Initial Teacher Training: Finding the Right Starting Point
CELTA is the most widely recognised entry qualification for English language teaching. But it’s not the only way in, and depending on your language, location, or career goal, a different qualification may be the better starting point.
IH schools offer a range of initial training options. Some are alternatives to CELTA. Some complement it. Some are designed for teachers of other languages altogether.
Students
Schools
Teaching English as a Foreign Language
CELTA — The Industry Standard
Cambridge Assessment English Level 5 qualification. The most requested ELT credential by employers worldwide. If you want to teach English and you want a qualification schools will actually hire for, start here.
CertTESOL
Trinity College London’s Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.
A Level 5 qualification equivalent to CELTA in most employer contexts. Offered at selected IH schools for teachers who prefer Trinity’s assessment framework.
TKT — Teaching Knowledge Test Preparation
Cambridge’s Teaching Knowledge Test is a modular qualification covering language, methodology, and classroom practice. TKT is a knowledge-based assessment, suitable as a foundation before CELTA or for teachers wanting to formalise their theoretical understanding.
Teaching Other Languages
IHC Spanish — IH Certificate in Teaching Spanish
An IH qualification for teachers of Spanish as a foreign language.
Covers teaching methodology, lesson planning, and observed teaching practice. It’s designed for teachers entering Spanish EFL contexts or Spanish-language schools in the IH network.
IHC German — IH Certificate in Teaching German
An IH qualification for teachers of German as a foreign language.
Equivalent framework to the IHC Spanish, methodology, planning, observed practice.
Specialist Entry Qualifications
FPELE
A specialist initial qualification for specific national or regional teaching contexts. Contact the relevant IH school directly for current availability and entry requirements.
Next Initial Teacher Training courses Available
IH Teacher Trainer Cert. — IH OTTI
Methodology
IH OTTI
23 May 2026 - 01 Aug 2026
100% Online (Part-time)
OnlineIH Cert. Teaching Business English — IH OTTI
Methodology
IH OTTI23 May 2026 - 29 Aug 2026100% Online (Part-time) OnlineIH Teacher Trainer Cert. — IH OTTI
Methodology
IH OTTI10 Oct 2026 - 19 Dec 2026100% Online (Part-time) OnlineIH Cert. Teaching Business English — IH OTTI
Methodology
IH OTTI10 Oct 2026 - 23 Jan 2027100% Online (Part-time) OnlineIH Cert. Advanced Methodology — IH OTTI
Methodology
IH OTTI10 Oct 2026 - 30 Jan 2027100% Online (Part-time) OnlineIH Cert. Online Tutoring — IH OTTI
Methodology
IH OTTI17 Oct 2026 - 21 Nov 2026100% Online (Part-time) Online
Not sure which qualification is right for you?
If you want to teach English and you want a qualification that will get you hired CELTA is almost always the answer. If your context is different, chat with us or contact us directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
