Trinity TYLEC – Qualification overview and requirements

Modified on Fri, 30 Oct at 2:53 PM

The Trinity Teaching Young Learners Extension Certificate (TYLEC) is a specialist qualification for English language teachers who want to develop their knowledge and skills in teaching children and teenagers.


TYLEC is designed for practising teachers and provides the theory and practical skills needed to plan and deliver effective English language lessons for:


  • Very young learners: Aged 3–6.

  • Young learners: Aged 7–16.


Who is TYLEC for?


TYLEC is suitable for English language teachers who:


  • Have little or no experience teaching children or teenagers.

  • Are already teaching young learners but have not received specialist training.

  • Want to understand the developmental needs of younger learners.

  • Want to develop age-appropriate teaching methods, classroom management skills and teaching materials.


TYLEC is an extension qualification for teachers who already have a background in English language teaching. It is not designed as an initial qualification for people entering the teaching profession.


What are the entry requirements?


Applicants should:


  • Be at least 18 years old.

  • Have English language proficiency at CEFR Level C1 or above.

  • Hold an initial teaching qualification, such as CertTESOL, or have equivalent relevant teaching experience.

  • Be currently teaching young or very young learners.


Trinity-validated course providers assess applicants to establish whether they have the appropriate teaching background, language proficiency and experience to complete the course.

Contact a validated course provider for details of its application and selection process.


What will I learn?


TYLEC develops the knowledge and practical skills needed to teach English effectively to children and teenagers.


The qualification consists of two units:


UnitWhat it covers
Unit 1: Teaching SkillsTeaching methods for young learners, lesson planning, classroom teaching, observation of experienced teachers, classroom management and reflective practice.
Unit 2: Materials AssignmentEvaluating, adapting and developing teaching materials that are appropriate for young learners' ages, abilities and developmental needs.


Throughout the course, you will develop your understanding of how children learn languages and how to create engaging, age-appropriate lessons.


How long does TYLEC take?


TYLEC has a total qualification time of 100 hours, comprising:


  • 58 guided learning hours, including training, teaching practice, observation, assessment and supervised activities.

  • 42 hours of independent study, including reading, research, lesson preparation and assignments.


The course includes:


  • Five class hours of teaching practice with young learners, including at least four hours of assessed teaching.

  • Six class hours of guided observation of experienced teachers.

  • Supervised lesson planning, feedback and reflection.


The time needed to complete the course depends on the timetable and delivery arrangements offered by your course provider.


Can I study TYLEC online?


TYLEC courses may be available through:


  • Face-to-face learning.

  • Online learning.

  • Blended learning, combining online and face-to-face activities.


Available formats vary between validated course providers.

All courses must meet Trinity's requirements for teaching practice, observation and assessment.


How is TYLEC assessed?


Assessment takes place throughout the course and covers both units.


Unit 1: Teaching Skills


Assessment includes:

  • Observed and assessed teaching practice with young learners.

  • A Teaching Practice Journal, including lesson planning and reflection.

  • A Developmental Action Points Log.

  • A Guided Observation Journal.


Unit 2: Materials Assignment


You must complete an assignment demonstrating your ability to select, evaluate, adapt or develop appropriate teaching materials for young learners.


Both units must be passed to achieve the qualification.


TYLEC is awarded on a Pass/Fail basis. Trinity's assessment arrangements include external moderation.


Is TYLEC a regulated qualification?


TYLEC is a specialist Trinity TESOL qualification and is not assigned a level on the UK's Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).


It complements Trinity's other teaching qualifications, including CertTESOL, CertPT and DipTESOL.


For more information about qualification recognition, see Are Trinity TESOL qualifications recognised internationally?


How much does TYLEC cost?


Course fees are determined by individual Trinity-validated course providers.

Fees may vary depending on the provider, location and delivery arrangements.

Contact your chosen provider directly for information about course fees and payment arrangements.


How do I apply for TYLEC?


TYLEC courses are delivered by Trinity-validated course providers.

To apply:


  1. Find a Trinity-validated course provider offering TYLEC.

  2. Contact the provider to discuss available courses, fees, dates and entry requirements.

  3. Follow the provider's application and selection process.


For further guidance, see How to find a Trinity-validated TESOL course provider. 


Further information and documents


The following official Trinity documents provide more detailed information about the qualification:


  • TYLEC factsheet – An overview of the qualification, intended audience, entry requirements, course structure and assessment.

  • TYLEC specification – Detailed information about the course structure, learning outcomes, teaching practice and assessment requirements.

See also

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