Top 11 Online English Teacher Certifications

Certifications are an important part of an online English teacher's job market because they demonstrate expertise and knowledge in the field. They provide potential employers with evidence that the teacher is qualified to teach English online. Certifications also help to establish credibility and trust with potential students, as they show that the teacher has been trained in teaching English as a second language and has the necessary skills and qualifications to do so. Additionally, certifications can help teachers stand out from the competition by showing that they have taken the initiative to gain extra qualifications in their field.

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

What are Online English Teacher Certifications?

Online English teacher certification is a professional qualification that demonstrates your knowledge and skills in teaching English as a foreign language. It is designed to give you the credentials and confidence to teach English online with an approved provider. In order to obtain certification, you must complete an accredited course or program which typically includes a combination of theoretical study, practical experience, and assessment.

Online English teacher certification can help you stand out from other teachers when applying for jobs. It shows employers that you have the necessary qualifications and expertise to teach online. Having a recognized certification also indicates that you have taken the time and effort to develop your skills in this area, which can be beneficial when seeking higher paying jobs or promotions. Furthermore, having the certificate may open up more opportunities for teaching abroad or working with international students.

In addition, obtaining a certified online English teaching qualification will provide access to support networks and resources such as webinars, conferences and seminars that can help keep your skills up-to-date and make sure you stay ahead of trends in the industry. It can also provide access to additional learning materials such as videos, podcasts, articles etc., helping you build on your current knowledge base and stay informed about developments in the field of online education. Finally, having an online English teacher certification can give you more recognition within the industry by showing potential employers that you are committed to developing your career as an online educator.

Pro Tip: When researching online English teacher certification programs, look for ones that offer practical training and assessments to ensure you are adequately prepared for teaching in an online setting. Additionally, make sure the program is recognized by a reputable organization, such as TESOL or CELTA.

Related: What does an Online English Teacher do?

Top 11 Online English Teacher Certifications

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

1. TEFL Certification from the International TEFL Academy

TEFL Certification from the International TEFL Academy is a certification program that provides training and guidance for individuals who wish to become certified English language teachers. The program is designed to provide participants with the knowledge, skills, and confidence necessary to teach English as a foreign language in any country around the world.

The International TEFL Academy offers a variety of courses and certifications, ranging from short-term online courses to full-time onsite programs. The most popular option is the 160-hour Online TEFL Course, which can be completed in as little as six weeks. This course covers topics such as teaching methodology, lesson planning, grammar and pronunciation, classroom management, and more. Upon completion of this course, participants will receive an internationally recognized certificate of completion.

In order to obtain TEFL Certification from the International TEFL Academy, prospective students must first complete an application process which includes submitting transcripts or proof of education and passing an online assessment test. Once accepted into the program, students are required to pay tuition fees which vary depending on the type of course chosen. For example, the cost for the 160-hour Online TEFL Course is $1,295 USD.

Once enrolled in a course at International TEFL Academy, students have access to 24/7 support from experienced instructors via email or live chat. This support continues even after graduation when participants are looking for job opportunities abroad or need help with visa applications.

2. TESOL Certificate from Oxford Seminars

The TESOL Certificate from Oxford Seminars is a comprehensive program designed to prepare individuals for teaching English as a second language. It is an internationally-recognized qualification that can be used to teach English in over 100 countries around the world.

The program consists of 120 hours of instruction and includes both online and in-person components. The course covers topics such as language acquisition, lesson planning, classroom management, assessment, and more. The course also includes practical teaching experience with real students.

To get the TESOL Certificate from Oxford Seminars, you must complete all of the course requirements within 6 months of enrolling. You will also need to pass a final exam at the end of the program in order to receive your certificate.

The cost of the TESOL Certificate from Oxford Seminars varies depending on where you are located and whether or not you choose to take the online or in-person version of the course. In general, however, it costs between $750-$950 USD for the entire program.

3. CELTA Certificate from Cambridge English

The Cambridge English Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA) 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 typically takes four weeks full-time or up to six months part-time and consists of both practical teaching experience and theoretical input. The course covers topics such as lesson planning, classroom management, language analysis and assessment.

In order to get the CELTA certificate, you must successfully complete a CELTA course at an accredited training centre. You will need to have a good command of the English language, as well as some prior knowledge of teaching methodology and linguistics.

The cost of the CELTA course varies depending on where you take it and how long it takes you to complete it. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from around £800 - £1,500 for a four week full-time course or £1,000 - £2,000 for a part-time course lasting up to six months.

4. DELTA Diploma from Cambridge English

The DELTA Diploma from Cambridge English is an internationally-recognized qualification for experienced teachers of English. It is designed to give teachers the skills and knowledge they need to develop their teaching practice and progress in their careers.

The course takes around 6 months to complete, depending on the individual's availability. It consists of three modules: Module One (Understanding Language, Methodology & Resources for Teaching), Module Two (Developing Professional Practice) and Module Three (Extending Practice & ELT Specialism).

To get the DELTA Diploma, you must first complete a Cambridge English approved Delta course. You can find a list of approved courses on the Cambridge English website. Once you have completed your Delta course, you must then pass all three modules of the exam with a minimum grade of Pass.

The cost of the DELTA Diploma varies depending on where you take it and which provider you choose. Generally speaking, it costs around £1,500 - £2,000 for the full course and exam fees combined.

5. Trinity CertTESOL Certificate from Trinity College London

The Trinity CertTESOL Certificate from Trinity College London is an internationally recognised teaching qualification for those wishing to teach English as a foreign language. It is the most widely accepted and recognised qualification for teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) in the world.

The course takes four weeks full-time or six months part-time to complete, and includes both practical teaching experience and theoretical study. During the course, you will learn about lesson planning, classroom management, grammar, pronunciation and more. You will also be required to complete six hours of observed teaching practice with real students.

To get the Trinity CertTESOL Certificate, you must first attend an approved training centre that offers the course. The cost of the course varies depending on which centre you choose to attend, but typically ranges from £1000 - £1500.

Once you have completed the course successfully, you will receive your certificate from Trinity College London which is valid for life.

6. Online Teaching Certification from the i-to-i TEFL Course

The i-to-i TEFL Course is an online teaching certification program designed to help aspiring teachers gain the skills and knowledge needed to teach English as a foreign language. The course is divided into three parts: an online learning component, a practical teaching component, and an assessment component.

The online learning component consists of 10 modules that cover topics such as grammar, pronunciation, lesson planning, classroom management, and more. Learners can complete these modules at their own pace and have up to 12 months to finish them.

The practical teaching component requires learners to complete 40 hours of observed teaching practice with real students. This can be done either in person or through video conferencing software. Learners are also required to submit two written assignments which demonstrate their understanding of the material taught in the online learning component.

The assessment component consists of a multiple-choice exam that tests learners’ knowledge of the topics covered in the course. This exam must be taken within 12 months of completing the course and passing it is necessary for certification.

Once all components have been completed successfully, learners will receive their i-to-i TEFL Certificate which is valid for life. The cost of the i-to-i TEFL Course varies depending on which package you choose but typically ranges from $199 - $499 USD.

7. SIT TESOL Certificate from School for International Training (SIT)

The SIT TESOL Certificate from School for International Training (SIT) is a comprehensive, internationally recognized qualification in teaching English to speakers of other languages. It is designed for those who want to teach English abroad or in their home country. The program is offered both online and on-site and can be completed in as little as 10 weeks.

To get the SIT TESOL Certificate, you must first complete a minimum of 120 hours of coursework. This includes 60 hours of online instruction and 60 hours of field experience. During the online instruction, you will learn about language acquisition, lesson planning, classroom management, assessment techniques and more. During the field experience portion of the program, you will have the opportunity to observe experienced teachers in action and practice teaching your own lessons with real students.

The cost of the SIT TESOL Certificate varies depending on whether you take it online or on-site. Online courses typically range from $1,500-$2,000 USD while on-site courses range from $3,500-$4,500 USD. Additional fees may apply if you choose to take additional elective courses or pursue an advanced certificate such as the Advanced SIT TESOL Certificate or the SIT Professional Diploma in TESOL.

Overall, the SIT TESOL Certificate provides an excellent foundation for those interested in teaching English abroad or at home. With its comprehensive curriculum and international recognition, this certificate can open up a world of opportunities for those looking to make a difference in the lives of others through language education.

8. E-Tutor Certification from the e-tutoring Professional Association

E-Tutor Certification from the e-tutoring Professional Association is a certification program that recognizes excellence in online tutoring. It is designed to provide recognition and validation of the skills, knowledge, and abilities required to be an effective online tutor. The certification process consists of three parts:

1. A comprehensive written exam that tests knowledge of e-tutoring best practices, technology, and pedagogy. This exam must be taken within a year of applying for certification.

2. An online portfolio review that assesses the applicant’s experience with e-tutoring, their ability to create lesson plans and materials, and their understanding of the principles of effective online teaching.

3. An oral interview that evaluates the applicant’s knowledge of e-tutoring best practices, technology, pedagogy, and overall presentation skills.

The entire process typically takes six months to complete from start to finish. To get certified as an E-Tutor through the e-tutoring Professional Association, applicants must first fill out an application form on their website and pay an application fee of $50 USD. Once accepted into the program, applicants will receive access to study materials for the written exam as well as instructions on how to submit their portfolio for review and schedule an interview with a panel of experts from the association. Upon successful completion of all three steps in the certification process, applicants will receive their official E-Tutor Certification from the e-tutoring Professional Association.

9. Online Language Teaching Certification from The Open University

The Open University’s Online Language Teaching Certification is an online course designed to help language teachers develop their knowledge and skills in teaching English as a foreign language. The course is suitable for both experienced and new language teachers, and covers the fundamentals of teaching English as a foreign language, including lesson planning, classroom management, assessment, and curriculum development.

The certification program consists of three modules: Introduction to Language Teaching; Teaching English as a Foreign Language; and Professional Development in Language Teaching. Each module is completed over the course of 8-10 weeks, with each week consisting of approximately 10 hours of study. The modules are self-paced, so you can complete them at your own pace.

To get the certification, you must successfully complete all three modules and pass the final assessment. You will receive an Open University Certificate in Online Language Teaching upon successful completion of the program.

The cost for the certification program is £450 (approx $600 USD). Payment plans are available if needed.

10. Online Teaching and Learning Certificate from the University of California, Irvine

The Online Teaching and Learning Certificate from the University of California, Irvine is a comprehensive program designed to help educators develop their skills in online teaching and learning. The certificate is offered through UCI’s Division of Continuing Education and consists of three courses: Introduction to Online Teaching & Learning, Designing Effective Online Courses, and Assessing Student Learning in an Online Environment.

The program takes approximately six months to complete if you are taking one course at a time. However, you can take up to two courses at once if you choose. Each course requires approximately 15 hours of work per week for five weeks.

To get the certificate, you must complete all three courses with a grade of B or better. You will also need to submit a final project that demonstrates your mastery of the concepts covered in the program.

The cost for the entire program is $1,595 USD. This includes tuition for all three courses as well as access to online resources and materials.

11. Online ESL Teacher Certification Program from Global English Corporation

The Global English Corporation’s Online ESL Teacher Certification Program is a comprehensive training program designed to equip teachers with the skills and knowledge necessary to teach English as a Second Language (ESL) online. This certification program is offered in two formats: an accelerated, self-paced course and an interactive, instructor-led course.

The accelerated, self-paced course takes approximately six weeks to complete. It consists of 10 modules that cover topics such as teaching methodology, lesson planning, classroom management, and assessment techniques. The interactive, instructor-led course takes 12 weeks to complete and includes all the same modules as the accelerated version plus additional activities such as group discussions and live practice sessions with experienced instructors.

To get certified through Global English Corporation’s Online ESL Teacher Certification Program, you must first register for either the accelerated or interactive version of the program. You can do this by visiting their website or contacting them directly via phone or email. Once registered, you will be provided with access to all the materials needed for the course including video lectures, readings, quizzes and assignments.

The cost of Global English Corporation’s Online ESL Teacher Certification Program depends on which version you choose. The accelerated version costs $399 while the interactive version costs $599. Both versions include a certificate upon successful completion of the program.

Do You Really Need a Online English Teacher Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual situation. For someone with no prior teaching experience, an online English teacher certificate can be beneficial in several ways. It may provide you with a more comprehensive understanding of the subject matter, help you gain confidence as a teacher, and give you the opportunity to network with other professionals in the field.

On the other hand, if you already have years of teaching experience, an online English teacher certificate is not necessarily required. Your past experience and knowledge could be sufficient to get you started as an online English teacher. However, it is important to consider whether or not additional credentials may be required by certain employers or educational institutions before making a decision either way.

In conclusion, while an online English teacher certificate is not necessary for all individuals looking to teach English online, it can still be beneficial and worth considering depending on your particular needs and goals.

Related: Online English Teacher Resume Examples

FAQs About Online English Teacher Certifications

1. What types of online English teacher certifications are available?

Answer: There are many different types of online English teacher certifications available, including the TESOL Certificate, the CELTA Certificate, and the DELTA Diploma.

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

Answer: The length of time required to complete an online English teacher certification varies depending on the type of program you choose. Generally speaking, most programs require between 3-6 months to complete.

3. Do I need to be a native English speaker in order to become an online English teacher?

Answer: No, you do not need to be a native English speaker in order to become an online English teacher as long as you have a good command of the language and can demonstrate proficiency in teaching it.

4. How much does an online English teacher certification cost?

Answer: The cost of an online English teacher certification depends on the type of program and the provider you choose. Prices typically range from $500-$3000 USD.

5. Does an online English teacher certification guarantee me employment?

Answer: No, an online English teacher certification does not guarantee you employment; however, having a recognized qualification will make you more attractive to potential employers and help give your resume a competitive edge over other applicants who may not have such qualifications or experience.