Set Your TEFL Course Apart with IATQuO Accreditation
Accreditation demonstrates that your TEFL course meets internationally recognised standards.
IATQuO’s rigorous validation process assures trainees and employers of your program’s credibility, helping you attract serious applicants and uphold professional standards in TEFL education.
An IATQuO-accredited course is a mark of quality and trust. Accreditation ensures that:
- Your course attracts serious, committed trainees looking for recognised qualifications.
- Employers trust your graduates, knowing they’ve received rigorous training.
- You stand out from unaccredited TEFL courses that may offer substandard instruction.
- You contribute to higher professional standards in TEFL education worldwide.
Trainees and employers seek externally validated courses. Accreditation reassures them that your program delivers comprehensive, high-quality training.
Accreditation Standards
IATQuO accredits both on-site and online TEFL courses. Here’s what’s required:
On-Site TEFL Course Standards
Course Content & Structure
- Grammar & Phonology – At least 30% of course time (30 hours).
- Teaching Techniques & Classroom Management – At least 30% of course time (30 hours).
- Practical Work – Lesson planning, material preparation, and classroom observations.
- Teaching Practice – At least 6 hours of observed teaching with real students at two or more levels.
Supervised Assignments
Trainees complete:
- Foreign Language Experience Journal (to reflect on language learning).
- Learner Profile (analysis of an English learner).
- Materials Preparation Project (developing teaching resources).
- Language Awareness Test
Course Length
A minimum of 130 hours of contact between trainees and tutors and study time, over at least 4 weeks.
Tutor Qualifications
Lead tutors must have:
- A post-Certificate qualification (e.g. DELTA, MA TESOL).
- Several years of English teaching experience.
- Experience in teacher training.
Facilities & Resources
Training premises should include:
- Classrooms for a maximum of 16 trainees per session.
- Space for lesson planning & material preparation.
- Adequate teaching resources, including photocopying & printing facilities, wifi and audio-visual equipment.
- Support for non-local trainees (accommodation assistance).
Online TEFL Course Standards
Course Content & Structure
- Grammar & Phonology – 40% of course time (40 hours equivalent).
- Teaching Techniques & Classroom Management – 40% of course time (40 hours equivalent).
- Practical Training – Teaching observation, lesson planning, and a minimum of 5 hours of live teaching (either online or in a classroom).
- Online courses must include live, observed teaching practice to qualify for accreditation.
Assignments & Assessment
Trainees must complete:
- Lesson planning exercises with tutor feedback.
- Learner analysis & textbook/materials evaluations.
- Teaching observation & self-reflection assignments.
- Online tests & worksheets assessed by tutors, including a Language Awareness test.
Course Length
At least 160 hours of study, designed to be completed over a minimum of 4 weeks (if full-time) and including direct contact between trainees and tutors.
Tutor Support and Resources
- Qualified online tutors available at scheduled times.
- A dedicated coordinating tutor to oversee the course.
- Email and online platforms for assignment submission and feedback.
Do you run or are you planning to run a TEFL/TESOL course and would like to have it accredited and validated by IATQuO?
Apply NowThe IATQuO Accreditation Process
Accrediting your TEFL course is a three-phase process. The normal timeline is:
Phase 1 – Course Documentation Review
IATQuO reviews:
- Course objectives & trainee requirements.
- Syllabus breakdown, assessment methods, & course schedule.
- Teaching practice arrangements.
- Tutor qualifications & staff CVs.
- Sample course materials, assignments, and tests.
Phase 2 – Training Centre Visit & Evaluation
For on-site courses, an IATQuO validator will:
- Meet with tutors to review course structure.
- Inspect training facilities & resources.
- Observe teaching practice sessions.
- Review trainee assignments & assessments.
- Interview trainees for feedback.
For online courses, validation may include:
- Discussions with tutors via email or video call.
- Review of trainee assignments & assessments.
- Verification of online teaching arrangements.
- Observation of teaching practice sessions.
Phase 3 – Final Accreditation Report
The final report includes:
- Findings and recommendations from the evaluation.
- Accreditation decision:
- Full Accreditation – Course meets all standards.
- Provisional Accreditation – Adjustments required within 2-4 months.
- Not Accredited – If key standards are not met.
Following accreditation, IATQuO remains in constant comunication with the course provider, acting as a consultant where needed, and carrying out ongoing moderation to ensure that accredited TEFL courses continue to meet IATQuO’s high standards.
How Does Moderation Work?
This process is similar to the initial accreditation, but with a more focused review of any changes or updates made since the last visit, rather than re-examining every element of the course.
Moderation combines Phases 1 and 2 of the initial accreditation into a single visit:
Step 1: Course Documentation Review (On-Site or Remote)
The moderator will review:
- Any updates or changes to course content, assessment methods, or materials.
- Records of trainee achievement from recent courses.
- Any new policies or procedures introduced since the last moderation.
Step 2: On-Site or Remote Evaluation
The moderator will:
- Discuss course developments with tutors.
- Observe a sample of teaching practice sessions.
- Review trainee assignments and assessments.
- Gather feedback from trainees about their experience.
Step 3: Written Report
Following the visit, IATQuO will provide a written report within two weeks, outlining findings and observations from the review and visit, and any recommendations for maintaining or improving standards.
If the moderator finds issues affecting course quality, IATQuO will:
- Provide specific recommendations for improvement.
- Set a clear timeframe (typically 2-4 months) for changes to be made.
- Require follow-up action to ensure compliance.
How Often Do Moderation Visits Occur?
Moderation takes place every 6th, 7th, or 8th course, or at least once per year, whichever comes first. For courses with fewer sessions per year, moderation is scheduled annually.
What Our Accredited Centres Say
IATQuO's high standards and helpful support have been key in developing our teacher training program.
We've really valued working with IATQuO. This accreditation has boosted our program's reputation and given our graduates a real edge as they begin their teaching careers.
The accreditation process has been a great learning experience. Dr Moller's professionalism and advice has helped us improve what and how we teach.
Being accredited by this well-regarded organisation assures potential students and employers that our program meets the highest international standards. We're happy to be partners in training future teachers.Continued and helpful support, all year round.
Unlike other moderating bodies, IATQUO provide continued and helpful support, all year round. It's not just a question of checking up on us and the trainees, they are more of a guiding light and very proactive when it comes to problem solving.
During the moderation visits the trainees feel listened to and have the chance to express their opinions.
Overall, moderation is a helpful experience for everyone and the IATQUO rubber stamp reassures future trainees that the course is of the highest quality.
FAQ
How do I know if my course will qualify for accreditation?
If your course meets the criteria listed above – including at least 130 hours of training (160 hours for online courses), observed teaching practice, qualified tutors, and suitable facilities – it’s likely to be eligible. If you’re not sure, feel free to get in touch and we’ll be happy to advise.
Can my course qualify for accreditation if it doesn't include live teaching practice?
No. A core requirement for IATQuO accreditation is that the course includes observed live teaching practice with real learners. This ensures that trainees gain practical, hands-on experience in the classroom.
What do trainees say about IATQuO accredited courses?
You can read some comments made by teachers in the final week of their IATQuO course here.
Is IATQuO accreditation and moderation impartial?
Yes. Dr Alan Moller, the Academic Director, is responsible for ensuring IATQuO’s impartiality. He is assisted by an academic advisory panel.