TESOL-120
Step 2 of the CIE pathway for teachers - the professional standard
A 120-hour TESOL certificate is widely recognized as the baseline professional benchmark for English teachers. CIE’s TESOL-120 course is designed for those who want to move beyond theory and learn how to teach effectively, confidently, and professionally.
The TESOL-120 also forms part of CIE’s wider teacher-training pathway. Successful completion of this course qualifies graduates to apply for entry into the BA in Education and may be credited toward degree-level study.
CIE TESOL Pathway
Step 1: TESOL-40
Learn 40 brain-based teaching methods and strategies.
Step 2: TESOL-120
Build on TESOL-40 and develop the skills employers value most. Features lesson planning, practical teaching techniques, and evaluated teaching practice with feedback.
Step 3: BA in Education
The CIE TESOL courses count as 12 credits towards a Bachelor's degree through our partner university.
*Prices are in USD. Upon completion of the program, graduates will receive their certification by email. Hardcopy certificates are available by request for $20. Purchase provides access to online content for a 6 month period. Continued access beyond that is available for a monthly subscription of $2.99.
TESOL-120 Course Focus
Many online TESOL courses are limited to reading-based units and automated assessments. This course places emphasis on application, planning, and guided practice.
The TESOL-120 is structured to help teachers understand how to teach, not only what to teach.
Plan Dynamic, Effective Lessons
Learn how to:
- Select and combine teaching methods introduced in the CIE TESOL-40 course
- Design clear, structured lesson plans with well-defined learning objectives
- Create engaging activities that support real language acquisition
- Adapt lessons for different ages, ability levels, and learning contexts
Teaching Practice with Tailored Feedback
A defining feature of the TESOL-120 is evaluated teaching practice:
- Complete structured teaching practice tasks
- Submit lesson plans and teaching demonstrations
- Receive individualized feedback from an experienced TESOL instructor
Feedback is specific and developmental, allowing you to refine your approach and build confidence as a teacher.
Phonetics
- Understand the key elements of English phonetics needed for effective teaching
- Identify and describe the sounds of English and how they are produced in the mouth
- Apply clear, effective techniques for teaching English pronunciation
Teaching with Clarity and Confidence
- Establish a clear and confident teaching presence
- Engage learners actively through clear explanations, questioning, and interaction
- Manage classrooms effectively
- Give clear, constructive feedback that supports language development and learner progress
- Reflect on your teaching practice to improve clarity, effectiveness, and learner outcomes
Requirements
To enrol in this course, you must have completed a 40-hour CIE TESOL course, either through CIE’s one-week in-person program or online TESOL course.
You will need reliable internet access, a current web browser, and the ability to record and upload short teaching practice videos for assessment.
The Importance of 120 Hours
A 120-hour TESOL certificate:
- Meets the stated requirements of many schools worldwide
- Is commonly expected by online teaching platforms
- Is often required for teaching roles linked to work visas
Completing a 120-hour course demonstrates sustained training and supervised development.
Who the Course Is Designed For
- TESOL-40 graduates ready to reach the 120-hour benchmark
- Teachers who want structured development (not automated-only assessment)
- Teachers building a portfolio of lesson plans and assessed practice
- Teachers preparing to progress into BA in Education study
Outcome
By the end of the course, graduates hold a 120-hour TESOL certificate supported by lesson planning work, evaluated teaching practice, and instructor feedback—elements increasingly expected by employers.
After TESOL-120, graduates may apply to continue into the BA in Education (Step 3), with the TESOL-40 and TESOL-120 courses counting toward degree credit.