About IATQuO
IATQuO is a specialist body dedicated to promoting and maintaining internationally acceptable standards in the training of teachers of English to speakers of other languages.
Our mission is to uphold rigorous standards in the TEFL/TESOL industry by providing independent accreditation and ongoing moderation of teacher training courses.
We’re committed to:
- Ensuring TEFL trainees receive high-quality, professionally delivered training.
- Helping employers identify genuinely qualified teachers.
- Supporting training providers in delivering high-quality, continually improving courses.
- Encouraging responsible, ethical development in the field of English language teacher training.
Course Accreditation & Validation
We provide independent accreditation and validation for initial teacher training courses that meet clearly defined standards of quality, transparency, and best practice. Our evaluation framework covers curriculum content, observed teaching practice, tutor qualifications, trainee assessment, and the overall learning environment, giving confidence to trainees, providers, and employers.
Ongoing Moderation
We continue to monitor accredited courses through regular moderation visits to ensure that quality is maintained over time. This process includes document reviews, observations, tutor interviews, and trainee feedback.
Guidance for Trainees
We provide information and advice to individuals considering a career in teaching English as a foreign language, helping them choose a course they can trust.
Support for Employers
We help employers identify qualifications they can rely on by providing transparency and verifiability around accredited courses.
Our Standards
IATQuO-accredited courses are based on five key pillars:
A minimum of 130 hours of training, including direct contact between trainees and tutors.
A balanced curriculum of theory (including grammar, phonology, and teaching methodology) and practice.
At least 6 hours of observed teaching practice with real learners.
Qualified, experienced tutors and sound academic management.
Appropriate resources and premises that support learning.
Dr Alan Moller – Director & Academic Director
Alan Moller is a British applied linguist with extensive experience in language testing, accreditation, and teacher training. Holding a Ph.D. and a Dip. Applied Linguistics (Edinburgh), an MA (Cambridge), and a PGCE (London), he has dedicated his career to maintaining and improving standards in English language education worldwide.
Alan served as Director of the British Council English Language Services Department, where he was responsible for inspecting and advising language schools internationally. He played a key role in the development of language testing, including the introduction of ELTS (now IELTS) in 1989.
After leaving the British Council, Alan was appointed full-time Chief Examiner (ESOL) for Trinity College London, where he had academic responsibility for the Certificate in TESOL, the Diploma in TESOL, and the suite of Spoken English tests. Upon his departure in 1999, these responsibilities were divided among three separate professionals.
In 2003, he was appointed Chair of Examiners for the London Tests of English by the British Examinations Board, EDEXCEL, further contributing to the development and oversight of English language qualifications.
With a career spanning Africa, Asia, and Europe, Alan has worked in academic and advisory roles, including serving as Cultural Attaché at the British High Commission in New Delhi. He continues to apply his expertise to ensure that IATQuO-accredited courses meet the highest professional standards.
IATQuO has no financial interest in any course it accredits. Our sole focus is educational quality. We provide an impartial, professional accreditation service that supports both established training centres and new organisations committed to excellence.