Framework
Levels Framework
ACTDEC Levels 2–5: official qualification titles, hours and aims.
ACTDEC accredits online and distance TESOL courses at four levels, organised around five domains of learning: Language, Culture, Instruction, Assessment and Professionalism. The same domains apply at each level; depth increases from Level 2 to Level 5.
Entry requirement across levels: a good general education, up to an accepted level for university entrance, and sufficient English to benefit from the course and to teach in English afterwards.
Level 2: Preliminary Certificate of Educational Studies in TESOL
70–100 hours · Pre-Cert. (ES) TESOL
A basic introduction to TESOL for those unfamiliar with the field. It offers a grounding in key concepts and practices for those wishing to assist in the language classroom and/or considering full certification. Aimed at candidates with no previous experience of teaching English; useful for gap-year teaching assistant posts.
Level 2 standards & learning outcomes – PDF download
Level 3: Certificate of Educational Studies in TESOL
120 hours · Cert. (ES) TESOL
Equips trainee teachers with the initial knowledge and skills needed to start teaching English to speakers of other languages and provides a foundation for reflective practice. Compared with Level 4 it takes a slightly less in-depth look at differentiation, assessment and professionalism. Holders of this qualification almost always obtain suitable teaching posts.
Level 3 standards & learning outcomes – PDF download
Level 4: Higher Certificate of Educational Studies in TESOL
150 hours · H.Cert. (ES) TESOL
Equips trainee teachers to work in TESOL with an in-depth focus on particular aspects of teaching and learning. Testifies to the ability to manage and implement teaching and learning methods and to a foundation in current and historic research and theories. Aimed at candidates with little or no TESOL experience seeking certified employment.
Level 4 standards & learning outcomes – PDF download
Level 5: Advanced Certificate in the Theory and Methodology of TESOL
240–250 hours · Adv.Cert (TM) TESOL
Fosters professional knowledge, competence and skills through an in-depth exploration of TESOL theory and application. Deeper work on theories of language and language learning, learner variables, assessment theory and professionalism. Aimed at practitioners with some experience, but can also be taken with little or no prior TESOL experience because it includes and goes beyond foundation skills.
Level 5 standards & learning outcomes – PDF download