What is the Trinity College London CertTESOL?

The Trinity College London Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (Trinity CertTESOL) is an internationally accepted teaching qualification aimed at introducing aspiring teachers and experienced teachers to contemporary language teaching methodologies. It is also appropriate for teacher trainers, corporate trainers, academic managers, content writers and experienced teachers working in private and government schools who are looking for respected validation and internationally accepted teaching qualification to enhance their teaching and managerial skills.

The Trinity CertTESOL offered at CILA, Angamaly Kerala is rated at Level 5 on Ofqual’s Regulated Qualifications Framework (UK), a comparable level to the second year of an undergraduate degree and is particularly recommended for anyone looking to enter the field of teaching English or master their English language skills, especially as a foreign or second language. The Trinity College London CertTESOL is accepted by both the British Council and other international teaching organisations around the world as an English language teaching certification.

The course is structured around five units, with internal course tutors responsible for delivering the content and assessing Units 1, 2, 3, and 5. These tutors evaluate student performance and provide feedback based on established criteria. To ensure fairness and consistency, a moderation or sampling process takes place, involving a review of a sample of assessed work from these units by qualified individuals within the institution. Unit 4, however, undergoes external assessment by a member of the Trinity moderators panel, who is not affiliated with the delivering institution. This external assessment adds an objective layer to the evaluation process, ensuring alignment with course objectives and maintaining assessment quality. This comprehensive process culminates in a thorough evaluation of all units at the end of each course, safeguarding assessment standards and upholding the credibility of certifications awarded upon course completion.

The trainees on the course are expected to follow the following guidelines.

  • Awareness of colleagues' needs: A successful trainee should be attuned to the needs and challenges faced by colleagues within the team. This includes both teaching and non-teaching staff. Understanding their perspectives can lead to better collaboration and a more harmonious working environment.
  • Value of mutual support: Recognizing the value of mutual support within the teaching, learning, and training environment is essential. Trainees should actively contribute to a culture of support and cooperation, as this can enhance the overall effectiveness of the team and improve the learning experience for students or trainees.
  • Professional development: Professional growth is an ongoing process. Trainees should be aware of the importance of continuous learning and development. This includes staying up-to-date with the latest educational methodologies, technologies, and research. It also involves seeking out opportunities for further education and training.
  • Response to Training Input: Trainees should actively engage with the training they receive, demonstrating a willingness to learn and improve. They should apply feedback from tutors and peers constructively, using it as a means to refine their teaching or training techniques.
  • Post-Course development: Professional development doesn't end with the completion of a training course. Successful trainees understand the need to continue their growth beyond the course. This may involve pursuing advanced degrees, attending workshops and conferences, or participating in professional organizations.
  • Reflective practice: Reflective practice is a vital component of professional development. Trainees should regularly reflect on their teaching or training experiences, identifying areas for improvement and devising strategies to address them.
  • Networking: Building a professional network is crucial for ongoing development. Trainees should seek opportunities to connect with other educators and professionals in their field, both locally and globally, to share ideas and learn from others.
  • Adaptability: The field of education and training is dynamic and ever-changing. Trainees should be adaptable and open to new approaches, technologies, and pedagogical methods to meet the evolving needs of learners.
  • Leadership skills: As trainees progress in their careers, they should develop leadership skills that enable them to mentor and support newer colleagues. This contributes to a culture of continuous improvement within the educational institution.
  • Ethical considerations: A strong sense of professional ethics is essential. Trainees should uphold high ethical standards in their interactions with colleagues, students, and the broader educational community.

Why should I do my CertTESOL at CILA?

That’s a good question! Here are 4 reasons why:

  • CILA has highly-trained professionals. Trinity CertTESOL course is led by instructors who have completed their Level 7 Trinity DipTESOL qualifications and have more than 20 years of experience in the field. You can get to know them better here.
  • CILA, located in the Ernakulam District in Kerala, has well-equipped and smart classrooms. Be it teaching practice or input sessions, we have classrooms equipped with OHPs, desktops with active internet connections, and smartboards, allowing you to experience, implement and experiment with modern-age teaching technology.
  • CILA Kerala is the only Trinity College London CertTESOL and DipTESOL centre in India. We are the only provider of these courses in the country, allowing Indian nationals a chance to fulfil their dreams without leaving the country and providing foreign nationals the opportunity to experience the wonders of India while doing these courses! Find CILA Kerala on the list of official CertTESOL certifications providers here.
  • CILA is located in the heart of God’s own country. Need we say more? CILA is situated in Angamaly, a suburb of Kochi which makes it the perfect place to experience Kerala while also allowing you the right environment to focus on a course this intensive. Attractions like the Athirapally Water Falls, Fort Kochi, Cherai Beach and Lulu Mall are only 1-2 hours away, should you need respite from your coursework and the area is surrounded by restaurants that offer one the opportunity to sample authentic Kerala cuisine. Other tourist attractions bit far way are Munnar, Wagamon, Ootty, Kodaikkanal, and Wayanad. The Cochin International Airport is only 5 kms away from CILA too, which makes it extremely convenient for those coming from outside.
Unit Assessment Description
Pre-Course Assignments Not Assessed These include a range of readings and exercises/assignments aimed at introducing participants to basic concepts in grammar, phonology, materials creation, and teaching methodology, in preparation for the course.
Unit 1 – Teaching Skills Internally Assessed - graded A, B, C or fail based on express criteria This unit introduces participants to contemporary practical teaching skills and methodologies. It includes guided observations of experienced teachers, plus a minimum of six hours of observed teaching practice, where trainees are given the opportunity to practically apply what they have discussed during classroom input. Featuring feedback and reflection, the unit gives new teachers both teaching knowledge and practical classroom experience.
Unit 2 – Language Awareness and Skills Internally Assessed - graded A, B, C or fail based on express criteria This unit builds knowledge of language itself, including lexis, grammar, phonology and discourse. The unit also looks at assessment of language skills and the different varieties of English around the world.
Unit 3 – Learner Profile Internally Assessed - graded A, B, C or fail based on express criteria This unit entails working one-on-one with a real learner, requiring course participants to identify their learner’s strengths and weaknesses and diagnose their learning needs, and areas of improvement. They are then expected to plan learning to help their learner overcome their shortcomings as a speaker of the English language.
Unit 4 – Materials Assignment Externally Assessed - graded A, B, C or fail based on express criteria This unit looks at classroom materials and supports teachers’ ability to use, adapt, produce and evaluate materials in a classroom setting. Participants are required to create one classroom activity with a rationale in mind, use it in a classroom session and then reflect upon its practicality, merits, shortcomings, etc.
Unit 5 – Unknown Language Internally Assessed - graded A, B, C or fail based on express criteria This unit covers what it’s like to learn a new language, putting course participants in the place of learners. This helps them build empathy with learners and also demonstrates effective teaching techniques.

How is the course structured?

The CertTESOL is a 5-week course, generally structured as follows:

Week 1
  • Introduction to language awareness, teaching skills, phonology and lesson planning.
  • Unknown Language Course
  • Guided Observation 1
  • Teaching Practice and Feedback
Week 2
  • Approaches and methods in ELT
  • More on grammar and phonology
  • Guided Observation II
  • Learner Profile – Needs Analysis
  • Materials Assignment – Setting the foundation
  • Teaching Practice and Feedback
Week 3
  • More on teaching methodology and skills
  • Grammar in depth
  • Guided Observation III
  • Learner Profile – Lesson Planning
  • Teaching Practice and Feedback
  • Mid-Course Appraisal
Week 4
  • Language analysis and teaching skills in depth
  • Guided Observation Journal
  • Learner Profile – One-on-One Lesson
  • Teaching Practice and Feedback
Week 5
  • Concluding sessions on language analysis and skill development
  • Materials Assignment – Review and Report
  • Professional Development
  • Language Awareness Test
  • Materials Assignment Interview

How much would I have to pay?

If you wish to take up the CertTESOL at CILA, Kerala, India, you will have to pay ₹1,50,000/- (Hundred and Fifty Thousand Rupees only) which includes the training fee, examination fee and the certificate fee. This fee includes all facilities, materials and resources provided such as textbooks and notebooks needed for the course, library access, access to computers with a Wi-Fi connection, printer access with a provision to print for free, tea and coffee during breaks, a bus service to and from the main gate, and an airport or railway station pick-up at any time of the day upon your first arrival in Angamaly. The course fee for all Trinity CertTESOL courses offered at CILA (Full-time on-site courses and part-time online courses) is same, i.e., Rs.1,50,000/-

People in Kerala are known for their hospitable and kindly approach to people from other countries. Added to that, there is abundant food grown in Kerala as a result of the Monsoon climate and there are three harvests a year. As a result, it is possible to buy delicious fresh produce cheaply. There are also very modern shopping malls, offering both local and international products so a huge range of goods is available. The staff members at CILA are highly qualified and the CertTESOL and DipTESOL are taught by a mixture of British and Indian staff.

Trinity College London Certificate in TESOL Course Dates.

Start Date

19

May 2025
Part-time Online

Live and interactive classes from 7 pm to 9 pm, Monday to Friday for 12 weeks.

End Date

9

Aug 2025

Start Date

26

May 2025
Full-time Face-to-face

End Date

27

June 2025

Start Date

30

June 2025
Full-time Face-to-face

End Date

1

Aug 2025

Start Date

7

Jul 2025
Part-time Online

Live and interactive classes from 7 pm to 9 pm, Monday to Friday for 12 weeks.

End Date

27

Sep 2025

Start Date

4

Aug 2025
Full-time Face-to-face

End Date

12

Sep 2025

Start Date

15

Sep 2025
Full-time Face-to-face

End Date

17

Oct 2025

Start Date

6

Oct 2025
Part-time Online

Live and interactive classes from 7 pm to 9 pm, Monday to Friday for 12 weeks.

End Date

20

Dec 2025

Start Date

22

Oct 2025
Full-time Face-to-face

End Date

22

Nov 2025

Start Date

24

Nov 2025
Full-time Face-to-face

End Date

30

Dec 2025

Start Date

5

Jan 2026
Full-time Face-to-face

End Date

6

Feb 2026

Start Date

5

Jan 2026
Part-time Online

Live and interactive classes from 7 pm to 9 pm, Monday to Friday for 12 weeks.

End Date

28

Mar 2026
I would like to apply… where do I turn in my application? – Right here!

If you’d like to turn in your application physically you can visit us

INKEL Tower 1, Near TELK, Angamaly South, Ernakulam District, Kerala, India, 683573

Apply for the CertTESOL here

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Do you have any further questions? Here are some FAQs!

About the CertTESOL

To answer this question in simple terms, there really is only one key difference between the two courses – the awarding body. In the case of the Trinity Cert TESOL it’s the Trinity College of London, the oldest language board in the world, who validates the qualification. For the CELTA it’s Cambridge ESOL, part of the examinations board of the University of Cambridge, who validates it. Both courses lead to similar outcomes as they are both internationally recognised EFL teaching certifications of equal standing, allowing access to similar professional opportunities. However, there are minor differences in terms of the course content, pricing, availability of course providers, manner of assessment, course length, etc. which can be explored in detail here, before you make your decision

For native speakers of English, the possibilities are endless – this is the minimum qualification required by employers to teach English as a second language in schools and institutions around the world, be it online or offline. The opportunities for non-native speakers are slightly more limited, as employers generally prefer hiring native speakers in such roles; however, countries in Asia and South America like Japan, the UAE, India, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Columbia, Nepal and Ecuador are very welcoming to non-native speaking Trinity College London CertTESOL holders. It is important to be realistic about the fact that the passport you hold may open or close certain doors for you; however, if you’re open to adventures and taking chances, there is a plethora of opportunities waiting for you, both online and offline.

Not at all! Trinity only requires entrants to have a minimum qualification and/or experience that would allow entrance to higher education. These do not have to be related to the teaching field or to the English language; however, a minimum English language proficiency of CEFR level C1 or above must be demonstrated to take the course.

Trinity does not distinguish between different grades and as such, as long as a candidate meets the minimum required standard in all assignments and assessments, they are awarded the certification. However, as course providers, we at CILA are authorised to grade participants based on a locally determined criteria; we grade participants on a 3-point scale from A to C for each assessment, where A is the highest pass grade and C is the lowest pass grade. An aggregate grade for your entire performance will also be provided, but not mentioned on your final Trinity College London CertTESOL Certificate.

Yes, it is possible to fail the course, if 3 or more of a participant’s internally assessed assignments do not meet the minimum standard and/or if 1 or more internally assessed assignment has not been submitted for marking before moderation. However, if a participant’s performance is below standard on 1 or 2 assignments, they can be eligible for a referral, which means they are allowed the opportunity to re-submit these assignments.

Yes, you are allowed ONE day’s sick leave; it is necessary to provide a doctor’s certificate for the same. More than one day of absenteeism will not be tolerated unless there is an emergency.

Right here on the official Trinity College London website!

We advise our participants to completely commit themselves to the journey – it is a 5-week intensive course and needs your 100%. We recommend that you have no other academic or professional commitments during the time that you choose to take up the course so that you can get the most out of the experience. It is an enriching learning experience and you can have a lot of fun on the way, but you also have to be prepared for the longest roller coaster of your life! Don’t worry though, we have very supportive tutors who will guide you every step of the way. As long as you come with an open mind and no other distractions, you’ll be good to go.

About the CertTESOL at CILA

There are a number of hostels, hotels, service apartments and homestays in the vicinity. You can find out more about these here.

We will provide an airport or railway station pickup for outstation participants on arrival and we have a bus service for all our students to and from the main gate to the institute everyday. We will not be responsible for your travel beyond this; however, any assistance you may need with renting vehicles, booking a cab, etc. we will be more than happy to provide! All you have to do is ask.

Yes, we strongly recommend that you bring your own laptop for the course as all assignments need to be typed and submitted in print – no handwritten documents will be accepted. CILA has multiple desktop computers with active internet connections that can be used to complete your assignments, should you need to; however, these will only be available from 9 am to 5 pm and are for the perusal of the staff and students alike – as such, we cannot promise that these will always be available to participants for use as per their convenience.

Right at CILA! You can print up to 500 sheets for free. However, there are several print shops at a stone’s throw from the main gate of Inkel INKEL Business Park that are open from Monday to Saturday – you can also visit these if you need anything printed after working hours.

CILA does not provide course participants placements, but we are more than willing to provide participants with all the assistance and guidance we can with understanding how to navigate the job market. If you are interested in working with us after your CertTESOL, we may certainly be able to provide you with a placement at CILA! You can learn more about the current openings at CILA here.
Do you have something else you’d like to know? Leave us a message and we’ll get right back to you!
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Course Dates

I did my CertTESOL at CILA in 2019, and my experience was nothing short of phenomenal. The staff at the school are all incredible people who will go above and beyond to aid in your personal and professional development. The students are among the best that you will find anywhere in the world. For both new and experienced teachers, the program here in Kerala is an excellent investment.

Ian Corbett

Oi what a journey! 5 weeks at CILA doing my Trinity CertTESOL have finally drawn to an end. If you're uncertain about doing your course here ... Think no more... The learning, support, guidance and facility here are all of a very high caliber

Gypsy Rose Iyer

It has been a truly enriching and phenomenal experience while undertaking the Trinity CertTesol course at CILA. This course has provided me with the platform and built my foundation to teach English to foreign language students all around the world. The amazing support and knowledge imparted by the Course Director John and our mentor Mayank is priceless. Their passion and dedication towards the students is trully inspiring.

Amrita Singh

A great learning experience...! Recently completed Trinity CertTESOL course from CILA. I really had a wonderful experience here. Highly competent tutors, well-structured and co-ordinated classroom facilities and what more you could ask for. They have provided us the best of everything. I would strongly recommend the course to all the aspiring English teachers. A great place for language learning and teacher training.

Anjana M

I did my Cert TESOL from CILA, Angamaly and it was a wonderful experience. I opted for an offline session and had to wait for it to happen. However, it was worth the wait because the support and guidance I received from their highly qualified and professional trainers in completing the course was immeasurable. I would recommend CILA for anyone who wishes to do their TESOL and become a great English teacher. The course completely changed my perspective towards teaching and gave me a lot of confidence to teach English anywhere across the globe. Thank you CILA for this wonderful opportunity.

Madhusudhanan Nair

If you want to experience and learn new teaching methods, Cert.TESOL is the right course and CILA is the right place to join. Cochin international Language Academy is the only institution in India that provides Cert TESOL course. Working with our course director Mr. John Duthie and tutor Mayank Koushik was an amazing experience for us!

Uthara Uthu

An excellent place to nurture your capacities. The staff is tremendously caring and professional at the same time. The CertTESOL course I did here is worth doing it in the Trinity College of London as the best is bought to your plate and in regards to the foreign standards. The course is offered online now due to the pandemic which is a blessing for students who cannot directly go and study in Kerala. It’s the finest and most scrumptious experience doing the course. I learnt and experienced the best here. I definitely recommend the lot out there who wants to groom their skills for better career prospects or otherwise to make use of this novel opportunity wherein the course is online. It’s been an amazing journey with superb on campus and off campus support. Thanks a million CILA and my tutors. 👍🏻👍🏻 (A 5-star rating is not enough a 10 star is what they deserve) 😊

Nousheen Usman

First and foremost, you are on the right track looking at the fact that you have reached this page. CILA is the only language academy in India that offers the prestigious CertTESOL. I successfully completed this course recently. CILA is class apart. The tutors, John Duthie, Jaimon George and Mayank Kaushik set the bar really high. They will motivate and guide you. They will always be constructive in their feedback. Everything is well structured at CILA. The experience was so incredible that CILA feels like extended family now. The course is really intensive and it is important to set aside everything until you complete the course. It is not possible to continue other commitments. If you are working, take a Sabbatical. If you are an experienced teacher, ensure you keep aside your 'baggage' and hop on to this course just like a fresher to get maximum benefit. Your tutors will help you evolve into an amazing teacher, provided you put your time, energy and soul into it. Learn to accept suggestions from your tutors and peers. Stick to the deadlines for your assignments. Do not let them pile up. Focus on self-improvement. And you will be fine. Each input session will be an eye opener. I definitely recommend CILA.I consider myself really fortunate to have completed the course from this academy. If you are confused between choosing CELTA or CertTESOL, I can vouch for CertTESOL at CILA.

Lavanya Kulkarni-Anikhindi
tesol course in kerala

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