CertTESOL
COURSE INFORMATION

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CertTESOL

The Trinity Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CertTESOL) is a TESOL or TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate designed for people with little or no experience of teaching English, and for those with experience who require an internationally recognised initial teacher education qualification.

Preparing for the Trinity CertTESOL English language teaching certificate equips trainees with the basic skills and knowledge needed to take up their first post as an ESOL teacher. It gives an introduction to the theory and practice of English teaching and an insight into the challenges facing the learner and the role of the teacher.

The CertTESOL is rated at Level 5 on Ofqual’s Regulated Qualifications Framework, a comparable level to the second year of an undergraduate degree, and comprises a minimum of 130 hours, with an expected minimum of 70 hours further study required (Total Qualification Time: 200 hours).

Assessment units

Unit 1: Teaching skills
Unit 2: Language awareness and skills
Unit 3: The learner profile
Unit 4: The materials assignment
Unit 5: The unknown language

Trainees also undertake at least six hours of observed teaching practice with real learners and produce reflective written assignments for assessment.

Download the fact sheet

Course Content

The main course content is delivered and assessed through five units. The work for Units 1, 2, 3 and 5 is marked by your internal course tutors and moderated or sampled and checked by a member of the Trinity moderators panel at the end of every course. The moderator externally assesses the work for Unit 4. The units are:

UNIT 1

Teaching skills, assessed through:

tutors’ evaluation of six hours of teaching with real learners.
a journal including trainees’ own lesson plans, with self- and tutor-evaluation.
a journal covering trainees’ reflective comments following observation of four hours of ESOL teaching by experienced teachers.

UNIT 2

Language awareness including grammar and phonology, assessed through:

a test or practical project.
ongoing use of spoken and written English.

UNIT 3

Learner profile, assessed through:

the preparation of a simple linguistic profile and needs analysis, including some basic phonemic transcription, of a single learner.
the planning of, and reflection on, a one-to-one lesson.
the preparation of recommendations for the learner’s future language development.

UNIT 4

Materials assignment, assessed through:

written rationale for the development of one piece of teaching material.
interview with a Trinity moderator to discuss the above and the ways in which materials development is beneficial to the development of teaching skills.

UNIT 5

Unknown language, assessed through:

a journal covering trainees’ reflective comments on four hours’ tuition in an unknown language from the point of view of the beginner, including an analysis of the key aspects of methods and classroom management that affect the learner positively and negatively.

Professional awareness and development are ongoing themes. Successful trainees must demonstrate an awareness of the needs of other colleagues in the team, teaching and non-teaching, and the value of mutual support in the teaching, learning and training environment. They must also demonstrate an awareness of the need for professional development during and after the course, based on a constructive response to training input and feedback from tutors and peers.

Are CertTESOL and DipTESOL recognised internationally?

Yes. Both qualifications are awarded by Trinity College London, an internationally accredited UK exam board. They are widely accepted by schools and employers globally, just like Cambridge CELTA and Delta.
How do these qualifications compare to CELTA and Delta?

Both are prestigious UK-based awarding bodies with rigorous standards. Trinity qualifications tend to offer more flexible course formats, while Cambridge qualifications are more widely known but often delivered full-time. Both hold equal international respect.
Can I teach anywhere with CertTESOL or DipTESOL?

Yes. These qualifications are recognised in most countries and meet the requirements of major English teaching employers and visa authorities.
Which is better, Trinity qualifications or Cambridge?

Both awarding bodies maintain exceptionally high standards. The best choice depends on your personal needs, such as course format and location. Both lead to excellent career opportunities.
What makes CertTESOL and DipTESOL stand out?

Aside from global recognition, Trinity offers flexible delivery modes, making these courses accessible to a wider range of candidates without compromising quality or assessment integrity.
What level of teaching experience do I need for CertTESOL and DipTESOL?

CertTESOL is designed for teachers with little or no prior experience, perfect for those starting their teaching careers. DipTESOL is intended for experienced teachers seeking advanced professional development and career progression.
What are the course requirements for CertTESOL and DipTESOL?

CertTESOL typically requires around 130 contact hours including assessed teaching practice. DipTESOL involves a longer, more intensive programme with a mix of teaching practice, written assignments, and professional development activities.
How are CertTESOL and DipTESOL assessed?

Both qualifications use a combination of observed teaching practice, written assignments, and oral or practical exams to ensure comprehensive evaluation of your teaching skills and theoretical knowledge.
Are these courses available online or part-time?

Trinity offers flexible delivery options for CertTESOL and DipTESOL, including part-time, blended, and sometimes online components, making the qualifications accessible worldwide without compromising quality.
How do these qualifications help with career advancement?

CertTESOL qualifies you to teach English internationally. DipTESOL is a mark of advanced expertise, often required for senior roles such as teacher trainer, academic manager, or university lecturer.
What support will I receive during and after the course?

Our centres provide comprehensive academic support, mentoring, and career advice. After completion, you gain access to Trinity’s global alumni network and ongoing professional development opportunities.
Can I upgrade from CertTESOL to DipTESOL?

Yes, many teachers start with CertTESOL and later progress to DipTESOL to deepen their knowledge and open more advanced career paths.
What if English is not my first language? Can I still apply?

Yes, but you should have a good command of English (usually CEFR level C1 or equivalent) to successfully complete the course and teaching practice.
How long is the validity of these qualifications?

CertTESOL and DipTESOL are lifelong qualifications. Once awarded, they do not expire and are recognised throughout your teaching career.
Are CertTESOL and DipTESOL accepted by universities and government agencies?

Yes, many universities, Ministries of Education, and language schools worldwide accept these qualifications for teaching positions and official recognition.

CertTESOL COURSE INFORMATION