TESOL certification classes open doors to teaching opportunities around the world. An acronym for "Teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages," TESOL refers to the theory and practice of teaching English to non-native speakers. Many courses train English speakers to teach the language to non-native speakers and provide a certificate to attest to the teacher's qualifications. TESOL certification can be obtained from institutions around the world, enabling motivated teachers to work in countries across the globe.

Purpose
TESOL certification courses train prospective teachers in different language instruction and classroom management methods. Upon completion of the course, graduates receive either a degree or a certificate proving their qualifications. Some people pursue TESOL certification in order to teach in universities, secondary schools or private institutes in their home countries, while others see TESOL certification as an opportunity to live and teach in a foreign country.

Master's Degrees
Master's degrees are typically required to teach English as a second language in universities and community colleges. There are more than 300 specialized master's programs in the U.S. and Canada alone as of December 2010. Most last for one or two years and many can be completed on a part-time basis. Master's programs usually involve supervised teaching and may include the opportunity to write a thesis.

Major Certificate Programs
Students looking to teach English outside of a university environment may prefer a shorter certificate program. Cambridge University's CELTA certificate program, Trinity College London's Certificate in TESOL and the School for International Training's TESOL certificate courses are among the world's most respected options. These three certificates are offered at hundreds of training centers throughout the globe, and they typically consist of one to three months of instruction on either a full- or part-time basis. In addition, many language institutes offer their own teaching certificate programs. Some are excellent, but others are poor. Conduct research to determine the reputation of these independent programs before committing.

Distance Learning
Many language institutes offer distance TESOL certification courses. These courses enable students to complete their training over the Internet and are typically more affordable than in-person programs. While some of these courses are of a high quality, others provide inadequate training, and employers may look unfavorably on an online certificate. Carefully investigate potential online courses and consult with prospective employers before beginning an Internet-based program, recommends TESOL.org.