The TESOL Certificate Program is designed for anyone interested in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. Learners are taught the communicative approach to teaching, practice techniques for engaging and motivating students in a multicultural learning environment, and develop their own lesson plans. Upon completion students will have the skills necessary to start teaching English language learners anywhere in the world. 

The program is fifteen (15) weeks in length and consists of 150 clock hours of instruction and training.

Completion of the TESOL Certificate Program may be used as a waiver for the English Proficiency requirement of some IIFA programs.

Admission to the Program

• The TESOL Certificate Program is open to the general population
• No prior study of linguistics or teaching experience is required
• Students must be at least 17 years old; a high-school graduate, or have completed a level of education equivalent to the high-school level

Completion Requirements

In order to receive a certificate of completion, students must complete the fifteen (15) week course (150 clock hours) with a passing grade. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this program for?

Students who are interested in English as a second or foreign language instruction, or who are interested in studying in a program at Illinois Institute of Fine Arts that requires proof of English language proficiency.

Additionally, this program is for students interested in obtaining an English proficiency certificate for future career opportunities.

What background knowledge is necessary?

No prior teaching experience is necessary.  

Why should I enroll in this program instead of taking the TOEFL or other language proficiency exam?

This course will provide you with authentic language practice and give you the opportunity to work closely with an English-speaking instructor. You will enhance your language skills by working with your peers and will feel confident using your English skills in an English-speaking academic environment.

In addition, if you are interested in enrolling in a higher level program at Illinois Institute of Fine Arts, this program will provide proof of language proficiency without the need to study for and take the TOEFL or other language proficiency exam.

Will I also need to take the TOEFL or IELTS exams to enroll in higher level courses at Illinois Institute of Fine Arts?

Upon receiving your certificate after completing the TESOL Certificate Program, you will have satisfied your language proficiency requirement needed to study in some higher level programs at IIFA and will not need to take the TOEFL or IELTS exams.

Does this certificate offer credit?

This certificate does not provide credit toward a degree program.

Students who complete this program will earn a certificate that can be used to prove their proficiency in English at the graduate academic level in order to pursue a degree at Illinois Institute of Fine Arts.

Will this program satisfy the language proficiency requirement for international students at all colleges/universities or just IIFA?

The certificate earned by successfully completing this program is currently accepted as proof of language proficiency at IIFA only. However, the course will prepare all international students for the demands of an English-speaking classroom environment, but may not be accepted as proof of language proficiency at other colleges/universities.

What will the completion of this program provide for learners?

Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive a TESOL certificate from Illinois Institute of Fine Arts. Such a certificate can help veteran teachers attain better employment, or new teachers to enter the field.  

Successful completion of this program will also provide you with proof of English language proficiency that can be used for admission to certain programs at Illinois Institute of Fine Arts or as proof of language proficiency for future employers.

Can I take this program for free?

No. This certificate is available only to learners who have paid for the program.

Is financial assistance available?

Financial assistance is not available for this certificate.