ESL Certification: What It Is & How to Get Started

Search online for “ESL certification” and you’ll find a maze of acronyms—TEFL, TESOL, CELTA, and more. It’s no wonder so many people feel overwhelmed when trying to figure out how to get certified to teach English. The good news? You’re not alone—and you’re likely already on the right track.

Most people looking for “ESL certification” are dreaming of teaching English either abroad, online, or in their local communities. Whether you want to live in Tokyo, teach from a laptop on the beach, or help new arrivals settle into life in an English-speaking country, the path usually starts the same way: getting properly trained.

Let’s clear up the confusion and help you choose the right kind of certification for your teaching goals.

What People Mean by “ESL Certification”

When people say “ESL certification,” they usually mean a TEFL or TESOL certificate. And that’s totally understandable. ESL (English as a Second Language) is the term most often used in schools and public institutions across the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. So it’s no surprise that people assume you need an “ESL certificate” to teach.

But here’s the key: ESL describes the learners, not the certification. The certifications themselves are usually labeled TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). Both are designed to prepare teachers to work with non-native English speakers—whether you’re teaching immigrants in your own country or flying overseas to teach in a classroom in Vietnam.

So if you’re Googling “ESL certification,” chances are you’re in the right place—you just need to know which acronym fits your path best.

TEFL vs TESOL: The Most Common ESL Certifications

The two most common certifications for teaching English are TEFL and TESOL—and if you’re searching for “ESL certification,” you’re almost certainly looking for one of these.

• TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) is typically used when teaching English in countries where English is not the native language. Think teaching in Thailand, Colombia, or South Korea—or even teaching students in those countries online.

• TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) is slightly broader. It includes teaching in both foreign countries and English-speaking ones. It’s more commonly used in academic and policy contexts, especially in North America.

In practice? Most TEFL and TESOL courses teach the same core skills. Employers usually accept either, especially for entry-level roles abroad or online. If you’re just getting started, the difference won’t matter much—what matters is that the course is reputable and meets the required hours.

👉 Compare TEFL vs TESOL

Who Needs ESL Certification?

Not sure if you need to get certified? Here’s who typically does:

• First-time teachers heading abroad – If you’re planning to teach English in countries like Japan, Vietnam, Spain, or Chile, you’ll almost always need a TEFL or TESOL certificate. It helps with both visas and job offers.

• Online teachers – Platforms like Cambly, Preply, or italki often accept teachers without degrees, but they expect at least a basic TEFL certification to ensure quality teaching.

• Volunteers and career changers – If you want to support refugee communities, tutor immigrants in your city, or ease into a new teaching career, certification gives you the tools and confidence to start strong.

• Teachers aiming for jobs in English-speaking countries – If you want to work in public schools or colleges in the US, UK, or Canada, a basic TEFL certificate alone may not be enough. You’ll often need additional credentials like a PGCE, CELTA, or an MA TESOL—but a TEFL course is still a solid starting point.

No matter where you want to teach, getting trained makes you a more effective, employable, and confident teacher.

What to Look for in an ESL (TEFL/TESOL) Certification

If you're new to English teaching, the right certification can open doors around the world—but not all courses are created equal. Here’s what to focus on when choosing one:

• 120 hours minimum: This is the global standard. Anything less is seen as insufficient by most employers, especially for visa purposes.

• Online vs in-person: Online courses are flexible and affordable—great if you're working or traveling. In-person or hybrid courses offer more hands-on experience but come at a higher cost. Both can be valid; it depends on your learning style and goals.

• Accreditation: Look for courses that are externally accredited or quality-assured (e.g., OFQUAL, DEAC). While accreditation isn’t always required, it adds legitimacy and can make a difference with choosier employers.

• Support and extras:

  • Does the course include tutor feedback or graded assignments?
  • Will you complete observed teaching practice?
  • Do they offer job placement assistance or alumni networks?

These features can dramatically improve your training experience—and your job prospects.

Types of ESL Certifications

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to English teaching credentials. Here’s a breakdown of your main options:

• Entry-Level TEFL/TESOL Certificates

  • 120 hours, online or in-person
  • Most affordable and widely accepted
  • Ideal for beginners, online tutors, and first-time teachers abroad

• Advanced or Level 5 TEFL Certificates

  • OFQUAL-regulated (UK), roughly equivalent to a foundation degree
  • More rigorous, with assessments and tutor interaction
  • Great for competitive markets or those wanting higher-paying roles

• CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults)

  • Cambridge-accredited, highly respected
  • In-person, full-time (or part-time intensive), includes real classroom teaching
  • Best for those planning long-term ESL careers in English-speaking countries or international schools

• Postgraduate Qualifications

  • MA TESOL, PGCE, or state licensure
  • Required for public school teaching in the US, UK, and other English-speaking countries
  • Best for career educators or those aiming for academic or senior roles

Not sure which path to take? If you want to teach abroad or online, start with a 120-hour TEFL course. You can always level up later once you’ve gained experience and clarity.

Where to Get Certified

There are hundreds of TEFL and TESOL courses out there—but not all of them are worth your time or money. Choosing the right provider can shape your teaching opportunities, visa eligibility, and overall confidence in the classroom.

What Makes a Course High-Quality?

• Accreditation from a recognized educational body or authority.
• Structured, practical content that prepares you to teach real students—not just theory.
• Tutor support and feedback, not just automated lessons.
• Transparent pricing, without hidden fees or upsells.
• Job assistance or placement guidance included with the course.

Many first-time teachers are tempted by ultra-cheap or “instant certificate” options, but these often fail to meet visa requirements—or even school expectations. A reputable course will not only give you the skills you need but also boost your employability and credibility.

When in doubt, read independent reviews, check for clear accreditation details, and make sure the provider offers ongoing support—not just a PDF certificate.

👉 Explore: Best TEFL Courses

ESL Certification for Online Teaching

Even if you're not heading abroad just yet, certification still matters—especially if you're teaching English online.

Why You Still Need It:

Most reputable online ESL platforms—like Cambly, Preply, or AmazingTalker—either require or prefer certified teachers. A TEFL or TESOL certificate shows that you understand lesson planning, language structure, and how to manage virtual classrooms.

Platforms That Require Certification:

• VIPKid (paused new hiring, but formerly required TEFL)
• iTutorGroup
• Palfish Official Course

Platforms That Don’t Require Certification (but it helps):

• Cambly
• Preply
• SkimaTalk

Even if it’s not mandatory, being certified:

• Boosts your chances of getting hired
• Lets you charge higher rates
• Builds your confidence and skillset

If your dream is to teach remotely while traveling—or to work from home long-term—this is one of the smartest investments you can make.

👉 Learn more: Teach English Online

ESL Certification for Teaching in the US, UK, or Canada

If you want to teach English to immigrants or international students in countries like the US, UK, or Canada, the bar is a bit higher than for TEFL jobs abroad.

What You’ll Typically Need:

• CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults): Highly respected, especially in the UK and internationally.
• PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education): Required for public school positions in the UK.
• TESOL or Applied Linguistics Degrees: Often expected for adult education or college-level ESL jobs.
• M.Ed. in TESOL or ESL Education: Common for public school roles in the US and Canada.

Don’t Have Those Yet?

You can still get started through:

• Volunteer programs with refugees, immigrants, or adult learners.
• Community organizations, libraries, and NGOs.
• Entry-level ESL assistant roles that may only require a TEFL or TESOL certificate to begin.

Even in English-speaking countries, having a TEFL or TESOL certificate shows initiative and foundational training—which is often enough to open doors while you pursue further credentials.

Final Thoughts

If you landed here searching for “ESL certification,” you’re not alone—and you’re also not far off.

In most cases, TEFL or TESOL certification is what you actually need to get hired as an English teacher, whether you’re planning to go abroad, teach online, or work in local communities.

The right certification sets you up for success:

• Whether your goal is to travel and teach,
• Support new arrivals in your home country,
• Or launch a flexible, location-independent career.

What matters most is getting started with reliable training, a clear goal, and an openness to where this path might take you.