Type "online TEFL course" into a search engine and a bewildering range of course providers and courses will come up. How on earth do you choose? Below are six top tips on how to choose a high quality TESOL course.

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1. Look for an accredited course, and then check the accrediting body's credentials. Don't just assume that because a provider says "accredited" on their website that they are a quality course provider. Find out what that means in terms of the standards required by the accreditor. 

2. Don't go for the cheapest option! It is worth considering that a really first class professional, interactive distance programme is costly (both in terms of time and money) to produce and maintain and a reputable provider will hire experienced, professional tutors who don't necessarily come cheap. 

3. Try to compare like for like in terms of the number of hours of course provided, and dig a little deeper to find out the breakdown of hours per module/unit. As a general rule, anything below 100 hours is not a "Certificate" level course, which is generally the minimum level an employer will consider. (See our Levels Framework for more information on this.)

4. Check to see whether references/links are provided and whether these are up to date - look at any "freebie" materials offered on the website, for example, video lessons, blogs, sample lessons etc. Good course providers will stay on top of latest research in the field and update their materials and methods on an ongoing basis.  

5. Ask the provider for their minimum qualifications for tutors/trainers. At ACTDEC, we recommend that tutors should have a qualification that is at least one level up from the course they are teaching. So, if they are teaching a Cert-level, they should have, as a minimum, a Diploma or equivalent. Additionally, they should have at least 3 years' teaching experience.

6. Find out how you will be assessed on the course. We can't stress how important well-planned assessment is for a quality learning experience. You should know what the learning objectives are for each module and how you will be evaluated against these learning outcomes.

7. Make sure that you will receive constructive feedback on your assignments from a qualified tutor. This is particularly important in an online environment because you won't have the benefit of learning from your peers. In general terms, the more contact you are offered with your tutor (provides constructive feedback on tasks and assignments, answers questions, checks in with you from time to time), the better the course.