TEFL FAQs
Is the Trinity CertTESOL a certified course?
The Trinity CertTESOL is an internationally recognised teaching qualification. Trinity’s TESOL qualification is accredited on the qualifications framework as a level-5 teaching qualification.
Trinity’s TESOL qualifications are accepted by employers worldwide. They are welcomed by the British Council for new and experienced teachers in their accredited teaching organisations in the UK, and in their own teaching centres worldwide. Trinity is a member of professional language organisations worldwide, including:
- European Association for Quality Language Services (EAQUALS)
- European Association for Language Testing And Assessment (EALTA)
- International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language (IATEFL)
- Quality in TESOL Education (Quite)
- The Association of Language Testers in Europe (ALTE)
Can the CertTESOL be used towards university credit transfer?
Most universities have credit transfer arrangements towards their undergraduate or postgraduate degree programmes for relevant, regulated qualifications like the CertTESOL and DipTESOL. With the CertTESOL recognised as a 30-credit qualification at Level 5.
Is TEFL in Spain a validated TESOL course provider?
Yes! TEFL in Spain is a Trinity College London validated course provider. This can be checked on the Trinity official website using our unique validation number 47889.
How long is the course
A certified CertTESOL (TEFL) course is a minimum of 130 hours of study and can be taken on a part-time basis (over 6-7 weeks). For the face-to-face course you will only be required to attend the training centre from Monday – Wednesday from 9am – 3:30pm.
What are the entry requirements
- minimum age: 18
- educational background and qualifications: enough to allow trainees to enter higher education in their own countries. Having a degree is NOT a requirement.
- excellent competence in spoken and written English. Speakers of English as a second or additional language should have a minimum overall ability at C1 (CEFR). All applicants are assessed on their language skills at interview equally. Native English is NOT a requirement.
- demonstrate an ability to learn how to explain the relevant features of English to learners and teach these in a communicative context.
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willingness to work cooperatively as a member of the training group and respond constructively to feedback on personal performance.
- potential for combined study including language description and analysis, and also rigorous practical training” – not an entrance requirement but a feature of the course.
What is the difference between TEFL and TESOL?
TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language and is the name of the industry as well as the umbrella name for the qualifications available.
TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages and is the name given to the level-5 teaching qualification (The Certificate in TESOL).
TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages and is the name given to the level-5 teaching qualification (The Certificate in TESOL).
Can I study the course by distance learning?
Absolutely! Trinity stipulates that the course must contain at least 130 hours of training which must include 6-hours of real teaching practice. The course is available 100% online, face-to-face or as a blended option (an online study component followed by a face-to-face study component).
What formal qualifications do I need to do the course?
Applicants must have sufficient educational qualifications to gain entry to higher education (i.e. university or equivalent). A degree is not required.
Is there an age limit?
Trinity requires that all trainees be at least 18 years old. Trinity does not stipulate an upper age limit for the course.
Do I have to do exams at the end of the course?
You will have to produce four reflective written assignments during the course. There will also be a test of grammar and phonology which you prepare for with your Tutors during the course as well as have review sessions. You will also have to complete a minimum of six hours teaching practice with genuine learners of English.
All the above will have to be completed to the recognised standard but you will be given lots of professional guidance and support.
How long will it take to receive my results and certificate?
This is after the external moderation and assessment confirms your result (on the final day of the course). Certificates are then issued to course providers 4-6 weeks after the end of the course.
However, you will be provided with a Trinity Report to confirm your qualification for the purpose of job applications.
However, you will be provided with a Trinity Report to confirm your qualification for the purpose of job applications.
Will I be qualified to teach children as well as adults?
Yes you will be qualified although the teaching of young learners, especially those aged between 7 and 12 years old, requires more specialised methodology, materials and means of assessment. You can learn more about specific Young Learner pedagogy on the Teaching Young Learners teacher development course.
What is the difference between CELTA and Trinity´s CertTESOL?
CELTA is a similar teacher training qualification to the CertTESOL and is offered by Cambridge ESOL. Although similar in its content, mode of delivery and assessment, the two courses differ in terms of more specific components and types of moderation and assessment. Trinity lays great emphasis on reflective journal writing, professional development and self-evaluation for trainees. Both courses are accepted by the British Council as initial TESOL or TEFL qualifications for teachers in its accredited institutions in the UK and in its own teaching operations overseas.
Do I need to have prior teaching experience?
The course is designed for those with little or, more usually, no experience of teaching English.
Can I do the course if English isn't my first language?
English does not have to be your first language but you must be able to demonstrate a high level of English language skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing, whether it is a first, second or foreign language for you.
What are the entry requirements for the course?
- Candidates should be 18 or over.
- No previous teaching experience is required.
- Candidates should demonstrate that they have qualifications that would gain them entry to higher education in their home country. They will also be required to show original certificates of education to the interviewer. Official verification of its validity may be required
- Candidates have an awareness and competence in written and spoken English to enable them to follow the course.
- Non-native speakers are required to have proof of their language competence by demonstrating one of the following:
- Trinity graded examination in spoken English, Grade 10 or above
- Cambridge ESOL Certificate in Advanced or Proficiency in English
- IELTS band 7.0 (on all sub-scores) or above
- Pitman Advanced ESOL examination
- TOEFL PBT 600, CBT 250, iBT 10
- Video interview to assess your level of English
What book should I read for the course?
The Trinity CertTESOL Companion, written by award winning author Jason Anderson. You will also be given a 25-hour pre-course pack to help prepare you for the course and brush up on your language awareness skills.
