Certificate of Education (TESL)

Demonstrate your expertise in teaching English as a second language with the Certificate of Education (TESL)

The Certificate of Education (TESL) is a comprehensive qualification designed for educators who are passionate about teaching English to non-native speakers. This certification will validate your knowledge and skills in TESL, whether you're just starting your teaching career or looking to enhance your professional credentials.

This globally recognized qualification equips you with the essential tools to effectively teach English to learners from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. The Certificate of Education (TESL) focuses on practical teaching strategies, classroom management, language acquisition theory, and the application of effective communication techniques in TESL contexts.

Who is the Certificate of Education (TESL) for?

The Certificate of Education (TESL) is designed for educators at any stage of their career who wish to deepen their understanding of teaching English as a second language and gain an internationally respected qualification.

Whether you are just starting out or are a seasoned professional, this certificate offers a pathway to strengthen your teaching skills and build your credentials.

The Certificate of Education (TESL) in detail

The Certificate of Education (TESL) is a flexible, modular certification program that enables you to take each module individually and decide when and how to complete them. The modular structure allows you to take the modules in any order or combination, tailoring the qualification to your specific needs and career goals.

There are three modules:

Core modules:

• Module 1: FA0833 – Focus on Assessment – 20 credits

This module provides essential knowledge in language assessment for students aged 6–16, emphasizing the integration of research evidence with practical application. Participants learn to design, implement, and critically evaluate language assessments within the framework of educational standards and language competency guidelines.

Key topics include designing engaging, cognitively challenging tasks that evaluate core language skills, fostering a positive assessment experience, and promoting learner autonomy. The module features real classroom examples and key studies, along with activities to connect theory with the teachers' own practice.

• Module 2: EPP7403 – English Phonetics and Phonology – 20 credits

This module delves into the phonetic and phonological structure of English, focusing on the accent most commonly chosen as the standard in England. The module covers essential principles of how sounds are produced, perceived, and organized in spoken English, offering a comprehensive overview of English phonetic sounds, including vowels, consonants, and diphthongs. It explains phonological rules such as stress, intonation, and rhythm, as well as sound patterns and the physiological aspects of speech production.

By understanding these elements, participants gain insights into how to help learners achieve accurate pronunciation and fluency. Practical exercises help teachers integrate phonetic theory into language instruction, including activities to improve learners' listening and pronunciation skills.

• Module 3: IPCL0561 – Introducing Psycholinguistics – 20 credits

This module introduces the study of psycholinguistics, exploring the mental processes and cognitive structures underlying language comprehension, production, and acquisition. It covers key psycholinguistic concepts, such as language processing, memory in language use, and the mental representation of words and grammar. The module also addresses topics like first and second language acquisition, the impact of language on thought, and the role of cognitive factors in language learning.

With practical examples and a comprehensive glossary, this module equips participants with a solid understanding of how learners process and produce language. Participants learn strategies to adapt their instruction based on insights from psycholinguistics, enabling them to better support language development in learners across proficiency levels.

Results

Each module in the Certificate of Education (TESL) is assessed through assignments and hands–on applications, enabling participants to build both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. This modular approach allows you to progress at your own pace, focusing on the areas most relevant to your teaching career.

Upon completing all modules, you will receive the Certificate of Education (TESL).

There is no Pass or Fail. Results are reported in Bands 1–4, with Band 4 being the highest. Band 1 represents limited knowledge of the content areas tested; Band 2, basic but systematic knowledge; Band 3 shows a breadth and depth of knowledge and Band 4 extensive knowledge.

How to register for Certificate of Education (TESL)

The Certificate of Education (TESL) is open to all backgrounds and teaching experience levels.

It is suitable for individuals who are:

• pre-service or practicing teachers

• teaching primary, secondary, or adult learners

• native or non–native English speakers

• teachers seeking formal recognition of their experience, aiming to keep their teaching skills current, and interested in expanding their career opportunities