I want to earn a certificate for teaching english as a second/foreign language. Which is/are the best to get?

Question

I'm especially interested in the online programs.

(I've read that the Cambridge certificate is the most comprehensive, but they don't offer a program where I live.)

Answer 1

Try ICAL who are both reliable and well established in the field and offer an online TESL/TEFL Certificate. An online course is excellent for getting started in teaching and seeing if you like the work. It's entry level stuff.

Later, after a few years working and after making sure you want to make it your career, then it's the time to go ahead with something like a CELTA and Trinity.  

Answer 2

Depends on where you live.

CELTA is probably the best. LCCI and Trinity/RSA are also very good.

Most countries offer their own version of the CELTA and you will have to check this out - the best place to look is the dept of educations website - they usually have a section on teacher accreditation.

In Ireland, it has to be ACELS approved (and you have to have obtained a primary degree (in any subject) first.

Online programmes are limited in that they don't offer classroom practice - which is essential for any reputable qualification. Most schools will not take on someone who has not been observed teaching in front of a class. Schools who do take on unproven teachers usually pay badly and are in general a bit dodgy. All of the reputable TEFL courses have at least 6 hours of observed teaching practice.