On 10 May 2010 the Awards Committee adjusted the College of Teachers Qualification Framework (COTQF) to include all TESOL Level One courses at Level 5 National Qualifications Framework (NQF) equivalent.

The TESOL Level One courses offered by TCOT meet, if not exceed, the same requirements of those of other awarding bodies at Level 5 (NQF) equivalent.  

Distance learning and online learning TESOL programmes were assessed at Level 5 (NQF) and all face-to-face and ‘hybrid’ courses were assessed at Level 4 (NQF) equivalent to match those offered by other awarding bodies. Both these programmes were considered to be TCOT TESOL Level One courses and were only distinguished by the face-to-face Teaching Practice element.

To allow candidates to achieve the full benefits of a course equal to the Associateship but enhanced through the Teaching Practice, The College of Teachers will now offer all TCOT TESOL Level One courses at level 5 as Associateship and Associateship with Teaching Practice.

The Associateship (ACOT) in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) is designed to prepare candidates for their first English teaching job. This internationally accredited course aims to give candidates the theory to function effectively as a teacher of TESOL at a number of levels and in a variety of teaching situations.

Distance learning and online learning TESOL programmes are assessed at Level 5 (NQF) and all face-to-face and ‘hybrid’ courses were assessed at Level 4 (NQF) equivalent to match those offered by other awarding bodies. Both these programmes are considered to be TCOT TESOL Level One courses and are only distinguished by the face-to-face Teaching Practice element.

To allow candidates to achieve the full benefits of a course equal to the Associateship but enhanced through the Teaching Practice, The College of Teachers will now offer all TCOT TESOL Level One courses at level 5 as Associateship and Associateship with Teaching Practice.

The course structures should provide the candidate with a deeper insight into the challenges facing the learner and the teacher.
Perspective:

    * ACOT TESOL courses provided by the Centres of The College should be available to native and near native English speakers whose first or second language is English.
    * ACOT TESOL courses provided by the Centres of The College should be suitable for those who want to teach internationally.
    * An ACOT TESOL provided by the Centres of The College should give the candidate a deeper understanding of the theory of contemporary English teaching practice.
    * The ACOT TESOL courses provided by the Centres of The College are encouraged to be made available internationally through both distance and face-to-face learning methods.
    * An ACOT TESOL provided by the Centres of The College makes candidates aware of the importance of further professional development throughout their career.
    * An ACOT TESOL provided by the Centres of The College should reflect current approaches to TESOL.
    * An ACOT TESOL provided by the Centres of The College should encourage the candidate to experience what it is like to be a language learner.
    * An ACOT TESOL provided by the Centres of The College should provide the candidate with a deeper understanding about the relationship between the theories underpinning their practice.
    * An ACOT TESOL provided by the Centres of The College should encourage candidates to develop self-evaluation techniques and record progress throughout their course.
    * An ACOT TESOL course provided by the Centres of The College should ensure candidates learn valuable work-life skills and help them develop a successful career.
    * An ACOT TESOL course provided by the Centres of The College should provide access to skills books for teaching reading, writing and listening; pronunciation books and the accompanying tapes; as well as vocabulary books.

Who is the qualification for?

The ACOT is designed for those candidates who require a theoretical background to TESOL through a distance-learning or face-to-face programme so when stepping into the classroom will have very clear understanding of the rigours of teaching English to native and non-native speakers.

Each course will have its own entry requirements however The College recommends the following as a minimum:

    * The minimum age to enrol on an ACOT course is 18.
    * Trainees should have appropriate skills in listening, spoken, reading and written English.

Course structure:

The requirements of this qualification were developed to be flexible and to provide TESOL candidates with a thorough preparation into TESOL and the classroom. This course should cover a minimum of 120 timetabled hours over a minimum four-week programme, with a guided purposeful observation of classes.
Assessment outcomes:

An ACOT TESOL will give a candidate the developed skills and knowledge with a strong foundation in TESOL.
Level

Level 5 qualifications are at a level equivalent to intermediate Higher Education qualifications such as Diplomas of Higher Education, Foundation and other degrees that do not typically provide access to postgraduate programmes.

The College of Teachers' qualifications are independently valid and stand alongside the National Qualification Framework (NQF) and Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ).