Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Certificate

Career Certificate
Cost
$5,600* (estimated)

Go forth and teach English

Help others comprehend English language with this certificate from College of Lake County. You can teach others to communicate clearly and efficiently in the four domains of reading, writing, speaking and listening. Upon program completion, you’re ready to share this valuable knowledge in classroom or one-on-one settings.

What can you do with a Certificate in TESOL?

This certificate provides you with job-ready skills.

With it, you’re ready to serve in these roles:

  • assistant language teacher (either in the United States or overseas)
  • English as a Second Language (ESL) tutor

With additional education, you can fill these ESL positions:

  • English as Foreign Language teacher overseas (may require bachelor's degree)
  • community program instructor (usually requires a bachelor's degree)
  • K-12 teacher (usually requires a bachelor's degree)
  • college faculty member (usually requires a master's degree or higher)

Highlights

  • Financial Aid / Scholarship Opportunities

    Explore ways to pay for college (based on need/achievement).
  • Career Certificate

    Gain in-demand technical and job-ready skills by earning a certificate in 1 year or less.
  • Program Length: 2 Years

    Finish in 2 years as a full-time student.

*Estimated cost is based on the minimum number of credit hours to complete the program. This estimate includes in-district tuition and comprehensive fees for the 2026-2027 academic year, before financial aid, including grants, loans and scholarships, is applied. Actual cost may vary to include additional fees, materials and other cost of attendance factors such as living expenses, transportation, etc. Explore opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about the Cost of Attendance.

Career Outlook

Need help getting started?

Ask us for help. Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) will help you:

  • complete the admission process
  • choose an academic program
  • enroll in first-semester classes
  • get access to helpful resources

Talk to a CCN

Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term.

Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more comprehensive list of course options and degree requirements, see the CLC college catalog.




Female student taking notes in class

TESOL at CLC

Get the bigger picture

A certificate is just one possible way to study TESOL. Get the bigger picture—degrees, credentials and extra options.

View the TESOL Program Overview


Apply now: It's easy and free

Complete the application form to begin your program.

After you apply, a Career and College Navigator (CCN) will reach out to answer your questions, guide your next steps and help you get enrolled. Explore steps to apply at CLC.

Frequently asked questions

Take the next step...

Be debt-free at CLC

CLC has some of the lowest tuition around. Financial aid and scholarships are available—even for working adults.

Request info

Your education is a big investment of your time, money and attention. Gather all the info you need.

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Get a feel for life on campus when you register for a tour. We'd love to show you around. Oh, and bring family and friends along for the fun, if you want!

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Start your application today—it’s free and easy to complete. When you’re ready, we’re ready to help you take the next step.

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