What Certifications Should I Require from Teachers When Offering Online Teaching Jobs?

 Hiring skilled online English teachers is essential for delivering quality education and ensuring long-term student success. Certifications play a critical role in verifying that a teacher has the foundational knowledge and pedagogical training to teach effectively. While native or fluent English speakers may have the language skills, teaching it requires structure, methodology, and a deep understanding of how people learn a second language.

Requiring certifications not only ensures your students receive competent instruction, but it also builds your brand’s reputation. Parents, students, and education partners are more likely to trust a teaching service that employs certified professionals. Let’s look at the most recognized certifications and how you can decide which ones should be mandatory for the teachers you hire.

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TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language)

TEFL is the most widely recognized certificate for teaching English to students who do not speak it as their first language. It prepares teachers to work with non-native learners in countries where English is not the primary language. TEFL certification typically includes coursework in language acquisition theory, lesson planning, grammar instruction, classroom management, and cultural sensitivity.

There are many TEFL programs available online and in person. While some courses are as short as 40 hours, the more reputable ones tend to offer 120 hours or more, including observed teaching practice. For online teaching roles, a 120-hour TEFL certificate is often seen as the standard minimum requirement.

When hiring, it’s important to confirm that the TEFL course was accredited by a recognized body and not just a fast-tracked, low-quality version. Accreditation adds value and reliability.

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TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)

TESOL is often used interchangeably with TEFL, although there is a subtle distinction. TEFL is more commonly used when teaching in non-English-speaking countries, whereas TESOL can also apply to teaching English to immigrants or refugees in English-speaking countries.

In the online teaching world, both TEFL and TESOL are widely accepted. Teachers with TESOL certification have similar training in lesson design, grammar instruction, student engagement, and adapting materials to suit different learners. Like TEFL, a 120-hour course is the benchmark.

TESOL is particularly valuable if you expect your teachers to work with diverse age groups and cultural backgrounds.

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CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults)

CELTA is a qualification issued by Cambridge English and is one of the most respected certifications worldwide. It focuses on teaching English to adult learners and is known for its rigorous coursework and assessed teaching practice.

CELTA-trained teachers typically complete at least 120 hours of instruction, including 6 hours of observed teaching practice. While CELTA was traditionally delivered in-person, there are now online options with the same quality standards.

If your platform focuses on adult students or higher-level academic English, requiring CELTA certification—or strongly favoring it—can elevate the teaching standard. However, it’s also one of the more expensive and demanding certifications to obtain, so fewer applicants may hold it.

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DELTA (Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)

DELTA is a step above CELTA, meant for experienced teachers looking to deepen their expertise. It’s not common for beginner online teachers to hold a DELTA, but if you are hiring for a leadership position or a curriculum developer, this certification could be a strong asset.

Though it shouldn't be required for entry-level teaching roles, recognizing DELTA in your job listings as a “preferred qualification” may help you attract highly experienced educators.

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TKT (Teaching Knowledge Test)

Also offered by Cambridge, TKT is a modular test designed to assess specific knowledge of teaching English. It’s often taken by teachers who already have some classroom experience or other certifications.

TKT doesn’t include teaching practice, so while it reflects knowledge, it doesn’t demonstrate practical ability. For this reason, it’s best used as a supplementary certification rather than a main requirement. It can, however, add value if paired with TEFL or TESOL.

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Online TEFL/TESOL Courses: How to Evaluate Them

Because so many people now take online TEFL or TESOL courses, it’s important to ensure the ones your applicants complete are legitimate and robust. Look for the following signs of quality:

• At least 120 hours of instruction

• Accreditation from recognized education bodies

• Teaching practice included (even via video recordings or mock classes)

• Positive reviews and a good reputation among employers

Some reputable providers include:

• International TEFL Academy

• TEFL Org

• i-to-i TEFL

• Bridge TEFL

• International House

Avoid certificates from unknown companies that promise certification in a few hours for a low fee. These may not provide meaningful training.

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Should You Accept Teachers Without Certification?

There are cases where a candidate might be an excellent teacher without formal certification, such as retired school teachers, individuals with degrees in English or education, or professionals with significant real-world experience in language instruction.

If your platform emphasizes flexibility or informal learning, you may choose to accept such candidates. However, having a clear framework helps maintain consistency. You might consider:

• Accepting uncertified teachers only if they have 3+ years of experience

• Requiring uncertified applicants to commit to earning a certification within a set timeframe (e.g., 3 months)

• Offering a list of approved certification programs and even subsidizing them for promising candidates

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Certification for Teaching Children

If your platform focuses on children, especially young learners, it’s helpful to look for candidates who have completed specialized training in teaching young learners (TYL). Some TEFL or TESOL programs offer this as a module or additional endorsement.

Teachers who have studied child psychology, early childhood education, or literacy instruction may also bring relevant strengths. Certification combined with a genuine passion for working with kids usually makes for great outcomes.

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Summary of Recommended Requirements

To help you create your own hiring standards, here’s a quick summary of what to require or prefer:

Certification	Required?	Preferred For
TEFL (120+ hrs)	Yes	All general online English teaching roles
TESOL (120+ hrs)	Yes	All general online English teaching roles
CELTA	No (but a bonus)	Adult-focused teaching platforms
DELTA	No	Advanced roles, curriculum design
TKT	No	Supplemental knowledge for experienced teachers
TYL	If working with kids	Teaching young learners or pre-school age

You may also include degree requirements (e.g., bachelor’s in education or English), language proficiency exams for non-native speakers (like IELTS or TOEFL scores), and teaching experience as part of your criteria.

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Final Thoughts

Requiring certifications from online English teachers helps raise the standard of your platform or institution. It reassures students and parents that they’re investing in qualified professionals, and it gives you a solid foundation for building trust, credibility, and a positive learning environment.

Choosing which certifications to require should be guided by the type of students you serve, the teaching style you promote, and the long-term goals of your business. A clear, fair, and thoughtful certification policy doesn’t just protect your brand—it enhances it.

If you’re just getting started with hiring, begin with TEFL or TESOL as a minimum, then build out preferences for CELTA or other advanced credentials depending on the teacher’s role. Over time, you’ll develop a strong team that reflects your values and keeps learners coming back.