Accreditation Council for TESOL Distance Education Courses
Independent accreditation for online and distance TESOL training
Setting and maintaining professional standards since 1993. We help quality providers stand out — and we help trainees verify who is genuinely accredited.
What is ACTDEC?
ACTDEC is an independent body whose function is to provide frameworks and accreditation structures for providers of distance or online ELT training. This mission is motivated by the need for such globally available programmes to be monitored for the benefit of course providers, employers and students.
We do not sell courses. We audit organisations and specific programmes against a published Code of Practice and Key Performance Indicators.
Why ACTDEC matters
Independent audit
Organisational and course review against a published Code of Practice.
Levels framework
Clear Levels 2–5 aligned to Language, Culture, Instruction, Assessment and Professionalism.
Ongoing monitoring
Membership is current only while standards continue to be met.
Public lists only
A public list of currently accredited members — and those no longer accredited.
Accredited brands
Current members and brands
Only these organisations currently hold ACTDEC accreditation. Global English is the flagship partner; Christian TEFL and TEFL Global sit under that accreditation.
Global English
Flagship accredited partner
ACTDEC Levels 3, 4 and 5
Christian TEFL
Brand under Global English accreditation
Covered by Global English ACTDEC accreditation
TEFL Global
Brand under Global English accreditation
Covered by Global English ACTDEC accreditation
The Really Great Teacher Company
Accredited member since 2021
ACTDEC Level 3 · 120-hour TEFL
What our members say
“The Audit has been a very positive exercise for us. The depth of your feedback is much appreciated and has certainly helped us reflect critically on what we do and how we present Global English TESOL.”
“We would like to thank ACTDEC for their support, guidance, and professionalism through which we were able to improve, update and polish our TEFL course during their thorough accreditation process.”
ACTDEC is a member of IATEFL and its Teacher Training and Education Special Interest Group. Accredited members gain access to IATEFL Voices, SIG updates and events.