program, they must complete all required coursework and pass any examinations or assessments included in the course. Some programs may also require candidates to submit letters of recommendation from previous employers or teachers before they can receive their certificate.

The cost of obtaining a TEFL certificate varies depending on the type of program chosen and its location. Generally speaking, most programs range from $1,000-$2,500 USD for tuition fees alone, with additional costs for books and materials.

6. EFL Teacher Training Course

EFL Teacher Training Course is a course designed to help teachers become more effective in teaching English as a foreign language. It is an intensive program that covers topics such as lesson planning, classroom management, and teaching techniques. The course usually takes between 6-12 weeks to complete and can be taken either online or in person.

In order to get the EFL Teacher Training Course, you must first have a bachelor’s degree in Education or a related field. After completing the prerequisite courses, you can then apply for the training course through an accredited institution. Once accepted into the program, you will need to attend classes and complete various assignments and tests in order to obtain your certification.

The cost of the EFL Teacher Training Course varies depending on where you take it and how long it takes to complete it. Generally speaking, most courses range from $500-$1000 USD depending on the institution and length of time needed for completion.

7. IELTS Teaching Certificate

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Teaching Certificate is a qualification awarded to individuals who have successfully completed an approved IELTS teaching course. It is designed for those who wish to teach the IELTS exam and demonstrate their knowledge of the language and assessment criteria.

The length of time it takes to get the certificate will depend on the provider you choose, as well as how much time you are able to dedicate to studying. Generally, courses range from six weeks to three months in length.

To get an IELTS Teaching Certificate, you must first complete an approved IELTS teaching course. These courses are usually offered online or through universities and colleges. You will need to pass all assessments and exams associated with the course in order to receive your certificate.

The cost of an IELTS Teaching Certificate will vary depending on the provider and type of course you choose. On average, these courses can cost anywhere from $500-$1,500 USD.

8. English Language Teaching (ELT) Certificate

English Language Teaching (ELT) Certificate is a professional qualification designed to help individuals become qualified teachers of English as a Foreign Language. It is usually offered by universities, language schools, and other educational institutions. The certificate typically requires the completion of a minimum number of hours in an approved ELT program and successful completion of an exam.

The length of time it takes to get the ELT certificate varies depending on the institution offering the program and the individual’s level of commitment. Generally, it takes around 6-12 months for someone to complete the program and obtain their certificate.

To get an ELT certificate, individuals must first find an accredited institution that offers this type of program. Once they have found a suitable course, they must then apply for admission and meet all requirements set by the institution. After being accepted into the program, students must then complete all coursework and exams required for their certification.

The cost of obtaining an ELT certificate varies depending on the institution offering the program and can range from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Additionally, some institutions may require additional fees such as application fees or examination fees.

9. English as a Second Language (ESL) Certificate

English as a Second Language (ESL) Certificate is a certification that recognizes the completion of an English language program designed for non-native English speakers. The certificate is intended to demonstrate proficiency in the English language and can be used to gain employment, pursue higher education, or simply improve communication skills.

The length of time it takes to obtain an ESL Certificate varies depending on the individual's level of proficiency and the type of course taken. Generally, students can expect to take between 6 months and 2 years to complete their coursework.

To get an ESL Certificate, individuals must enroll in an accredited program and complete all required courses. These courses may include reading, writing, speaking, listening, grammar and vocabulary instruction. Additionally, some programs may require students to pass a final exam or portfolio review in order to receive their certificate.

The cost of obtaining an ESL Certificate depends on the type of program chosen and the institution offering it. Generally speaking, tuition fees range from $500-$5,000 USD depending on the length of the course and other factors such as location and materials needed.

10. Cambridge Assessment English Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA)

The Cambridge Assessment English Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA) is an internationally recognized qualification for teaching English as a foreign language. It is designed for people with little or no previous teaching experience, and provides the skills and knowledge needed to teach English effectively. The CELTA course is offered by Cambridge Assessment English, part of the University of Cambridge.

The CELTA course usually takes four weeks full-time or up to six months part-time. During this time, you will learn about language teaching methodology, classroom management techniques and lesson planning. You will also gain hands-on experience through teaching practice sessions with real students.

To get the CELTA qualification, you must attend a course at an accredited centre. These courses are offered all over the world, so you should be able to find one near you. You will also need to pass a written assignment and a practical teaching assessment in order to receive the qualification.

The cost of the CELTA course varies depending on where it is taken and how long it lasts. Generally speaking, full-time courses tend to be more expensive than part-time courses. However, prices can range from around £800 - £1,500 for full-time courses and £600 - £1,000 for part-time courses.

11. Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) Teacher Training Program

Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) Teacher Training Program is a professional development program designed to help teachers learn how to effectively use the PTE Academic assessment in their classrooms. The program includes an online course and a series of webinars that cover topics such as test structure, scoring, and best practices for teaching with the PTE Academic.

The PTE Academic Teacher Training Program takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete. Participants will receive a certificate upon completion of the program.

To get started with the program, teachers must first register with Pearson Education and create an account. Once registered, they can access the online course and participate in the webinars.

The cost of the program varies depending on where you are located. In some countries, there is no cost associated with taking part in the program; however, in other countries there may be an associated fee.

Do You Really Need a English Tutor Certificate?

In today's competitive job market, having a certificate is often seen as an essential part of any job application. English tutors are no different. While some employers may not require an English tutor certificate, having one can help set you apart from other applicants and demonstrate your commitment to the profession.

An English tutor certificate shows that you have taken the initiative to learn more about teaching and how to best help students succeed in their language studies. It also demonstrates that you understand the complexities of teaching language, such as grammar, syntax, and pronunciation. Having a certificate can also make it easier for potential employers to assess your qualifications, since they will know what topics you have studied and how well you were able to master them.

Additionally, having an English tutor certificate can be beneficial if you are looking to specialize in a certain area of teaching or if you want to teach at higher levels such as university or college. In these cases, having a certificate may be required by the institution before they hire you.

Overall, while having an English tutor certificate is not always necessary when applying for a job in this field, it is certainly something that could give you an edge over other candidates and show employers that you are serious about teaching.

Related: English Tutor Resume Examples

FAQs About English Tutor Certifications

Q1. What is an English tutor certification?

A1. An English tutor certification is a credential that demonstrates a person's knowledge and ability to teach English as a second language. It can be obtained by completing a course or program in teaching English as a second language (ESL) or by passing an exam administered by an ESL-accrediting body.

Q2. How do I become certified as an English tutor?

A2. To become certified as an English tutor, you must complete a course or program in teaching ESL, pass the relevant exams, and meet any other requirements set forth by the accrediting body.

Q3. How long does it take to get certified as an English tutor?

A3. The length of time required to obtain certification varies depending on the specific program or course you choose and how much time you are able to dedicate to your studies each week. Generally, it takes at least three months for most people to complete the necessary courses and exams for certification.

Q4. Are there any prerequisites for becoming certified as an English tutor?

A4: Yes, many programs require applicants to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent before they can enroll in their courses or programs. Additionally, some programs may also require applicants to have some prior experience teaching ESL before they can be accepted into their program.

Q5: Is there an age limit for becoming certified as an English tutor?

A5: No, there is no age limit for obtaining certification; however, some programs may prefer applicants who are 18 years of age or older due to their increased maturity and experience level with teaching ESL students.

Editorial staff

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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