Teaching English (TEFL/TESOL)
Certifications to teach English abroad or online — TEFL, TESOL, CELTA, TKT and the advanced DELTA. What counts, what's accredited, and what's a paper mill.
Various (look for accreditation)
The standard entry credential to teach English as a foreign language. 120 hours is the widely-required minimum. Choose a provider with recognized accreditation (e.g. Accreditat, DEAC) — many cheap ones are unrecognized.
✓ The de-facto minimum to teach English abroad/online; accreditation matters
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Various / TESOL International Association
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages — overlaps heavily with TEFL; TESOL International Association is the professional body. University-affiliated TESOL certificates carry the most weight.
✓ Recognized for teaching English to speakers of other languages
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Cambridge English
A flexible, modular test of English-teaching knowledge from Cambridge — cheaper than CELTA and good for current teachers proving their knowledge base.
✓ Modular, recognized knowledge test for teachers
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Cambridge English / Cambridge University Press & Assessment
The most respected entry-level English-teaching qualification worldwide. In-person or online with assessed teaching practice — pricier (~$1,500–2,500) but opens the best schools.
✓ The gold-standard initial TEFL/TESOL qualification
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Cambridge English
The advanced Cambridge diploma for experienced English teachers — the route to senior, teacher-training, and academic-management roles.
✓ Advanced qualification for experienced teachers (post-CELTA)
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Trinity College London
Trinity College London's entry English-teaching certificate — the peer of Cambridge CELTA, equally accepted by reputable schools worldwide. Assessed teaching practice included.
✓ The other globally-recognized initial TEFL/TESOL qualification (with CELTA)
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