Frequently Asked Questions
What status has the Teach Business English Certificate?
The course is validated by ACTDEC, the Accreditation Council for TESOL Distance Education Courses, a non-profit making independent body responsible for maintaining professional standards in TESOL distance programmes. The course itself will give you the background to be able to answer questions at job interviews with confidence. The report on your work for the course will show potential employers how you performed during the training and where your strengths lie.
Can I take an examination to give me added credibility in this field?
Yes. The course will prepare you to sit the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry Examination Board's (LCCIEB) Further Certificate for Teachers of Business English exam. This is available on demand in LCCIEB centres in many parts of the world. Contact the LCCIB to ask where your nearest centre is. It is described by the LCCIEB:
This qualification is designed for qualified teachers of general English who wish to gain a supplementary specialist teaching qualification in English for business purposes. The content of the exam is designed to broaden a teacher's management skills as well as their understanding of business practice, processes and procedures. It provides teachers with the skills required to teach English to the growing number of candidates who aspire to use English in a professional, business context.
For my assignments must I use British English, American English...?
You may use whichever form of English you use normally. The course itself is written in British English but any consistent variety of English may be used for the assignments.
What about work prospects?
By equipping yourself to teach English for business you will find more work opportunities around the world. English language institutes, specialist business training centres, and large multi-national companies need busines English trainers. You have the opportunity to work with mature, serious and highly motivated clients and salaries are higher than for teachers of general English.
How long will the course take to complete?
That depends on the level of your existing knowledge. Each module is designed to provide about ten hours of study but might take longer if you find you want to do extra research and reading. It is envisaged that people will take between four and six weeks to complete the course if they are working on it part-time but you can worek entirely at your own pace.
Do I need to buy any books?
It is not really necessary as the course is self-contained and self-explanatory. You will need access to published materials for teaching business English so that you can get a flavour of what is available and be able to evaluate it. We provide a list of recommended books for further reading, should you wish to explore further, and some of these may be available through libraries or in the teaching organization you work for. We also have a page of Internet resources, downloadable information from this site, and quizzes and tests to help you with the course.
How do I proceed with this course?
When you enrol you will receive the first module. Your tutor will receive your profile and will be ready to receive your first assignment by e-mail and will also be happy to answer any questions you may have. When you have completed the first assignment you send it as a Word attachment to Teach Business English for marking by your tutor. You will then receive the next module. If your first assignment reaches the required standard you can proceed to the next one. If it doesn't you will be asked to resubmit it before continuing. After satisfactory completion of the course you will receive your certificate and report.
