A reputable independent accreditation body makes a TEFL certification well recognized by employers around the world. If you are planning to find a quality job as soon as you submit your first application, make sure you will receive your TEFL certification from a reputable program that is accredited by a recognizable body. This article includes some of the top reputable accreditation bodies:
CELTA ( Cambridge University)
Employers around the world ask for CELTA. It’s the practical English language teaching qualification that gives you the essential knowledge, hands-on teaching experience, and classroom confidence to qualify as a teacher of English as a Second Language (ESL).
CELTA is great for recent graduates, people who are changing careers, or teachers who want to gain a formal qualification and may want to progress to qualifications such as Delta.
ACCET
ACCET was founded in 1974 for the purpose of improving continuing education and training and has been officially recognized by the U.S. Department of Education since 1978 as a “reliable authority” as to the quality of education and training provided by the institutions we accredit. Accreditation serves the interests of companies, agencies, and the public through the establishment of standards, policies, and procedures in conjunction with an objective third-party professional evaluation designed to identify and inspire sound education and training practices. When such a process is matched by an institution’s commitment to high standards and accountability, a partnership for quality becomes reality.
ACTDEC
ACTDEC is an independent body whose function is to provide frameworks and accreditation structures for providers of ELT teacher training through online or blended provision. This mission is motivated by recognition of the need for such globally available provision to be measured and monitored for the benefit of course providers, employers and students.
- ACTDEC is the Accreditation Council for TESOL Distance Education Courses, a non-profit making independent body responsible for maintaining professional standards in TESOL distance programmes.
- Based on a rigorous professional code of practice ACTDEC accredits TESOL/TEFL distance course providers at different course levels graded from introductory to advanced.
- The same syllabus content, at each level, is covered by all ACTDEC accredited providers though course methodology, approach and delivery may differ.
IATEFL
For over 50 years, the International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language, (IATEFL) has been linking, developing, and supporting English language teaching professionals worldwide. From our humble origins in 1967 as a forum for English language teachers and other professionals to make contact with one another and share ideas, we are now one of the largest and most internationally representative teaching associations in the world.
IATEFL is a global professional membership association, and the UK registered charity, and yet we remain a community. We support teachers and other ELT professionals in their professional development and provide a platform where they can offer their views, exchange research, and teaching experiences and learn from each other. Find out more about IATEFL’s mission.
ODLQC
ODLQC was founded in 1969 as the Council for the Accreditation of Correspondence Colleges, becoming the Open and Distance Learning Quality Council in 1995.
Set up at the request of the government, it continues to benefit from governmental support and cooperation, though it is now an independent body and a registered charity.
Quality and Standards
The aim of the Council is to identify and enhance quality in education and training, and to protect the interests of learners.
The Standards set out the Council’s definition of quality. Open and distance learning providers who meet those standards are eligible to apply for accreditation by the Council.
Accreditation
Accreditation follows a rigorous assessment of a provider’s administrative and tutorial methods, educational materials and publicity, to ensure that all standards are met.
Once accredited, providers are monitored to ensure that students continue to receive good service and are re-assessed at least once every three years.
TQUK
TQUK is the fastest growing Awarding Organisation across the UK. We provide qualifications that meet the needs of learners and employers. Our flexible and responsive approach to qualification development means we can work with you to get the very best offer for your learners.
With over 400 Centres worldwide and over 100,000 Learners across 50 countries proudly presenting their TQUK certificates, our reputation as a world-class provider of internationally recognized qualifications is already reaching a fever pitch.
Whether you’re looking for regulated qualifications (RQF), endorsement of your bespoke courses, or are simply looking to take advantage of our fantastic range of resources, contact us today or register your interest as a Centre using the link in the top right-hand corner.
SIT
School for International Training (SIT) is a global institution offering programs at the graduate and undergraduate levels for an increasingly internationalized society. SIT delivers an education that challenge our students to think critically and provides them with real skills to tackle the most critical contemporary global issues. Our values – our commitment to inclusion, experiential education, engaged learning, community, reciprocity, social justice, and sustainability – foster the development of emerging leaders, deeply concerned with and committed to issues central to social justice, long-term peace, and understanding across cultures worldwide.
TRINITY
Trinity’s position as a leading provider of international qualifications for TESOL teachers (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) means that these qualifications are ideally placed to meet your professional teaching needs, no matter where you are in your teaching career. Courses leading to Trinity qualifications are delivered by over 100 validated course providers worldwide. Contact providers directly to find out about course fees and dates in your area.
ALTE
ALTE is an association of language test providers who work together to promote the fair and accurate assessment of linguistic ability across Europe and beyond. ALTE organises courses and conferences on aspects of language assessment and operates a quality auditing system of European language examinations.
ALTE was founded in 1989 by the University of Cambridge (UK) and the Universidad de Salamanca (Spain). Today, ALTE has 34 Full Members representing 25 European languages, as well as 58 Institutional Affiliates and over 500 Individual Affiliates from all around the world.
ALTE is a non-profit organisation, and has Participatory Status as an NGO with the Council of Europe.
ACCREDITAT
ACCREDITAT is the international TEFL/TESOL accreditation site for TEFL/TESOL Providers and TEFL/TESOL Students. ACCREDITAT is registered under the UKRLP (UK Register of Learning Providers), Number 10065351. Registration on the UKRLP means that we have been verified against a recognised legal source.
OTTSA:
Online TESOL and TEFL Standards Agency (OTTSA): OTTSA is an independent organization that evaluates online TEFL and TESOL courses and offers accreditation to those that meet their standards.
