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Understanding the Importance of Accreditation in TEFL

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If you're considering teaching English abroad and starting a new adventure, getting TEFL certified is a crucial step - the days of finding work teaching English abroad without any form of TEFL-related education are long gone! However, choosing an online TEFL certification can be more challenging than the course itself, as there are several factors to consider - from duration to accreditation of the course.

How long should a good TEFL course be?

Generally speaking, the length of the course might make a difference in how prepared you feel for your first classroom experience. Usually, the longer the course, the more in-depth your study will be.

Most employers will expect a qualification of 120 hours or longer. This meets international standards and most employers' requirements. While shorter courses may be available, opting for 120 hours ensures broader eligibility for teaching positions in the future.

How can you identify a reputable TEFL course provider?

There is no official regulation of the TEFL industry, so there is a wide range of courses of varying quality and reputation. In some of the best courses, students are assigned a personal tutor who will mark their work and answer their questions throughout the course. These tutors are qualified TEFL teachers and teacher trainers. Consider your learning style and choose accordingly.

To guide you in deciding whether a TEFL course reputable or not, there are a few pointers:

Research the course provider extensively online. Look for good reviews and bad reviews. However, remember that some negative reviews might be caused by candidates’ unrealistic expectations, as it is impossible to please everyone.
Have a look at their website. Does it look professional or does it look like it was put together in 5 minutes, with bad English, wild promises and no proper accreditation?
Check out the content of the course and compare it to the content of others.
Check out the trainers. Are they qualified to a higher level? If not, do they have significant experience?

Ultimately, go with what your gut feeling tells you. If there is something that doesn’t look (or feel) quite right, choose another provider.

The benefits of choosing an accredited course

Although last on this list, course accreditation should be the first thing to consider when choosing a TEFL course. Accreditation means that a third party has thoroughly evaluated the course materials, trainers, and success rates to meet internationally accepted standards. An accredited TEFL course provides assurance of quality and trustworthiness.

One of the primary benefits of opting for an accredited TEFL course is the assurance of quality education. Accreditation is a process through which an external organization evaluates and approves a course based on predetermined standards. Accredited courses undergo rigorous assessments, ensuring that they meet established criteria for curriculum, teaching methods, resources, and assessment practices. By choosing an accredited TEFL course, aspiring teachers can be confident in receiving high-quality training that aligns with industry standards.

Furthermore, accreditation adds a layer of professional recognition to your TEFL certification. When you complete an accredited TEFL course, you earn a credential that is widely recognized and respected within the teaching community. Potential employers, whether language schools or institutions, often prefer hiring candidates who have completed accredited courses. They view accreditation as a mark of quality and assurance that the teacher possesses the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively teach English as a foreign language.

The impact of an accredited TEFL course in the employment scene

In the competitive job market for English language teaching positions, having an accredited TEFL certification can significantly enhance your employment prospects. Many reputable language schools and educational institutions worldwide require their teachers to hold an accredited TEFL qualification. By investing in an accredited course, you open the doors to a wider range of job opportunities both domestically and internationally. Accreditation gives you a competitive edge and demonstrates your commitment to professionalism and excellence.

Accredited TEFL courses typically offer comprehensive support and guidance to their students. From the moment you enroll until you complete your course, you can expect assistance from experienced tutors who can answer your questions, provide feedback on assignments, and offer guidance throughout your learning journey. Accredited course providers prioritize student success and are committed to helping you become a confident and effective English language teacher.

What are valid accreditations for a TEFL course?

The TEFL industry faces a significant challenge due to the absence of a single international accrediting or regulatory body. This means that anyone can create, market, and sell a TEFL course without strict oversight. They can even establish their own accrediting body, such as ‘The World Federation of TEFL providers’, and claim that their TEFL course is accredited. Technically, it may be accredited, but this accreditation lacks credibility and substance.

However, there are several genuine and reputable organizations that accredit TEFL certification programs. Some organizations focus specifically on accrediting TEFL courses, while others accredit various types of online and distance learning programs, including TEFL. Some accrediting bodies even endorse both online and on-site learning.

When exploring a TEFL course, look for indications of accreditation on the course provider's website and then conduct research on that organization. Check if the course provider is listed on the accrediting body's website as one of their accredited courses and evaluate the credibility of the accrediting body itself. Does it appear reputable? Has it accredited other trustworthy-looking TEFL courses? Does its website exude professionalism? These factors can help you determine the legitimacy of the accreditation.

Here are some reputable accreditation bodies to look out for:

Ofqual (The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation) - responsible for regulating education standards, certifications and exams in England and Wales.
DEAC (Distance Education Accrediting Commission) accredits distance learning providers across the USA and internationally.
ODLQC (Open & Distance Learning Quality Council) monitors quality in open and distance learning.

Follow the accreditation path

In an industry that lacks a centralized regulatory body, it is crucial to select a reputable TEFL course provider with legitimate accreditation. Careful research and scrutiny of accrediting organizations are essential to ensure you receive a high-quality education and enhance your employment prospects as a confident English language teacher.