TESOL Professional Specialization Certificate

Prepare to teach English language learners in K-12 classrooms

The Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Professional Specialization Certificate provides comprehensive training for educators working with English language learners in elementary and secondary school settings. Designed for a range of both established and emerging educators, this program combines theoretical foundations with practical pedagogy to prepare you for the linguistic and cultural diversity of today's classrooms.

We offer two pathways to meet your professional development needs:

1. TESOL Certificate

• 6.0 units (150 hours) of classroom instruction
• Ideal for educators with prior experience working with English language learners who want to deepen their theoretical knowledge and pedagogical skills.

2. TESOL Certificate with Practicum 

• 6.0 units (150 hours) of classroom instruction
• 20-hour supervised practicum
• Recommended for educators with minimal or no prior experience working with English language learners. The practicum component, offered in partnership with the UVic School of Languages, Linguistics, and Cultures, provides hands-on teaching experience under expert supervision. 

Who should apply? 

This certificate program is designed for:

• Current or recent B.Ed. graduates seeking specialization in English language teaching
• Post-degree professional program (PDPP) students pursuing additional qualifications
• In-service K-12 teachers looking to expand their expertise in supporting English language learners
• Graduate-level students in the Faculty of Education seeking additional certification and training
• Educators transitioning to TESOL from other teaching contexts

Courses & schedule

The program consists of four core courses that build progressively from foundational concepts to classroom application. All courses count towards TQS Category Upgrades in British Columbia. 

• EDCI 481: Introduction to TESOL (1.5 units)
• EDCI 482: Language Foundations for TESOL (1.5 units)
• EDCI 483: TESOL: Sociocultural Perspectives (1.5 units)
• EDCI 484: TESOL: Curriculum and Pedagogy (1.5 units)
• Optional - LING 476: Seminar and Practicum in Applied Linguistics (1.5 units)

See the full course details on the UVic academic calendar. 

Cohort 1 - Extended schedule

Cohort 2 - Intensive summer schedule

This cohort will complete all coursework in the summer 2027 term.

Note: Course offerings are subject to enrollment. 

Certification

This program is designed to meet TESL Canada Professional Standard 1 requirements, combining:

• Minimum 120 hours of coursework in TESOL theory and methodology
• Optional supervised practicum for hands-on teaching experience
• Alignment with internationally recognized TESOL certification standards

TESL Canada certification is contingent upon alignment between TESL Canada standards and University of Victoria program requirements; approval of the program does not in itself guarantee certification.

Transfer credit

Credit obtained within the TESOL Certificate may be transferable to a regular bachelor's degree program; however, such transferability of credit is always subject to the specific requirements of the degree program and regulations of the Faculty offering that degree program. Students interested in taking this program concurrently with a UVic degree program should contact their academic adviser for their main degree program to obtain permission and ensure the certificate aligns with your degree requirements before submitting an application to the program.

How to apply

Visit the UVic admissions website to see admission requirements for this program and to apply online. 

• Apply by August 1 for a September 2026 start.
• Apply by November 30 for a January 2027 start.

Apply as a new UVic student

Apply as a current or returning UVic student

For more information, contact tesolcertificate@uvic.ca