The ACTDEC framework set out below provides a benchmark for level, length of course and qualifications.
This is a distance-learning standard reference framework for course comparison recognised by the ELT profession.
| COURSE | ACTDEC LEVEL* |
| 70—100-hour Introductory Distance-training Courses leading to the Preliminary Certificate of Educational Studies in TESOL and the qualification Pre-Cert.(ES)TESOL TESOL Assistant |
2 |
| 120-hour Distance-training Courses leading to the Certificate of Educational Studies in TESOL and the qualification Cert.(ES)TESOL Associate Teacher of ESOL |
3 |
| 150-hour Distance-training Courses leading to the Certificate of Educational Studies in TESOL and the qualification Cert.(ES)TESOL Associate Teacher of ESOL |
4 |
| 250-hour Distance-training Courses leading to the Certificate in the Theory and Methodology of TESOL (higher certificate in TESOL) and the qualification Cert.(TM)TESOL Accredited teacher status |
5 |
| 325-hour Distance plus Residential training Courses leading to the Advanced Certificate in TESOL and the qualification Adv.Cert.TESOL Accredited teacher status |
5A |
| 450 hour Distance-training Courses leading to the Diploma in the Theory and Methodology of TESOL or TESP and the qualification Dip.(TM)TESOL or Dip.(TM)TESP Senior teacher status [Open to candidates who are qualified or experienced teachers with at least two years’ full-time teaching experience.] |
6 |
| 525 hour Distance plus Residential training Courses leading to the Advanced Diploma in TESOL and the qualification Adv.Dip.TESOL Senior teacher status [Open to candidates who are qualified or experienced teachers with at least two years’ full-time teaching experience.] |
6A |
*Current ACTDEC levels as agreed by committee 2013
If you are an ACTDEC student with a certificate awarded at the previous level (pre-2014) and wish to receive a new certificate reflecting current levels, you can request a new certificate for £15GBP (inc. international postage).
Accreditation and Validation
We are sometimes asked to clarify the usual distinction made between ‘accreditation’ and ‘validation’.
Accreditation.
To give official recognition, certify or guarantee as meeting prescribed standards such as those set out in the ACTDEC Code of Practice and ELT syllabus.
Validation.
To give official confirmation of a ‘licence’ to use a name or title or to confirm, ratify or corroborate usage.
Course Length
The length of an ELT distance course is extremely important and relates to the standing of the award.
Programmes of 60 hours or less are simply of an introductory nature. A certificate of educational studies in TESOL is usually 150 hours and a diploma takes 450 hours.