Level: 5 (RQF) | Total Qualification Time (TQT): 240 hours | Guided Learning Hours (GLH): 144 hours
Grading: Refer / Pass / Distinction
Minimum Age Requirement: 18+
The NOCN Level 5 Certificate in TESOL is a comprehensive, practical teaching qualification designed for individuals who wish to begin or advance their careers in the field of English language teaching to speakers of other languages. Whether you’re a new entrant to the profession or a current teacher looking for a formal qualification, this course provides the essential skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience needed to teach English effectively in both classroom-based and online environments.
This course is ideal for:
Individuals with no prior teaching experience who are entering the TESOL profession
Current ESOL teachers who lack a formal Level 5 qualification
Subject teachers transitioning into English language teaching
Returning ESOL teachers who wish to update their pedagogical practice
The qualification assumes no previous formal training in TESOL and is open to both native and non-native speakers of English with a minimum C1 proficiency across all skills.
The course comprises 7 mandatory units (22 credits) and 1 elective unit (2 credits), including:
Theories and Principles of Learning and Teaching
Planning Effective Lessons
Classroom Management
Classroom Teaching Skills and Techniques
Learning Materials Design and Adaptation
Assessment and Evaluation
English Language Awareness
Elective topics include:
Teaching Young Learners
Teaching English for Academic or Business Purposes
Teaching in Low-Resource or Online Contexts
Intercultural Awareness
Trainees complete at least 8 hours of observed teaching practice, including four 60-minute assessed lessons with real learners. These observations are spaced out to allow for developmental feedback and reflection. Assessment includes:
Teaching practice evaluations
Written assignments and reflections
A professional portfolio demonstrating competence across all units
Assessments are graded as Pass, Distinction, or Refer. Trainees can re-submit referred components to meet required standards.
Holders of this qualification can:
Apply for ESOL teaching roles in private language schools, NGOs, colleges, and online platforms
Work as teaching assistants or bilingual support staff
Progress to higher qualifications such as a Level 6/7 Diploma in TESOL, PGCE with TESOL specialism, or specialist certificates (e.g., Teaching Young Learners or EAP)
The course may be delivered intensively (in no fewer than 5 weeks) or part-time, depending on the centre. Delivery can take place face-to-face, online, or through blended learning formats.
This qualification is awarded by NOCN (National Open College Network), a UK-based, Ofqual-regulated awarding body and part of NOCN Group, an educational charity supporting access to education, qualifications, and employment pathways globally.
Lead Teacher Trainer
© 2025 Britishey Training Centre Ltd. All rights reserved. Britishey Training Centre Ltd is a registered British company (Company No. 16463616) and a UK-approved learning provider (UKPRN: 10098455). Registered office: 71–75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9JQ, United Kingdom.