How to Apply

Trinity College CERT TESOL

Eligibility

Essentially, we would expect applicants to be aged 18 or over, appropriately qualified, and, if not a native English speaker, be at least of advanced level (CEFR C1) for the Trinity CERT TESOL Course. You will be given a number of written assignments to complete so a suitable standard of literacy is important. While a university degree is clearly helpful when it comes to taking this course, we would not regard it an essential element. However, a high standard of literacy, a willingness to learn, an empathy with the students taught and a determination to succeed, particularly in the face of any setbacks received, are of critical importance.  More specifically, UK applicants should possess either a minimum of 3 ‘A’ Levels or the equivalent in terms of demonstrated academic and study potential, and non-UK residents the equivalent version in their own country such as a TOEFL score of 600 (250 computer-based score), IELTS band 7.0 overall and 8.0 for speaking, CAE or CPE.

A handwritten test will be set at the interview stage, prior to the formal interview to ensure that your literacy level is appropriate and that you have a general awareness of language systems and structures. Should an applicant be from overseas, this will be done through a timed scan and email exercise.

The interview will also enable us to ascertain that you can demonstrate the qualities needed to work as a team player, with the ability to offer constructive feedback and the capacity to deal with potentially stressful situations such as the meeting of deadlines and teaching in front of a large group.

In addition, candidates, whether from overseas or otherwise, must be able to show that they can be easily understood by those they are teaching, in terms of accent, clarity, volume and pace of speech as well as revealing an awareness of regional and international varieties of English.

Please be aware that the course may be stressful. Do let us know of any conditions from which you suffer that may be a factor in its eventual outcome.

Should you have a form of dyslexia, do advise us of the degree of severity involved and how you think you will be able to deal with that issue, particularly with regard to using the whiteboard, giving spellings on request, and marking homework, for example.

In terms of physical disabilities, we advise applicants that the course must be completed in its entirety and that they be able to read and mark students’ work on the spot, assess spoken English and use a full range of classroom equipment and aids. The Certificate cannot be issued with conditions.

Any criminal convictions that affect your suitability to teach should also be disclosed at the Application stage.

Please note that a handwritten letter, stating your reasons for doing the course, should be sent to the Centre along with your application.

In terms of criteria, only those applicants who reveal the necessary characteristics of awareness of what is involved in ELT, motivation and a determination to succeed, empathy with the learner’s mindset, and can offer solutions to practical questions such as how to deal with the disappointment of an unsuccessful teaching practice, will be offered a place on the course.

Booking

Once you have decided to proceed, just complete the on-line booking form below, after which we will contact you to arrange an interview.

Please see the ELIGIBILITY section above for further details.

Following a successful interview, you will be asked to pay a deposit of £200 to reserve your place. The full payment should be made no less than 1 month before Course commencement.

Course Enrolment Form