I really need to know what certfication is better: the TKT or TEFL? I am currently teaching English in Mexico and have the opportunity to take the TKT in a few months but I don’t know if it’s right for me. Someone told me that the TEFL or TOEFL certifications only last for one year? Is that true? Is there any advantage with taking the TKT?
Please give me some advice!
Reply To: TKT or TEFL certification?
Seems there a few of us that havn`t come across TKT before?
Hi slothtoes and welcome to the forum.
First I think we need to define TEFL certification more clearly. There are a large number of TEFL certifications which you can take, which vary in duration, content and quality. One of the most recognised and respected as an entry level qualification is the CELTA. This is a classroom-based course normally taken intensively over 4 or 5 weeks.
(Just as a side note, be careful with the distinction between TEFL and TOEFL:
TOEFL is the Test of English as a Foreign Language, and is taken by English learners as a measure of English proficiency, for example to gain acceptance into higher education in English speaking countries. TOEFL scores are valid for two years.
TEFL is Teaching English as a Foreign language, and it is one of these certifications that you need to take. TEFL certifications do not normally have a limit on their validation, but if, for example, you were to take a TEFL course and then not teach for 10 years, some employers might consider that you weren’t keeping the skills you learnt on the course up to date!!)
The TKT is a TEFL qualification which introduces you to the principles and practice of teaching. It doesn’t require a classroom-based course, just an exam (although you can follow a preparation course before taking the exam if you like) and so necessarily goes into much less depth than the CELTA, and lacks the practical aspect.
I think it really depends on your reasons for taking the certification. Have a look at the Cambridge ESOL site for information about both – they cover in detail who the qualifications are for, what they involve and why to take them.
If your main reason is for employment, bear in mind that your options will be much more limited with the TKT compared to, for example, the CELTA, in terms of the number of employers who accept non-classroom-based qualifications. As a general rule, the longer the course, and the more it is classroom-based, the more it will be accepted. In this sense, the TKT may provide similar recognition as a short online TEFL course. In terms of quality, though, I have no doubt that the TKT is of a very high standard, as Cambridge ESOL exams tend to be.
Hope that helps – good luck!
Dan
I really need to know what certfication is better: the TKT or TEFL? I am currently teaching English in Mexico and have the opportunity to take the TKT in a few months but I don’t know if it’s right for me. Someone told me that the TEFL or TOEFL certifications only last for one year? Is that true? Is there any advantage with taking the TKT?
The TKT is not well known at all. I would suggest a TEFL course which, like any good qualification, does not expire.
Glad no one else has heard of TKT either! Thought I’d lost the plot when I read your initial post slothtoes.
Whether you choose to do a CELTA or a shorter TEFL course such as those offered by ICAL, you just need to make sure what you’re taking will be recognised by employers in Mexico.
There’s quite a useful article here which might help you: http://www.tefl-chalkboard.com/travel-guides/145-Teach-English-in-Central-and-South-America
Good luck!
This old forum requires an update in regards to TKT. see http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/teachin … fications/
Cambridge TKT is an excellent ESOL qualification for those experienced teachers who wish evidence of their knowledge and experience of teaching ESOL. Included in the package of TKT examinatins There is a TKT practical test where teachers are examined by Cambridge examiners teaching within a classroom.
Of course if you are an absolute beginner in teaching ESOL, you should take the Cambridge CELTA if you have the time and the money to take this fulltime one months course.
The Cambridge TKT examination is for those already have a background in TEFL, whereas the Trinity CertTESOL and the CELTA are really designed as a beginner course. As in any career, the more qualifications on your CV the better, so I would advise gaining a TEFL certification and then doing the TKT after gaining some experience.
For more information about both, have a look at the following blog: http://english-teacher-college.com/recent-posts/