TESOL Exam

TESOL, TEFL and TESL — what's the difference

In addition to TESOL, other abbreviations like TEFL and TESL are commonly mentioned in teacher requirements. They represent different types of certification for teaching English as a foreign language, each with their own characteristics:

• TEFL — Teaching English as a Foreign Language. This certification allows teaching English in countries where it is not the primary language of communication, such as China.
• TESL — Teaching English as a Second Language. This certification applies to teaching English in countries where it is the primary language, like the UK, Canada, and the USA. It involves instructing immigrants or tourists.
• TESOL — This certification combines teaching techniques for both EFL (English as a Foreign Language) and ESL (English as a Second Language). TESOL enables teaching opportunities worldwide.

Although TESOL and TEFL are often used interchangeably, there are distinctions. It is advisable to choose certification based on the desired country of employment and employer requirements. For instance, TEFL / TESOL certificates are in demand in Asian countries like China and Thailand. It is crucial not to confuse TESOL certification with master's programs in teaching English to foreigners, such as a Master of Arts in TESOL.

Who requires a TESOL certificate

Employers abroad usually require a TESOL certificate. Job postings may state "TESOL / TEFL certification or equivalent required". Additionally, a certificate may be necessary for obtaining a work visa in certain Asian countries.

In some cases, certificate legalization at the embassy of the country where the course was taken is mandatory. The embassy must be located in the country of employment. For example, if a candidate is planning to work in Thailand and needs to legalize a British TESOL certificate, they should contact the British Embassy in Bangkok.

How to choose a TESOL course

TESOL courses face a significant challenge: the absence of a governing body that establishes consistent standards and oversees all English teaching methodology programs for foreigners. As a result, these courses are proliferating rapidly, and the quality of some, as well as the value of the certificates they provide, are questionable.

Compounding the issue is the demand for subpar certificates, as certain foreign employers, particularly in Asian countries, accept them merely as formalities. This has led to the rise of "courses" that can be purchased cheaply through coupon websites and completed within a few days.

Some even offer paid services where someone else takes the TESOL / TEFL courses on behalf of the individual, providing pre-made "certificates." Clearly, such certificates hold no value in either case.

So, what should someone do if they seek a reputable course that offers real learning opportunities and enhances professional prospects? There are two options:

• Personally assess the quality of the chosen course based on several criteria — despite the chaos in the TESOL certification landscape, good courses do exist
• Enroll in courses recognized by employers worldwide, such as CELTA and Trinity TESOL

TESOL / TEFL courses

When opting for TESOL / TEFL courses, the ideal choice is to immerse oneself in an English-speaking country to fully experience the language environment. Moreover, courses in these countries are somewhat regulated by the government.

Alternatively, courses offered in your own country can be more affordable.

Lastly, online courses provide the most budget-friendly option, offering flexibility in class scheduling and the ability to take a foreign course from the comfort of home.

However, online courses have a noticeable drawback: the quality of online interaction with participants and teachers cannot match that of in-person classroom presence and hands-on teaching practice under the guidance of professionals.

Finding a quality TESOL / TEFL course at home, abroad, and online

• Avoid relying on claims of "accreditation". Claims of accreditation by course organizers may involve private accrediting companies that may not ensure course quality, but rather collect membership fees. The names of such accreditations may hold little weight for employers. However, reputable accreditations from major institutions like Ofqual, ODLQC, ACTDEC, TESL Canada, and others can be trusted. Another positive indication is if the course is affiliated with a university, indicating adherence to educational standards, such as national ones.
• Ensure the course offers a minimum of 120 hours. While there are introductory courses with fewer class hours, the certificates obtained from such courses may not be suitable for employment. Be cautious of courses that promise completion within just a few days.
• Consider the cost of the course. A course priced at 19 USD may seem tempting, but it is unlikely to provide a quality TESOL certificate. In reality, a good online course typically costs a few hundred dollars at least.
• The course should have reviews. Read reviews of the course and contact previous participants if possible to gather more information.
• Teachers must be well-qualified. A strong qualification could be a master's degree in TESOL or a DELTA certificate.
• Verify if the course includes a practical component. Practical experience is crucial, as it allows students to apply their skills and receive feedback. Even in online courses, practical components can be implemented through video recordings of practice sessions. The more substantial the practical part — ideally, at least 6 hours — the better. Be cautious of courses that solely rely on video watching and tests.
• Choose an educational organization that is open to dialogue. This includes high-quality communication with clients and transparency regarding the course program and other important training details.

Numerous online TESOL courses are available, which can be found on dedicated search engines like GoOverseas or TEFL CourseReview.