how long does an esl certification course usually take

by Ms. Naomie Predovic 6 min read

Finishing a TESL certification program can be completed anywhere from 6 months to a year or longer, and most schools require a TESL certification that includes at least 120 hours of training. This means with the right program, you can become an ESL teacher in about four and a half years.

How long does it take to learn ESL online?

The program can be completed in six to 12 months, depending on your other time and commitment demands. Some institutions offer in-house ESL online training that is not accredited through a larger governing body. The TEFL International Association—cited earlier—recommends that students check whether or not the institution is accredited.

How do I become ESL certified?

Becoming ESL certified is as simple as enrolling in a course and completing the requirements. Here are some of our top picks for teaching ESL certificate programs: Remember that just because you can speak English doesn’t necessarily mean you can teach it. These types of ESL certificate courses help you become a better English teacher.

What is ESL teaching certification?

ESL instruction is needed by English Language Learners (ELLs) in grades K-12 and in Adult Education. To become an ESL teacher in the United States, most states require ESL certification in addition to a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree and a teaching credential.

How long does the certification course take to complete?

The certification course is 170 Hours long which consists of 150 hours academic coursework + 20 hours of practicum (live practice teaching) making it one of the most popular accredited courses available online.

What is an ESL teacher?

What does ESL stand for in education?

Do you have to have a background to teach ESL?

Do you need a background check for ESL?

See more

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How long is ESL training?

These courses are completed in a classroom setting and are taught by a qualified ESL instructor. Course length varies from 20-hour weekend programs to 4-weeks of full-time training or training stretched out over several months.

How long does a TEFL certification take?

about six monthsThere's no single, standardized path to getting TEFL certified. Depending on the TEFL course and your own unique circumstances, it is possible to get TEFL certification in as little as a month. That said, it's recommended that most students set aside about six months to complete their chosen TEFL course.

How do I get an ESL certificate?

How to Become an ESL TeacherEarn a bachelor's degree in ESL or TESOL or a related subject, such as linguistics.Complete a student teaching internship in an ESL setting as part of your program.Take your state's tests for teacher licensure with an endorsement in ESL.Apply for your teaching license.More items...

How long does it take to get an ESL job?

Becoming an ESL teacher can be highly rewarding, lucrative and life-changing experience if done right, but how long does it take to become an ESL teacher? It takes 4 to 5 years to become a state licensed US based ESL teacher in government schools.

Does TEFL really take 120 hours?

How long does it actually take to complete a TEFL course? There are different courses with different hours but, on average, our students take between 10 to 12 weeks to complete our most popular 120-hour online TEFL course. Depending on your other commitments it can take you more or less time.

Is 120-hour TEFL course enough?

Generally 120 hours minimum is the most common requirement, but some countries only require 100 hours or have no preference at all. Most employers prefer to hire English teachers with an internationally recognized TEFL certification from a 100-120-hour course.

What is the passing score for ESL test?

240Score scale: The English as a Second Language Supplemental (ESL) test is scored on a 100–300 scale, with a passing score of 240. On each test date, the English as a Second Language Supplemental (ESL) test is administered as a half-session test during the morning and afternoon test sessions.

Can I teach ESL without a degree?

While most English-teaching companies require their teachers to have a degree (any kind of degree!), there are still enough companies out there for which being a native speaker, TEFL certification, and some teaching experience are more than enough to meet baseline requirements to teach English online.

What does it mean to be ESL certified?

ESL Teaching Certification. Teaching english as a second language (ESL), teachers work with non-native speakers to help them learn to understand, speak, read and write in English.

How easy is it to get a job with a TEFL certificate?

How hard is it to get a TEFL job? Landing your first TEFL job is the hardest. Once you've got a year or more of teaching experience under your belt, things become easier. But in this sense the TEFL industry is no different to any other.

Can you do TEFL for 6 months?

Long-term Contracts A TEFL placement is considered long-term if the length is 3-6 months or more. Long-term contracts cover all types of jobs; language schools, private schools, universities… the list goes on. The types of learners are just as varied, ranging from nursery level to business professionals.

Can you teach English abroad for 6 months?

So what do you do if you want to teach English abroad but you can't commit to a full year? Luckily, there are lots of short-term ESL jobs out there, ranging from just a week to six months. These temporary teaching gigs are a great way to fund your travels or to dip your toes in the ESL waters.

Accredited Online TESOL Certification

You can choose to get TESOL certification online or offline. However, online courses offer more flexibility. Many TESOL programs are included in course bundles. The same school or organization can offer several distinct packages.

How to Become an ESL Teacher | ESL Teacher Education and Requirements

Education and Training Requirements to Become an ESL Teacher. Individuals who want to learn how to become an ESL teacher may seek an ESL teacher degree through a state-approved teacher preparation program at the undergraduate or graduate level.

How long does it take to get an ESL certificate?

How long does it take to get an ESL certification? The industry standard to get an ESL certification like a TEFL or TESOL certificate is 120 hours. So if you can put full-time hours into it, you can finish it in 3-4 weeks. This is typical for a fast-track ESL certificate course.

What are the two types of ESL certifications?

In general, the two types of ESL certificates are: TEFL Certification: Teaching English as a Foreign Language. TESOL Certification: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. Both TESOL and TEFL are almost interchangeable and both are certificates for teaching ESL. So let’s unlock your full potential on how to get certified ...

What degree do I need to teach TEFL?

Asia. If you want to teach in Asia, most countries require a Bachelor’s degree . That means if you want to teach in some of the highest-paying TEFL destination such as Japan, South Korea, and China, you’ll need a Bachelor’s degree.

Why is Europe so unique in TEFL?

Europe is a bit of a unique situation in TEFL because it can vary significantly from country-to-country. Any resident part of the European Union has options to teach English in Europe even without a degree .

What is the best part of the Peace Corps?

One of the best parts about Peace Corps is that it’s mostly all covered for you such as flights, medical, monthly living allowance, and housing. If you want to work in North Africa, countries like Egypt and Morocco hire English teachers. But most of these positions at lease require a Bachelor’s degree or higher.

Where can I teach English in Africa?

Africa. Popular destinations to teach English in Africa include Tanzania, South Africa, and Ghana. However, the official languages in these countries are already English so the demand is not terribly high. There are also English teachers that enjoy volunteering with organizations like Peace Corps.

Which countries allow English teachers without a degree?

But still some countries allow English teachers without a degree such as Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos. Even though it’s not a requirement, these countries still prefer a Bachelor’s degree. Asia hires the most English teachers compared to any other continent.

When is the IU1 ESL course offered?

It takes approximately one calendar year to complete the IU1 ESL certification program. See below for information regarding field experience requirements.

How many CPE credits are there in a semester?

Each course is three CPE credits (90 Act 48 hours). Each course is a written as though it is a semester long course fit into a six week timeframe. It is not recommended to take more than one course at a time due to the workload in each course.

Do I need a PDE to become an ESL specialist in Pennsylvania?

Yes, you must hold a valid Pennsylvania Instructional I or II certificate in order to be accepted into the IU1 ESL Program Specialist certification program. This is a PDE requirement because this program is an add-on ESL certification to your existing Instructional certification.

How to contact Jenny Lent?

Jenny Lent can be reached at jenny.lent@iu1.org or at 724-938-3241 ext. 268.

How many hours of field experience do you need to be a full time teacher?

How can a full time teacher complete the 10 hour field experience per course? Yes, a full time teacher can complete the field experience requirements, but may need to get creative in completing the 10 hours per course. Some teachers work with their administrator to arrange their schedules.

Is IU1 CPE approved by PDE?

Although IU1 ESL CPE coursework is approved by PDE, the IU1 ESL courses are NOT associated with a college or university. Please check your local union contract prior to beginning this coursework to see if IU1 ESL CPE credits count towards a pay scale increase.

When do ESL teachers leave high school?

Sometimes a high school teacher will leave the high school at the end of the day at 2:30 and drive to the local elementary school to finish the day with the ESL teacher at that school which ends at 3:30.

What degree do I need to teach ESL?

Teaching English language learners in public elementary and secondary schools requires at least a bachelor’s degree and a teaching credential or alternative certification.

How to find out if you have an alternate ESL certification?

You can find out if your state has an alternate ESL teacher certification program by doing some quick research on your state’s department of education website.

What is the best way to become an ESL teacher?

To become an ESL teacher in the United States, most states require ESL certification in addition to a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree and a teaching credential.

Is there a demand for ESL certification?

ESL Certification. There is a growing demand in the United States, and around the world, for teachers who can provide instruction in English as a second language (ESL), there has never been a better time to become an ES L teacher.

What does ESL stand for in education?

ESL stands for English as a Second Language , and an individual with ESL certification helps others learn how to speak, read and write in English. Certified ESL instructors are typically trained and licensed elementary or high school teachers.

What is an ESL teacher?

English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers work with both children and adults to help them learn to speak, read and write English. Within public schools, they are state licensed professionals who conduct classes in elementary, middle and high school environments. ESL teachers who work with adults are often state licensed teachers.

What are the most commonly accepted and used exams?

The most commonly accepted and used exams are the Praxis Series, which are tests covering reading, writing, and mathematics.

Do you need a background check for ESL?

As an ESL teacher, you're usually required to complete an additional test on ESL, which is an add-on endorsement to your original teaching certificate. State licensing often requires a background check as well.

Do you have to have a background to teach ESL?

Language Requirement. Most ESL teachers have some experience with a language other than English. Additionally, ESL graduate programs may require entering students to have a background in a second language.

How to become an ESL teacher?

Individuals who want to learn how to become an ESL teacher may seek an ESL teacher degree through a state-approved teacher preparation program at the undergraduate or graduate level. Different programs are designed to meet the requirements for either an initial license or an add-on ESL endorsement.

What percentage of the population will be ESL in 2025?

It is expected that by 2025, English language learners will make up 25 percent of the U.S. public school population, creating an unprecedented demand for ESL teachers. Find out how you can become a certified ESL teacher in your state.

What are ELLs in school?

The Department of Education defines ELLs as students enrolled in an elementary or secondary school: 1 Who were not born in the United States and whose native language is not English 2 Whose level of English proficiency may deny them the ability to succeed on state tests and in English-led classrooms, or otherwise prevent them from fully participating in society

What is the origin of ESL?

Although state boards of education set the requirements for becoming an ESL teacher within the nation’s public schools, ESL has its original roots in the No Child Left Behind Act, and the Common Core State Standards now address the needs of English language learners .

Is ESL a content area?

Many, but not all, states offer ESL as a primary content area endorsement for initial licensure. However, it is more common for state’s to offer ESL as an additional endorsement for teachers already licensed and certified in a standard content area. Qualifications to become an ESL teacher vary from one state to the next, ...

How to be successful in ESL certification?

To be successful in an online ESL certification program, students have to make a commitment, block out required hours and stick to a timeline. It may mean getting out of bed an hour earlier to work when the house is quiet .

How long does it take to get an ESL certificate at Drexel University?

If a flexible schedule is on your must-have list, consider Drexel University. The program can be completed in six to 12 months, depending on your other time and commitment demands. Some institutions offer in-house ESL online training that is not accredited through a larger governing body.

Do you need an ESL certificate to teach in America?

Similarly, if you want to teach ESL in America, you will need to be well qualified. When it comes to ESL certification, it is a matter of being spoiled for choice.

Is it important to keep the big picture in mind?

It is important to keep the big picture in mind and not to get distracted by the small details. Easily said; harder to do. Once you have committed to pursue ESL certification online, selected a program that meets your needs and enrolled it is a matter of staying on track.

Is myTEFL accredited?

The TEFL International Association—cited earlier—recommends that students check whether or not the institution is accredited. myTEFL offers a professional, accredited 120-hour online course, as well as several other online and on-site options for teaching abroad. They also offer a job placement service.

What is the difference between Tesol and TeFL?

TESOL is designed to teach English to second language learners in an English-speaking country, whereas TEFL is designed to teach English in a non-English speaking country.

How much does a Tesol certificate cost?

If you’re interested in a university-level TESOL certificate, then you will have to pay a substantially higher amount of money, from $1,000-$2,500. The Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages that University of the Potomac offers costs $1,900 per level.

What does TESOL stand for?

For the ones that aren’t familiar with the acronym TESOL, it stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. A TESOL certification is one of the most commonly recognized qualifications for teaching the English language to non-native speakers.

What are the benefits of taking a TESOL class?

You get to have practical experience in a classroom setting, to learn and communicate in person as well as to practice teaching in front of a classroom. This course will help you get more comfortable working with peers and students while also preparing you to start a job straight upon graduation. One other benefit worth mentioning is that in-class courses give you the option of finding TESOL training programs all over the world and get certified there. In this way, you’re making it easier for you to find a job abroad.

How long does it take to complete a TESOL course?

Usually, it takes between one to three months to complete a self-paced TESOL course. If you are to dedicate a considerable amount of time to this course, you will finish it way earlier. Most interested students choose to enroll in a 120 hours TESOL course, which can take up to six weeks to complete.

How many hours of training is required for a TESOL certification?

Earning a TESOL certification includes at least 120 hours of training. Many programs will offer additional hours on top of the necessary training. From 120 hours of training, 100 hours are dedicated to coursework.

What level of English is required for TESOL?

For non-native English speakers, the recommended level for TESOL certification ranges from B1 to C2 CEFR ( Common European Framework of Reference) level.

What is BLS certification?

Basic Life Support (BLS) certification provides individuals with the skills, knowledge, and wherewithal needed to act in the case of a life-threatening emergency. Doctors, nurses, firefighters, police officers, and other professionals frequently exposed to life-threatening situations will all need to get BLS certified.

How long does it take to get a BLS certification?

BLS certification courses typically take about 4-5 hours to complete (though in some cases, it can be completed in as little as 2 hours).

How often do you need to renew your BLS?

Typically, BLS certifications will need to be renewed every two years.

How long is the BLS exam?

While 4-5 hours is a good benchmark for those who are taking the course for the first time, others may be able to complete it much more quickly.

How long does it take to complete a BLS?

Usually, finishing the course can take up to 5 hours, but if you are familiar with the material, you can complete the course in much less time. For more information about obtaining an online BLS, ACLS or PALS course, visit eMedCert.com today.

What are the three ABCs?

The last three points mentioned above—airway, breathing, and circulation —are often referred to as the “ABCs” of basic life support. These skills will not only equip you to act appropriately (and accurately) in the event of a life-threatening situation at work, they can also be applied in other situations as well.

What is life support training?

Basic Life Support training, as the term implies, is a course that will teach medical professionals, public safety professionals, and other individuals (teachers, coaches, lifeguards, etc.) how to act in the event of a life-threatening event. The course is very comprehensive and covers a wide range of different topics.

What is an ESL teacher?

English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers work with both children and adults to help them learn to speak, read and write English. Within public schools, they are state licensed professionals who conduct classes in elementary, middle and high school environments. ESL teachers who work with adults are often state licensed teachers.

What does ESL stand for in education?

ESL stands for English as a Second Language , and an individual with ESL certification helps others learn how to speak, read and write in English. Certified ESL instructors are typically trained and licensed elementary or high school teachers.

Do you have to have a background to teach ESL?

Language Requirement. Most ESL teachers have some experience with a language other than English. Additionally, ESL graduate programs may require entering students to have a background in a second language.

Do you need a background check for ESL?

As an ESL teacher, you're usually required to complete an additional test on ESL, which is an add-on endorsement to your original teaching certificate. State licensing often requires a background check as well.

What Is ESL Certification?

  • Certification as an ESL teacher is a guarantee that a teacher is prepared to successfully impact the lives of his or her students. The certification process requires applicants to meet a rigorous set of standards. Education programs and educator testing based on these standards examines a potential teacher’s qualifications. They include tests on co...
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Understanding of English Content

  • The certification process tests teaching on their overall understanding of linguistics and English language. This includes domains of language such as listening, speaking, reading, and writing. To pass certification, teachers must demonstrate an understanding of all of these topics. Potential teachers must understand the concepts behind receiving, attending to, understanding, evaluatin…
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Earning Certification

  • A career in teaching is a long and rewarding career path that will allow you to grow and learn more about the people who make up this country. And because the education of individuals who make up this country directly correlate to their quality of life, standards for certification determine whether teacher candidates are properly prepared to take on the responsibility of educating. If y…
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Combining Other Topics with Language Learning

  • For many of America’s immigrants, learning the basics of the English language impacts the learning of other school subjects. Traditional teaching approaches dictate students learn a language fully before approaching more complex school topics. But this approach leaves immigrant students behind their native English speaking counterparts in school. In fact, learning …
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