Online Certificate in TESOL
June 2, 2023 2026-10-05 5:34Online Certificate in TESOL
Undergraduate Certificate in TESOL
Start teaching English to speakers of other languages with confidence. Designed for language teachers, teachers in preparation and intending teachers, this online certificate, developed by former TESOL International Association President Dr. David Nunan, links practice to theory and research to prepare you for ESL and EFL classrooms worldwide.
Online
Video lectures and forums
15 weeks
Earn your certificate
3 credits
135 hours of study
Monthly starts
First Monday of each month
DEAC
Accredited
Why Choose the TESOL Certificate
Four reasons new and experienced teachers start here.
Designed by Dr. David Nunan
Developed and overseen by former TESOL International Association President Dr. David Nunan, with his video lectures.
Learn With Teachers Worldwide
Join daily online discussions with your instructor and classmates around the world.
Add Teaching Practice
Choose an online supervised teaching option with written feedback on your lessons, for an additional fee.
Study Around Your Job
Video lectures, readings, forum work and quizzes fit around full-time work.
Program Learning Outcomes
What you will be able to do by the time you complete the program.
Teaching the Skills
- Use a range of techniques for teaching listening, speaking, reading, writing, pronunciation and grammar
- Create instructional sequences built on the pretask, task and follow-up cycle
- Adapt or supplement an activity for a specific group of learners
Language & Culture
- Explain how cultural patterns shape communication and how cross-cultural miscommunication happens
- Design natural, discourse-focused dialogues and spoken materials
- Use consciousness-raising, receptive and productive activities to teach language differences
Learners & Methods
- Discuss research findings that have influenced language teaching methodology
- Identify major learning styles and strategies
- Apply content-based instruction and learner-choice projects to different settings
Technology & Assessment
- Use technology-enhanced learning tools for whole-class, group and individual work
- Develop classroom assessment tasks linked to learning outcomes
How You'll Learn
The 15-week course is built around about nine hours of study a week, led by Dr. David Nunan’s video lectures.
Your Certificate, Step by Step
Complete one 15-week course and earn 3 units.
01
STEP 1
Study the Course
Work through Exploring Skills, Exploring Language and Supporting the Learning Process over 15 weeks.
02
STEP 2
Pass the Course
Earn a Pass based on your discussion forum work, weekly quizzes and final exam.
03
OPTIONAL
Supervised Teaching
Teach three 30 to 60 minute online classes and receive written feedback from your instructor, for an additional fee.
Career Paths
Teach English in schools, institutes and online, with a foundation for further study.
SCHOOLS
Teach in Schools
Teach English in public, private and international schools.
- English teacher, public or private school
- International school teacher
- ESL support teacher
LANGUAGE INSTITUTES
Teach Adults and Professionals
Teach general and workplace English in institutes and companies.
- Language institute teacher
- Corporate English trainer
- University English instructor
ONLINE & TUTORING
Teach Online
Teach learners anywhere through online platforms and private lessons.
- Online English teacher
- Private English tutor
- Online course assistant
FURTHER STUDY
Go Further in TESOL
Use the certificate as a step toward further study.
- Undergraduate Diploma in TESOL
- Graduate study in TESOL
- Ongoing professional development
Meet Our Faculty
Learn from experienced academics and professionals who bring subject expertise, research, and real-world perspective into the classroom.
Dr David Nunan
Past President, TESOL International Association. Designed Anaheim University’s undergraduate TESOL certificate and diploma.
Dr MaryAnn Christison
Past President, TESOL International Association.
Dr Andy Curtis
Past President, TESOL International Association.
Dr Rod Ellis
Second language acquisition researcher; his work was awarded the Duke of Edinburgh Prize.
Ready to Start Your TESOL Certificate?
Speak with an advisor about your teaching goals, or start your application today. New courses begin every month.
Certificate in TESOL Curriculum
The Online Certificate in TESOL is a single 15-week course carrying 3 units, developed through the Anaheim University David Nunan TESOL Institute. It asks about nine hours of study a week — 135 hours in all — and a new group starts on the first Monday of every month.
The course combines teaching methodology with practical classroom application, moving through the four skills, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar and discourse, and on to learner autonomy, assessment and cross-cultural communication. It suits new teachers, experienced English language educators, and anyone preparing to teach in an ESL or EFL setting.
Dr. Jimalee Sowell, Certificate Program Coordinator, David Nunan TESOL Institute
The course runs for 15 weeks at about nine hours a week, and a new group begins on the first Monday of every month. A grade of Pass or Fail is awarded at conclusion of the program.
What the Certificate Covers
Fourteen areas across the fifteen weeks, connecting language teaching theory with classroom practice.
Curriculum Areas
The 15-week Online Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) program offers students the opportunity of developing a solid pedagogical foundation through instruction in the following areas.
- Language teaching methodology
- Listening
- Speaking
- Reading
- Writing
- Pronunciation
- Vocabulary
- Grammar
- Discourse
- Using coursebooks
- Learning styles and strategies
- Learner autonomy in the classroom
- Classroom-based assessment
- Cross-cultural communication
The course guide contains a weekly breakdown to help students allocate their time. It is a suggestion only, but one that students are advised to adhere to as closely as possible to keep up with the demanding schedule of the course. Fifteen weeks at nine hours a week makes a 135-hour course.
Studying the Certificate
The detail behind the fifteen weeks — how the course is assessed, what you read, when it starts, and where it can lead.
A grade of Pass or Fail is awarded at conclusion of the program. The grade is built from three components: the discussion forum, worth 35 per cent; the quizzes, worth 45 per cent; and the final exam, worth 20 per cent.
The course text is Practical English Language Teaching by David Nunan, published by Anaheim University Press. Dr. Nunan is a former President of the TESOL International Association, and the course is built around his video lectures as well as the book.
A new group begins on the first Monday of every month throughout the year, so there is no long wait for an intake. The course then runs for fifteen consecutive weeks.
After completing the TESOL Certificate, students who continue into the Anaheim University Online MA in TESOL or Online Graduate Diploma in TESOL are waived the tuition fee for two units of credit. A grade of B or higher in the Certificate is required.
TESOL Certificate Textbook and Course Materials
The Online Certificate in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) at Anaheim University utilizes carefully selected course materials designed to support the development of practical English language teaching skills. The required textbook serves as a foundation for understanding key concepts in TESOL, TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language), TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language), Applied Linguistics, and Second Language Acquisition. Students use the textbook alongside online video lectures, instructor-led discussions, quizzes, and learning activities throughout the 15-week program.
The textbook supports the program’s focus on connecting language teaching theory with classroom practice. Students explore topics such as lesson planning, classroom management, language skills development, learner-centered instruction, language teaching methodology, and effective strategies for teaching English to multilingual learners. These concepts help prepare teachers to work in ESL and EFL environments in schools, language institutes, universities, corporate training programs, and online learning settings.
Developed under the direction of Dr. David Nunan, Director of the Anaheim University David Nunan TESOL Institute and former President of TESOL International Association, the program emphasizes practical teaching techniques that can be applied immediately in real-world teaching situations. Students are encouraged to engage critically with the textbook content while participating in discussions and reflective learning activities throughout the course.
Textbook
Title: Practical English Language Teaching
Author: David Nunan
Publisher: Anaheim University Press
Published: 2025
Description
Practical English Language Teaching provides a comprehensive yet accessible overview of language-teaching strategies and methodologies. Designed to support both new teachers seeking foundational guidance and experienced educators exploring fresh ideas, this book introduces key aspects of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) in a practical and engaging way, including methodology, listening, speaking, reading, writing, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, discourse, content-based instruction, language learning materials, learning styles, classroom-based assessment, and learner autonomy. Chapter authors include Neil Anderson, Kathleen Bailey, Geoff Brindley, Donna Brinton, MaryAnn Christison, Averil Coxhead, Marc Helgesen, Harumi Kimura, Michael McCarthy, John Murphy, Jo Mynard, Paul Nation, David Nunan, Maggie Sokolik, Brian Tomlinson, Steve Walsh and Eddy White
What You Will Learn from the TESOL Certificate Textbook
The textbook supports learning in areas such as:
- TESOL methodology
- TEFL and TESL teaching approaches
- English language teaching techniques
- Applied Linguistics
- Second Language Acquisition
- Lesson planning
- Classroom management
- Teaching speaking, listening, reading, and writing
- Language learner development
- Learner-centered instruction
Supporting Resources for Online TESOL Study
In addition to the required textbook, students benefit from:
- Online video lectures
- Instructor guidance
- Online discussion forums
- Weekly quizzes
- Independent learning activities
Together, these resources help students build a strong foundation in English language teaching while preparing for future studies in TESOL, Applied Linguistics, Language Education, and Teacher Education.
2026 Start Dates
New courses begin on the first Monday of each month, so you can start when it suits you.
Plan Your Studies
What to expect once you start.
COURSE LENGTH
15 Weeks, 9 Hours a Week
Each course runs 15 weeks. If you need more time, a 15-week extension costs $200, up to a maximum of 30 weeks.
GRADING
Pass or Fail
Complete the course and an end-of-course survey to receive your TESOL Certificate.
OPTIONAL
Supervised Teaching
Teach three 30 to 60 minute classes for written feedback: Option A, your own learners ($300), or Option B, learners arranged by AU ($450).
REFUNDS
Cancel for a Full Refund
Cancel through the first day of the course, or the seventh day after signing, whichever is later.
Ready to Start Your TESOL Certificate?
Speak with an advisor or start your application today.
Certificate in TESOL Tuition & Fees
Tuition for the Certificate in TESOL is $1,050 per course, with a $50 records fee. The estimated total program cost is $1,280 and includes required tuition and fees, estimated textbooks, and end-of-program fees. The program is a single 3-unit course completed fully online in 15 weeks.
Students may pay tuition course by course and can also inquire about a non-interest-bearing monthly payment plan. The estimated total assumes completion within the standard 15-week schedule; a 15-week extension is $200. Graduates who continue into the MA or Graduate Diploma in TESOL may be waived the tuition fee for two units of credit.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee non-refundable | $50 |
| Registration fee non-refundable | $100 |
| STRF fee (California residents only) non-refundable | $0 |
| Course fees | |
| Tuition — $350 per credit × 3 credits | $1,050 |
| Records fee | $50 |
| Estimated textbook fees | $35 |
| Other fees | |
| Expedited registration (register ≤7 days before start) optional | $40 |
| 15-week extension optional | $200 |
| End-of-program fees | |
| Certificate | No cost |
| Replacement certificate optional | $100 |
| Certificate cover optional | $100 |
| Course completion letter optional | $35 |
| Total program cost | $1,280 |
Program Cost & Additional Enrollment
The estimated total program cost assumes successful completion within the standard 15-week schedule. Students who require additional time may take a 15-week extension for an additional $200 fee; the maximum time allowed for completion is 30 weeks. Students who register and pay for the course seven days or less before the scheduled start date will pay an expedited registration fee of $40.
Program Format
The Certificate in TESOL is a single 3-unit course completed 100% online in 15 weeks, developed through the David Nunan TESOL Institute. New courses begin on the first Monday of each month, and students study under the direction of AU’s TESOL faculty.
Textbooks
Program fees do not include textbooks. A student can plan on approximately $35 for the textbook (or $15–$20 in e-book format). A textbook list is available in the online resources of the student website.
Continuing to the MA or Graduate Diploma
After completing the TESOL Certificate, students may continue into Anaheim University’s Online MA in TESOL or Online Graduate Diploma in TESOL and be waived the tuition fee for two units of credit. Students must complete the Certificate with a grade of B or higher, meet all entrance requirements, and be accepted into the MA or Graduate Diploma in TESOL program.
Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF)
The Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) is administered by the California BPPE and applies only to California residents. The STRF fee is currently zero ($0) per one thousand dollars ($1,000) of institutional charges. The State of California established the STRF to relieve or mitigate economic loss suffered by a student in an educational program at a qualifying institution who is or was a California resident while enrolled, if the student enrolled, prepaid tuition, and suffered an economic loss. Unless relieved of the obligation to do so, you must pay the state-imposed assessment for the STRF, or it must be paid on your behalf, if you are a student in an educational program who is a California resident, or are enrolled in a residency program, and prepay all or part of your tuition. You are not eligible for protection from the STRF, and you are not required to pay the STRF assessment, if you are not a California resident or are not enrolled in a residency program.
Payment Terms
Tuition may be paid by check, credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Discover), money order or bank transfer (the student is responsible for any transaction fees imposed by the institution). The application fee must be paid at the time of application. To inquire about non-interest-bearing monthly payment plan options, email [email protected].
Certificate in TESOL Admission Requirements
The Certificate in TESOL welcomes applicants from diverse educational and professional backgrounds — new and experienced teachers, native and non-native English speakers — who want practical training in English language teaching. There are no degree or GPA requirements: applicants need only be 18 or over, or have graduated high school. No entrance examination is required.
The certificate is a single course completed 100% online in 15 weeks. Review the requirements, English proficiency standards, and enrollment restrictions below, then complete Anaheim University’s online application when you’re ready.
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Application materials | |
| Application form | Required |
| Application fee non-refundable | $50 |
| One recent color photograph | Digital is okay |
| Government-issued photo ID | Scanned copy required |
| Eligibility | |
| Minimum age / education | 18 or over, or graduated high school |
| English proficiency — non-native English speakers (one of) | |
| TOEFL | 500 PBT / 173 CBT / 61 iBT |
| IELTS | 6.0 |
| TOEIC | 625 |
| PTE Academic | 44 |
| Other qualifying options | See the full list below |
| Other | |
| Entrance examination | None required |
| Internet access | Computer with internet access required |
English Proficiency Requirements
The language of instruction at Anaheim University is exclusively English, and English language services are not provided. Non-native English speakers must provide original documentation of college-level proficiency by meeting one of the following minimum scores:
Proficiency may also be shown by a degree from an institution where English is the primary language of instruction; a transcript showing 30 semester hours taught in English with a “C” average, or a “C” or higher in an English composition class. Other accepted qualifications include BULATS Level 3 (60, accepted only for Cultura Inglesa in Brazil); ACT COMPASS ESL Placement Level 3; Eiken Pre-1; a CEFR B1 level assessed through recognized ESOL examinations, including the University of Cambridge; Duolingo English Test 95; Michigan MET 53; or the College Board Accuplacer ESL series.
Transcripts not in English: if your institution does not routinely issue transcripts in English, original-language records must be submitted with official English translations issued by the university or a professional translation service (Accredited Language Services, Berlitz, Liaison Linguistics, Josef Silny & Associates, American Evaluation & Translation Services, or Education Evaluators International). Translations must be exact and complete versions of the original records.
Enrollment Restrictions by State
Anaheim University currently does not accept students who reside in the following U.S. states and territories. If you reside in one of these locations, please contact Student Services at 714-772-3330 before applying.
How to Apply
- 1Submit your applicationComplete the Anaheim University admissions application. You may apply online or download the PDF application and submit it by email.
- 2Submit your supporting documentsProvide a recent passport-size color photograph and a government-issued photo ID, and — if you are a non-native English speaker — English-proficiency documentation. Documents may be uploaded with the online application or emailed to [email protected]. No academic transcripts are required for admission.
- 3Pay the application feePay the application fee. Payment may be made by credit card, check or money order, or bank wire transfer. For payment instructions or assistance, contact [email protected].
- 4Send required original documentsAny required original application documents that are not submitted online should be sent by registered mail to:
Anaheim University
Office of Admissions, Room 110
1240 S. State College Blvd.
Anaheim, CA 92806-5150
USA - 5Application reviewOnce your application materials are received, Anaheim University will review your application. A receipt for the application fee will be provided, and if your application is incomplete, the University will contact you with instructions regarding any outstanding materials.
- 6Complete your enrollmentIf your application is approved, you will receive an acceptance notification and Enrollment Agreement. Complete and return the required enrollment documentation and follow the University’s instructions for payment, registration, and beginning your program.
Experienced TESOL, TEFL, TESL and Applied Linguistics Educators
David Nunan, Ph.D
Master of Arts in TESOL Designer & David Nunan TESOL Institute Director Senior Professor: TESOL Dr. David Nunan is the Director of the Anaheim University…
Jimalee Sowell, Ph.D.
Certificate Program Coordinator, David Nunan TESOL Institute Instructor: TESOL Jimalee Sowell holds a Ph.D. in Composition and Applied Linguistics at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and…
TESOL, TEFL and TESL Faculty Expertise
The faculty of Anaheim University’s Online Certificate in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) bring extensive experience in English Language Teaching (ELT), TESOL teacher education, TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language), TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language), Applied Linguistics, and Second Language Acquisition. The program is developed and overseen by Dr. David Nunan, former President of TESOL International Association and Director of the Anaheim University David Nunan TESOL Institute.
Faculty Experienced in English Language Teaching and Teacher Education
Students in the Online TESOL Certificate program learn from educators with experience in language teaching, teacher training, curriculum development, and language education. Faculty members help students develop practical teaching skills, understand language learning processes, and apply effective TESOL methodologies in ESL and EFL classrooms. The program is designed for aspiring English language teachers, experienced educators seeking professional development, and individuals interested in teaching English internationally or online.
Learn from Experienced Language Teacher Educators
Through instructor guidance, online discussions, and instructional materials, students gain practical knowledge in English language teaching, lesson planning, classroom management, learner-centered instruction, and language teaching methodology while building a foundation for future studies in TESOL, Applied Linguistics, and Language Education.
