If you are going to invest time and money in gaining a TEFL qualification, then it makes sense to gain a certification that is respected and accepted at English language schools throughout the world.

There are a number of different TEFL qualifications available at Irish schools and colleges and designed for people with little or no previous teaching experience, that open up a whole world of exciting teaching opportunities. Many of these courses are run at different institutions, each of which has to conform to the guidelines laid down by the certification bodies in order for their courses to be recognised.

CELTA
Maybe the most popular global TEFL qualification is the Certificate of English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA). This is awarded by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES), which is part of the prestigious University of Cambridge in the UK.

The CELTA qualification features continuous assessment and has no final examination. An external assessor, appointed by Cambridge ESOL, moderates each course. Students must have taught for a total of six hours, working with classes at two levels of ability, and have completed four written assignments: (one focusing on adult learning, the language system of English, language skills and classroom teaching).

TESOL
The certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (Cert TESOL) is awarded by Trinity College London. The Cert TESOL is accepted by the British Council as an initial TESOL qualification for teachers in its accredited teaching organisations in the UK and in its own teaching operations overseas. Credits are also awarded towards degree programmes offered by the Open University in the UK.

The CertTESOL is made up of five units covering teaching skills, language awareness, learner profile, and unknown language. Students must complete six hours of teaching; keep a journal including lesson plans, self evaluation and materials assessment, undertake a test or practical project; prepare a simple linguistic profile and needs analysis; and undertake an interview with a Trinity moderator.

Other Awards
While the CELTA and TESOL are the two most recognisable TEFL qualifications available to potential teachers, they are far from the only useful qualifications on offer. The ODLQC (Open and Distance Learning Quality Council) are an example of another international authority who oversee TEFL qualifications.

The Irish government Department of Education require all trainees to undertake ACELS recognised TEFL certificate courses if they wish to teach in Irish schools. Holders of other awards that are demonstrated to meet the required standards can present copies of certificates and transcripts to ACELS who will then either accept or deny the request. You can check if the school you are considering is listed with ACELS by visiting their website at www.acels.ie .

Children
The above qualifications are designed to train teachers of adults. Children learn differently however, and teachers of children require different methods and materials. If you are interested in teaching English to children, especially anyone under the age of 12, you should consider a specialised qualification such as the CertTEYL (Teaching English to Young Learners).

Postgraduate
Those looking to get into TEFL as a career can even go on and study Teaching English as a Foreign Language as a postgraduate course. UCD, UL, NUIG and other Irish higher level institutions all offer Masters level qualifications in TEFL. Other related subjects such as Applied Languages, Applied Linguistics and English can offer opportunities for students interested in the TEFL area, with research masters and PhD courses all potential choices.