The Trinity Certificate for Practising Teachers (CertPT) is a Level 6 qualification designed for practising teachers who want to develop their professional knowledge and teaching skills.
CertPT supports continuing professional development (CPD), helping teachers evaluate, adapt and create teaching resources that meet the needs of learners in their own teaching environments.
The qualification can be completed through face-to-face, online or blended learning, with assessment options available in English or other languages, subject to Trinity's agreement.
Who is CertPT for?
CertPT is designed for practising teachers who want to:
Develop their existing teaching knowledge and skills.
Improve the effectiveness of their teaching materials and classroom resources.
Adapt their teaching practice to meet learners' needs.
Gain a recognised qualification for professional development.
Prepare for further professional development, including advanced qualifications such as DipTESOL.
CertPT can support teachers working in different educational settings, including English language teaching, bilingual education and other teaching contexts.
What are the entry requirements?
Applicants must have either:
An initial teaching qualification, such as Trinity CertTESOL or a recognised local teaching qualification, plus at least six months of teaching experience.
Or:
At least two years of substantial teaching experience that enables them to complete the qualification's practical assessments.
Unlike some other Trinity TESOL qualifications, CertPT does not require applicants to have English language proficiency at CEFR Level C1.
Validated course providers assess applicants to establish whether they have the appropriate teaching background and experience.
What will I learn?
CertPT focuses on improving teaching practice through the evaluation, adaptation and development of classroom resources.
The course develops your ability to:
Identify learners' needs within your teaching context.
Evaluate existing teaching materials and resources.
Adapt resources to make them more effective for your learners.
Create teaching resources that meet specific learning objectives.
Reflect on and evaluate the effectiveness of your teaching practice.
The precise course content may vary depending on the professional development focus offered by your validated course provider.
How long does CertPT take?
CertPT has a total qualification time of 100 hours, comprising:
30 guided learning hours, including training and supervised activities.
70 hours of independent study, including research, resource development, assessment preparation and reflection.
The time needed to complete the course depends on the timetable and delivery arrangements offered by your course provider.
Can I study CertPT online?
Yes. CertPT courses may be delivered through:
Face-to-face learning.
Online learning.
Blended learning, combining online and face-to-face activities.
The availability of each format depends on the validated course provider.
Can I complete CertPT in a language other than English?
Yes. CertPT is designed to support teachers working in different language and educational contexts.
Assessment may be completed:
Entirely in English.
Entirely in another language, subject to Trinity's agreement.
Using English and another language, subject to Trinity's agreement.
The language or languages used for assessment are recorded on the final CertPT certificate.
Contact your chosen course provider to confirm which assessment languages are available.
How is CertPT assessed?
CertPT is assessed through four practical teaching-related assignments.
These assess your ability to:
Evaluate teaching resources.
Adapt resources to meet learners' needs.
Create appropriate teaching resources.
Reflect on the use and effectiveness of resources in your teaching context.
Assessment is based on your professional knowledge and your ability to apply it to your own teaching practice.
The qualification is awarded at the following levels:
Pass with Distinction.
Pass with Merit.
Pass.
Candidates must meet the required standard in all four assessment tasks to achieve the qualification.
Where assessment requirements are not met, resubmission may be possible under Trinity's published rules.
Is CertPT internationally recognised?
CertPT is a Level 6 qualification on the UK's Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).
It provides formal recognition of professional development undertaken by practising teachers.
The qualification can support further professional development, including progression towards advanced teaching qualifications such as DipTESOL.
However, individual employers and educational institutions may have their own qualification requirements.
For more information, see Are Trinity TESOL qualifications recognised internationally?
How much does CertPT cost?
- Course fees are determined by individual Trinity-validated course providers.
- Fees may vary depending on the provider, location, course focus and delivery arrangements.
- Contact your chosen provider directly for information about fees and payment arrangements.
How do I apply for CertPT?
CertPT courses are delivered through Trinity-validated course providers.
To apply:
Find a Trinity-validated course provider offering CertPT.
Contact the provider to discuss available courses, their professional development focus, fees and entry requirements.
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:
CertPT factsheet – An overview of the qualification, intended audience, entry requirements, course structure and assessment.
CertPT specification – Detailed information about the course structure, learning outcomes, teaching practice and assessment requirements.
See also:
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