Can you do a TESOL certificate online?
Yes, you can complete a TESOL certificate online. Online TESOL certification is a popular and flexible option, catering to those with time constraints or other commitments. This mode of learning allows for the study of TESOL principles and methodologies through digital platforms, enabling learners to fit their studies around personal and professional schedules. These courses are ideal for individuals who prefer self-paced learning or are unable to attend in-person sessions due to geographical or time limitations. With the advancement of digital education tools, online TESOL courses provide an effective and accessible route to obtaining a TESOL certification.
Table of Contents
How does online TESOL work?
Online TESOL courses vary greatly depending on the provider. We can however pick out some common features of the better courses, these include;
- A minimum of 120-hours of study
- Optional tutor support
- Course content includes teaching skills and language awareness (grammar)
- A reasonable time-frame to complete the course, allowing for personal study preferences
- Being able to study from any location in the world
- A modular structure of the course content
- Continuous assessment of study topics
- Qualified and experienced tutors
- Accredited and moderated by a recognized body (such as a university)
Is online TESOL recognized?
Recognition of a course comes from accreditation in the first instance. Accreditation is usually carried out by a recognized educational body, such as a university. Secondly, any company that is recognized within the industry will have built up links with employers and other educational service providers. Have a look at what affiliations the TESOL provider has and do these look like they would be useful?
Online TESOL certification is recognized by almost all employers nowadays. You may find some employers will want you to also have some practical teaching experience, but this really depends on the country and the type of employment position you are looking for.
Additional considerations
Other things that you should look out for when you are choosing an online TESOL course could include:
- Websites: Do they look professional, have working links and so forth?
- Certification: Do you get a real certificate delivered to you as part of the course?
- Price: Too low or too high in comparison to the average, both can be a problem.
- Reputation: Has the company been in business for long, do they have blogs, videos, and recommendations?
- Teaching practice: Is any teaching practice available either within the course or as an add-on to the certificate?
In conclusion
Online teaching and learning is now the largest part of the TESOL market and so online courses carry a similar weight to in-class courses. You will be able to find ESL employment with an online TESOL certificate. If you do your research on the company with whom you want to take your certification, you should have a good learning experience and put yourself on a career path with endless possibilities.
