The TEFL / TESOL profession uses a whole range of acronyms. Here’s a guide to some of the more common ones you’re likely to encounter.
| EFL | English as a Foreign Language |
| ESL | English as a Second Language |
| TEFL | Teaching English as a Foreign Language |
| TESL | Teaching English as a Second Language |
| TESOL | Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages |
Traditionally, TEFL refers to teaching in non-English speaking countries, whereas TESL refers to teaching in English speaking countries, to non-native speakers living or working there. In practice, though, the two terms are often used interchangeably, and both are covered by the all-encompassing TESOL.
English Language Teaching qualifications
CELTA |
Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults
The CELTA is one of the most internationally recognised and accepted entry-level qualifications. The old name for the CELTA was the CTEFLA (Certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language to Adults). There are many other entry-level qualifications. |
CELTYL |
Certificate in English Language Teaching to Young Learners
CELTYL is no longer offered. Instead, Cambridge offer the Young Learner Extension to the CELTA, for those who want to specialise in teaching Young Learners. |
Delta |
Diploma in English Language Teaching to Adults
The Delta is a higher level qualification, usually studied after two or more years of teaching for career progression. The old name for the DELTA was the DTEFLA (Diploma in Teaching English as a Foreign Language to Adults). |
TKT |
Teaching Knowledge Test
The TKT focuses on the core teaching knowledge needed by teachers, whatever your background and teaching experience. |
PGCE |
Post Graduate Certificate in Education
PGCE is a UK teaching qualification required to teach in the state sector, and is not specific to language teaching. |
IDLTM |
International Diploma in Language Teaching Management
The IDLTM is designed for teachers looking to take on management responsibility. |
ICELT |
In-service Certificate in English Language Teaching |
Exams
| BEC | Business English Certificates |
| BULATS | Business Language Testing Service |
| CAE | Certificate in Advanced English or Cambridge English: Advanced |
| CELS | Certificates in English Language Skills |
| CPE | Certificate of Proficiency in English or Cambridge English: Proficiency |
| FCE | First Certificate in English or Cambridge English: First |
| IELTS | International English Language Testing System |
| KET | Key English Test or Cambridge English: Key |
| PET | Preliminary English Test or Cambridge English: Preliminary |
| TOEFL | Test of English as a Foreign Language |
| TOEIC | Test of English for International Communication |
| YLE | Cambridge Young Learners English Tests |
Professional associations
| IATEFL | International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language |
| TESOL | TESOL International Association |
