TEFL ACCREDITATION
ALL THE TRUST WITHOUT THE COST
ITEFLOCA are the new players in a worn-out industry; trust us to give your students peace of mind and use the money saved to help them save in turn.
Fair Pricing
Our pricing is transparent. You know from the start exactly what you'll pay for our services: a fixed initial fee, annual membership, and a 5-yearly re-accreditation.
Clear Standards
Our policies are transparent and publicly viewable. TEFL students can view exactly how we measure and validate the TEFL courses that we accredit.
Field Expertise
Our accreditors are qualified and experienced language teachers with in-depth knowledge of the TEFL industry. We know what teachers need to know and we make sure courses teach it.
ITEFLOCA STANDARDS CHECKLIST
This checklist is used by ITEFLOCA reviewers to evaluate online TEFL courses against our accreditation standards. Each item is rated as “Meets,” “Almost,” or “Not Yet” based on the evidence found during the course review.
REVIEWER INFORMATION
Reviewer Name: _____________________________________________
Course Provider: _____________________________________________
Course Title: ________________________________________________
Course Hour Designation: ☐ 100 ☐ 120 ☐ 150 ☐ 160 ☐ 168 ☐ 200 ☐ Other ______
Review Date: ________________________________________________
SECTION 1: CORE PRINCIPLES FOR ONLINE TEFL COURSES
1.1 Accessibility and Communication
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Standard |
Meets |
Almost |
Not Yet |
Evidence/ Notes |
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Provider maintains open communication channels with students, responding within 72 hours |
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Course details and pricing are transparently displayed without drastic fluctuations over time |
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A minimum 7-day cooling-off period with refund guarantee is offered |
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Technical support is provided throughout the course duration |
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Course is run by professionals who can adequately respond to student content questions (included in course fee) |
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1.2 Content Delivery Flexibility
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Standard |
Meets |
Almost |
Not Yet |
Evidence/ Notes |
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Content is presented through multiple engaging formats |
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Delivery methods include appropriate variety (video, text, interactive elements, etc.) |
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Peer collaboration opportunities are provided when promised |
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Progress tracking system is implemented (dashboard or alternative) |
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SECTION 2: CONTENT FRAMEWORK
2.1 Core Content Areas (All Courses)
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Standard |
Meets |
Almost |
Not Yet |
Evidence/ Notes |
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English Language Essentials |
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Grammar fundamentals and teaching approaches |
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Pronunciation basics and phonological awareness |
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Vocabulary teaching principles |
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Teaching Methodology |
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Lesson planning and structure |
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Communicative language teaching approaches |
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Basic classroom interaction patterns |
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Teaching Language Skills |
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Reading, writing, speaking, and listening instruction |
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Integrated skills teaching approaches |
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Classroom Management |
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Basic management techniques |
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Student motivation |
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Time management and activity transitions |
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Managing different classroom dynamics |
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Assessment Fundamentals |
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Basic assessment types and principles |
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Feedback techniques (written and verbal) |
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Error correction approaches |
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Materials and Resources |
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Selecting and adapting teaching materials |
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Using authentic resources effectively |
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Digital and online teaching resources |
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2.2 Additional Requirements (Based on Hour Designation)
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Standard |
Meets |
Almost |
Not Yet |
Evidence/ Notes |
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120-Hour Course Requirements |
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Includes at least ONE specialized area (e.g., teaching different age groups, multilevel classes, business English, etc.) |
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150-Hour+ Course Requirements |
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Includes increasingly specialized content (e.g., ESP, technology in teaching, advanced methodologies) |
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SECTION 3: DELIVERY AND ASSESSMENT
3.1 Assessment Types and Quality
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Standard |
Meets |
Almost |
Not Yet |
Evidence/ Notes |
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Regular progress checks throughout the course |
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Interactive practice questions with immediate feedback |
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Performance analytics or tracking for students |
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At least one comprehensive final assessment |
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Clear criteria for successful course completion |
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Specific passing grade criteria clearly stated |
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Assessment methods align with learning objectives |
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Automated assessments include some detailed explanations, not just right/wrong indicators |
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Skills-based assessments included at appropriate intervals |
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3.2 Student Support
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Standard |
Meets |
Almost |
Not Yet |
Evidence/ Notes |
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Comprehensive FAQ databases for common questions |
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Technical support services for platform issues |
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Resource libraries or supplementary materials |
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Clear communication channels with tutors/supervisors |
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SECTION 4: QUALITY ASSURANCE
4.1 Content Quality
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Standard |
Meets |
Almost |
Not Yet |
Evidence/ Notes |
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Materials are accurate, current, and professionally presented |
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Content reflects current TEFL methodologies and best practices |
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Materials are free from significant errors in grammar, spelling, or facts |
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Course length reasonably matches the designated hours and is justifiable |
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4.2 Course Design and Implementation
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Standard |
Meets |
Almost |
Not Yet |
Evidence/ Notes |
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Content distribution appropriate to course hour designation |
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Variety of assessment types appropriate to course length |
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Navigation and user interface are intuitive and functional |
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Course is accessible on multiple devices/platforms |
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SECTION 5: POST COURSE SERVICE
5.1 Certification and correspondence
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Standard |
Meets |
Almost |
Not Yet |
Evidence/ Notes |
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Measures are in place to inform students that they have passed the course to become certified (whether by email or another agreed-upon medium). If students have failed to reach the level required for certification, they must be contacted and made aware of any options that they may have. |
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Professionally-presented certificates are awarded to students digitally according to the course description (with transcript if that has been promised as part of the service). |
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Students are able to contact the course provider for an extra certificate for whatever reason (whether this requires an additional fee should be pre-determined by the provider in their terms and conditions). |
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When applicable, students are able to order a hardcopy certificate (this depends on the individual TEFL course provider’s policy as stated in their terms). Notes should reflect “N/A” if non-applicable. |
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SECTION 6: SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATION
Total Ratings:
- “Meets” standards: _____
- “Almost” meets standards: _____
- “Not Yet” meets standards: _____
Recommended Accreditation Status:
- ☐ Accredited – Excellent (unanimously exceeds all standards)
- ☐ Accredited (meets all standards with no “Almost” or “Not Yet” ratings)
- ☐ Provisionally Accredited (up to 3 “Almost” ratings and no “Not Yet” ratings)
- ☐ Not Yet Accredited (one or more “Not Yet” ratings)
Summary Comments:
Specific Strengths:
Areas for Improvement:
Reviewer Signature: ___________________________________________
Date: _______________________________________________________
FOR ITEFLOCA INTERNAL USE ONLY
Verification by Second Reviewer: ________________________________
Director Approval: ____________________________________________
Accreditation ID (if approved): _________________________________
ITEFLOCA is committed to maintaining high standards in online TEFL education through fair and thorough evaluation. This checklist ensures that all courses receive consistent assessment based on our published standards.