TESOL Accreditations
The Trinity accreditations in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) are among the most widely accepted English language teaching accreditations in the world (the other being CELTA). Three accreditations are available – the Certificate in TESOL (CertTESOL), Diploma in TESOL (DipTESOL) and the Fellowship Diploma in TESOL Education Studies (FTCL TESOL).
Certificate in TESOL (CertTESOL)
The Certificate in TESOL (CertTESOL) is a TESOL or TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate designed for those with little or no experience of teaching English. It equips candidates with the basic skills and knowledge needed to take up a 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 accepted by the British Council as an initial TESOL or TEFL qualification for teachers in its accredited teaching organizations in the UK and in its own teaching operations overseas. Credits are also awarded towards degree programs offered by universities in the UK. More information can be found on the official Trinity CertTESOL page.
Diploma in TESOL (DipTESOL)
The DipTESOL is an internationally respected, widely available qualification for experienced teachers of ESOL/EFL. Courses are designed around four distinct units:
Unit 1: Language, Teaching and Learning
Unit 2: the Teacher as Developmental, Reflective Practitioner
Unit 3: Phonological Theory in Classroom Practice
Unit 4: Teaching, to include learner analysis, preparation, delivery and self-evaluation
The DipTESOL is accredited in England by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority at Level 7 of the UK National Qualifications Framework as are master’s degrees in related subject areas.
The DipTESOL is accepted by the British Council as a full TEFL Qualifying qualification for teachers in its accredited teaching organisations in the UK and in its own teaching operations overseas. More information can be found on the official Trinity DipTESOL page
Fellowship Diploma in TESOL Education Studies (FTCL TESOL)
The FTCL Diploma is a unique high-level qualification, accredited at Level 7 on the UK National Qualifications Framework, designed to recognize the achievements of experienced professionals in the field of TESOL. The qualification has been designed for English language teaching professionals and senior practitioners who are engaged in significant projects as teachers, trainers, managers, curriculum designers and course developers.
Unlike most other Trinity TESOL qualifications, this qualification is not course based. The qualification is assessed through a dissertation of 11,500-12,500 words and a 50 minute viva voce with an examiner appointed by Trinity. Examples of projects might be the design, implementation and monitoring of a new qualification or course; or the description and evaluation of a range of teaching or training provision in the participant’s own country.
More information can be found on the official Trinity FTCL TESOL page.
Official Course Providers, Locations and Dates
The list of official course providers changes from time to time so be sure to check the Trinity site for the latest information. At the time of this writing (April, 2016), the only official course provider in China (Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Guangzhou) is EF Education First (www.ef-teachers.com) who provide training for both CertTESOL and DipTESOL. Two providers are listed for Hong Kong (only CertTESOL) – English for Asia Ltd in Sheung Wan (www.englishforasia.com) and The Edge Learning Center Ltd in Causeway Bay (www.theedge.com.hk). No providers are listed for Macau. Check with the provider websites above for the latest information about course dates, prices, etc.
Additional Resources
See Also
- Trinity College London China, Hong Kong and Macau Website (Chinese and English)
