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40-Hour Basic Certificate
Foundational Online TEFL / TESOL Course
Learn the theory behind teaching English as a Foreign Language.
The 40-Hour Basic TEFL / TESOL Course provides an introduction to the principles of teaching English as a Foreign Language. This affordable certification can easily be upgraded to a Professional TEFL / TESOL Certificate at any time to qualify for teaching jobs worldwide.
Start Learning Today!
40-Hour Basic Certificate
Understand the core principles behind teaching English as a foreign language.
Chris, Bridge grad from the USA
Bridge's Best in Class Experience
100% online
100% Online Start anytime and work from any device.
Personal tutor
Get feedback and ask questions throughout the course.
Flexible schedule
Work at your own pace–complete in 3 months or less.
Interactive content
Instructional videos, downloadable resources, quizzes & activities, and discussion board.
Continuing education units
Earn up to 4 Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
Job placement assistance
Access the Bridge Job Board to connect with our Preferred Employer Partners and explore resources to support your TEFL job search.
Upgrade anytime
Start with a Foundational Certificate and upgrade to the 120-hour Master Certificate at any time.
40-Hour Basic Certificate Course Information
| Length | 12 weeks |
|---|---|
| Start date | The course starts the day you enroll |
| Certification hours | 40 hours |
| Price |
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| Format | 100% online and self-paced. |
| Language requirements | B1 CEFR level; proof of language proficiency is not required. (See Course Requirements below for more details.) |
| Instructors | Personal tutor (experienced ESL/EFL instructor) to grade assignments and provide support. |
| CEUs available | 4 CEUs (Learn more about earning CEUs below.) |
| Module 01 | The Role of the Teacher and Learner and Language Learning Methodology |
|---|---|
| Module 02 | Classroom Management |
| Module 03 | Language Systems and Skills, and a Brief History of English |
| Module 04 | Acquiring a New Language |
| Module 05 | Testing for the EFL/ESL Student |
| Module 06 | Culture and the EFL/ESL Classroom |
6
Module Quizzes
2
Graded Assignments
7
Instructional Videos
6
Discussion Board Activities
Learning Objectives
When you complete our course, you’ll be able to:
- Categorize historic and current language instructional methodologies such as Communicative Language Teaching, Audio-lingual Method, and the Direct Method.
- Identify the characteristics of effective classroom instructions, error corrections, and strategies for effectively prompting students and/or eliciting information from them.
- Categorize and give examples of classroom strategies for teaching English and its language skills: speaking, writing, reading, and listening.
- Apply student techniques to language learning through metacognitive strategies to promote student autonomy and success.
- Identify some current placement, achievement, and proficiency tests for English language learners and explain the reasons for testing English language learners.
- Apply appropriate terminology to discuss culture's impact, such as ethnocentrism, culture shock, country shock, enculturation, and deep surface culture and how it affects the English language classroom and teacher.
These resources are designed to make the process of finding TEFL jobs or advancing in the field as clear and easy as possible for our graduates. You’ll learn how to improve your resume, find and apply to TEFL jobs, and ace your interview so that you can get the teaching job of your dreams. If you’re already teaching, you’ll find helpful information on continuing professional development, recommended TESOL organizations you can join, and teaching resources you can use in your own classroom. You’ll also learn how to take advantage of Bridge’s job placement services and connect to our community of TEFL teachers and schools worldwide.
| Module 01 | Finding a Job, Downloading Your Certificate, and Updating Your Resume |
|---|---|
| Module 02 | Stay Connected with Bridge! |
| Module 03 | TEFL / TESOL Professional Development Opportunities |
| Age | 18 years of age or older. |
|---|---|
| Education | High school diploma or the equivalent. Proof of graduation or transcript is NOT required. |
| Language | An intermediate or higher level of English proficiency (B1 level, according to the CEFR, the Common European Framework Reference for Language). Proof of language proficiency is NOT required. |
| Technology | Internet access with the ability to stream and watch videos. Access to desktop/laptop computer highly recommended. |
Continuing Education Unit (CEUs) are nationally recognized units of measurement for participation in non-credit, continuing education programs. Bridge is accredited by ACCET (the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training), and any ACCET-approved Bridge course, including our online TEFL programs, can be taken for 1 CEU per 10 hours of TEFL course instruction.
Learn MoreThe Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) is the regulator of qualifications, examinations and assessments in England and the regulator of vocational qualifications in Northern Ireland.
Bridge courses have been similarly reviewed and recommended for university credit equivalencies by The American Council on Education (ACE Credit) and many university partners. Bridge is a post-secondary institution accredited by ACCET (recognized by the U.S. Department of Education) and AQUEDUTO (Association for Quality Education and Training Online). Our certifications are regulated by our accrediting agencies, and we ensure that the targeted knowledge, skills, and outcomes are addressed through depictive course assessments. Further, we are committed to making sure that our learners have a positive experience from start to finish and that our programs prepare modern teachers for career success.
To learn more about Bridge’s accreditation and university credit opportunities, please review the following chart. Please note that Ofqual equivalencies are equated to the university credit recommendations provided by the American Council on Education (ACE Credit®) and our university partners.
OFQUAL
|
BRIDGE COURSES AND HOURS | UNIVERSITY EQUIVALENCEY & CREDIT BEARING DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Level 7 |
IDELTOnline™(International Diploma in English Language Teaching)150 hours |
|
| Level 6 |
Master TEFL Certificate120 Hours |
|
| Level 5 |
Specialized Certificates(20-60 hours) |
|
| Level 4 |
Micro-Credentials(10-30 hours) |
|
Bridge courses are:
Common Questions about the 40-Hour Basic Certificate
The course is 12 weeks long, and trainees must work through the course as a group, completing assignments weekly. However, the course provides flexibility during the week to access the course and complete assignments when it is convenient for you.
The average amount of time most students take to complete the 40-hour course is 3 weeks, but you may take more or less time, depending on factors such as your other time obligations, how quickly you work, and how many hours you are able to dedicate to the course per week.
You have three months to complete this course. If you need more time, you may purchase a 3-month extension. This may be done while your course is still active or up to a year after it has expired.
No textbook is required for this course. All the materials you’ll need are available in the online platform.
Yes, it is. You can log in anytime and work on your own schedule when it’s convenient for you. Please note, however, that this course includes two written assignments, and your personal tutor requires one business day to provide feedback and a grade on each one.
There is no final exam in the 40-Hour Basic Certificate course. Each of the 6 modules has required a final, multiple-choice quiz at the end, and your final grade in the course is an average of your grade in all 6 modules and the two written assignment grades.
Yes. There are two written assignments in this course. Each assignment is about 500-800 words. When you submit an assignment, your tutor will provide feedback and a grade on it by end of the following business day.
It is unlikely you will fail the course since your final grade is an average of 6 end-of-module quiz grades and your grade on the two written assignments. However, if you were to fail the course, you could register again.
Bridge online courses require access to the Internet, including the ability to watch online videos using a flash player, such as Adobe. The courses may be completed on any device, including a desktop computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone.
No, it does not, but you can add one by registering for the 20-hour Guided Teaching Practicum. This practicum provides the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a real ESL classroom and meet the requirements of more teaching jobs.
Yes! The course itself includes a section about professional development, with job tips by region, resume help, and other resources. You’ll also get access to the Bridge Job Board, where pre-approved employers post open teaching positions around the globe to which you can apply.
Yes! Our online TEFL courses are ACCET-accredited and may be taken for CEUs. You earn 1 CEU for every 10 hours of TEFL certification. For example, an online TEFL course of 100 hours would be eligible for 10 CEUs Click here to learn more about CEUs.
