A Quick Guide to the Different Teacher Training Options

A Quick Guide to the Different Teacher Training Options

Can’t decide between taking a CELTA or TEFL course? Or maybe you want to improve your teaching qualification by specialising in Business English?

Here’s a quick breakdown on all the teaching qualifications available to help you get into the industry or take your career to the next level:

CELTA

CELTA is a teaching certification run by Cambridge University. It is the most well-known and respected TEFL qualification, often commanding a higher salary compared to other options.

Good to know:

  • A full-time CELTA course runs for four weeks and is assessed externally to ensure graduates meet a high standard. (Part-time CELTA courses are also an option.)
  • The course last 120 hours and you’ll spend at least six hours teaching a real class.
  • The course is split into five units that will cover lesson planning, language skills, and developing teaching skills.

Want to know more? What the CELTA Can Do for You

Trinity College TESOL

Trinity College’s TESOL qualification is officially recognised by the British Council and is another respected qualification. Although it isn’t as popular as the CELTA course, it is just as respected and follows a similar structure.

Good to know:

  • The course can be taken either full-time or part-time.
  • It consists of five units that will take a minimum of 130 hours to complete with theory and practical assessments.

DipTESOL

DipTESOL is an advanced qualification for experienced teachers who want to take their careers to the next level. It’s a diploma that is recognised at Level 7 on the UK qualifications framework and focus on improving practical teaching skills and knowledge.

Good to know:

  • You can take the diploma course full-time or part-time.
  • It will take 150 hours to complete plus 450 hours of self-study.

DELTA

If you want another advanced teaching qualification, or a qualification other the dipTESOL, you can take Cambridge University’s DELTA course. It is equivalent to a higher education qualification and takes on average nine months to complete. It’s perfect for teachers who already have one or more years experience teaching English as a foreign language and want to improve on their skill sets.

Good to know:

  • The DELTA course consists of three modules that you can take in any order, at any time, helping you to study at your own pace.
  • Your assessment will include a combination of written assignments, observed classes and background essays.

IBET Certificate

This qualification is designed for qualified teachers who want to specialise in teaching business English. The course includes ten modules that cover everything from international English to cross-cultural awareness, teaching written business communication, and more.

Good to know:

  • You will need a teaching qualification such as a TEFL to be able to register for this course.
  • Specialising with this course will increase your earning potential.
  • The course takes 50 hours to complete, and there are full-time and part-time options available.

TEFL

TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) is a more affordable option than the CELTA and is less intense. As a result, it’s a popular choice for gap year students who want a quick qualification to get a placement but aren’t necessarily interested in teaching as a career.

Good to know:

  • You can take a TEFL course online. However, it is always beneficial to choose one that gives you some classroom experience before you start applying for jobs.
  • It takes four weeks full time or 3 months part time to complete this qualification.
  • Many companies are offer TEFL certifications, so do your homework and make sure you get yours from a recognised institution.

Want a discount on an online TEFL? Click here.

For more information on teacher training and career development, visit our teacher training blog.

Looking for teaching jobs abroad? We have those too: All Teaching Jobs

About the Author

Lauren Melnick is a South African travel blogger and ESL teacher currently living in Ubon, Thailand. When she isn’t making lesson plans and watching nursery rhymes on YouTube, you can find her eating up a storm, taking selfies with dinosaurs, and planning her next adventure.

Follow her travels on Wanderlust Movement, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.