The TESL Certificate program is designed for pre- and in-service teachers and those who are interested in teaching local and international students in Canada or overseas.

There are two Certificate options:

• TESL Coursework Certificate (12 credits)
• TESL Certificate with Practicum (15 credits)

TESL Certificate students gain experience and understanding in such areas as:

• instructional methodology
• curriculum design
• second language assessment
• second language acquisition
• language socialization
• intercultural communication

There are two types of TESL certificates: the TESL Coursework Certificate and the TESL Certificate with Practicum.

To receive the 12-credit TESL Coursework Certificate from the Department of Language and Literacy Education, a student must complete LLED 489 (6 credits) and LLED 478 (6 credits).

To receive the 15-credit TESL Certificate with Practicum, a student must complete LLED 489 (6 credits), LLED 478 (6 credits) and LLED 399 (3 credits). Note that we offer LLED 489A (3 credits), LLED 489B (3 credits), LLED 489C (6 credits), LLED 478A (3 credits), LLED 478B (3 credits) and LLED 478C (6 credits). Students are recommended to take LLED 489 prior to taking LLED 478. They are also recommended to take LLED 489A prior to LLED 489B and LLED 478A prior to LLED 478B.

The target learners include the following groups:

• School teachers who want to be certified to teach ESL
• Education students in the process of getting their bachelor degree
• Students in their third or fourth year of university study
• Other unclassified local or international students who wish to teach in colleges or private language schools in Canada or overseas

Find out more information about how to apply and register.

For the most up-to-date information on this program, including admissions information and program requirements, please visit the UBC Calendar.

For full details on the TESL Certificate, visit the LLED Department webpage.

Apply via the Teacher Education Office