Frequently Asked Questions

I'm interested in working with children who don't speak English. Will this program help prepare me for that?

Yes. The Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) courses provide the major competencies and knowledge required for teaching students (children or adults) whose primary language is not English. Please keep in mind that K-12 teachers working in public schools must hold a valid California teaching credential issued by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing; the TESOL Certificate does not replace a teaching credential.

I'm interested in teaching adults who don't speak English in California or overseas. Will this program help prepare me for that?

Yes. The material covered in the TESOL Certificate Program is applicable across age groups, kindergarten-adult, and helps prepare those who are seeking new employment as teachers of English abroad.

What kind of academic credit will I earn?

The TESOL courses are academically approved as Professional Level Teacher Education. This credit is given in quarter units. One quarter unit equals 10 classroom hours or two-thirds of a semester unit. Completion of the TESOL Certificate Program requires 18.5 units.

If you intend to transfer these credits to another program, please consult with the appropriate institution. UC Davis Extension has no responsibility for course credit approval at other institutions.

Can I apply previous UC Davis Extension TESOL courses to the TESOL Certificate Program?

Previous UC Davis Extension TESOL courses may be applied to the current TESOL Certificate Program, depending on which courses you have taken and how long ago you took them. Each student’s situation will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and we are happy to work with you to determine the best plan for completing the TESOL Certificate Program. Please contact the Education Unit for more information.

Can I apply non-UC Davis Extension TESOL courses to the TESOL Certificate Program?

UC Davis Extension policy allows substitution of one UC Davis Extension TESOL course, depending on the content covered in the non-UC Davis Extension course and how it aligns with the content in the UC Davis Extension course for which you are requesting substitution. Please contact the Education Unit for more information.

Will the TESOL program fulfill my Crosscultural, Language and Academic Development (CLAD) requirements?

No. The TESOL Certificate Program does not fulfill the CLAD requirements.

How do I apply to the TESOL Certificate Program and what are the requirements?

The TESOL certificate is earned upon successful completion of five required courses with at least a "B" average in program coursework. Nonnative speakers of English are also required to meet the English Language Proficiency Requirements. To establish candidacy for the certificate, you must submit your completed application, official transcript of your bachelor's degree, TOEFL score (if required) and nonrefundable $45 application fee to:

UC Davis Extension
Attn: Student Services
1333 Research Park Drive
Davis, CA 95618

It is not necessary to send your transcript, application, TOEFL score (if required) and fee before enrolling in your first course; however, you must apply for candidacy before you complete the second course of the program.

What are the English Language Proficiency requirements?

Nonnative speakers of English applying for the TESOL certificate are required to submit an official international or UC Institutional Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) report. You must receive a minimum score of 230 for the computer-based exam, 570 for the paper-based exam or a minimum score of 22 on each of the four sections of the internet-based test. The TOEFL must be taken within two years of the application date to this program.

Registration forms for the TOEFL may be obtained by contacting Test of English as a Foreign Language, Educational Testing Service, PO Box 6151, Princeton, NJ 084541-6151 or emailing toefl@ets.org. For more information about the TOEFL, visit the ETS website.

Is there a required sequence of courses in the TESOL Certificate Program?

No. There is no required sequence of courses, but we highly recommend the following order:

• Intercultural Competence and Communication
• Language Structure and Acquisition
• Assessment of English Learners
• Applied Methods: Foundation
  Prerequisites: Intercultural Competence and Communication; Language and Language Acquisition.
• Applied Methods: Literacy
  Prerequisites: Intercultural Competence and Communication; Language and Language Acquisition; Applied Methods: Foundation.

Can I enroll in TESOL courses without enrolling in the Certificate Program? If I decide later that I want the TESOL certificate, will the course I successfully completed count?

You may enroll in TESOL courses without applying for the TESOL Certificate Program. Should you determine later that you would like the TESOL certificate, you must submit your completed application, official transcript of your bachelor's degree, TOEFL score (if required) and nonrefundable $45 application fee before you complete the second course of the program.

Who are the UC Davis Extension instructors?

Instructors in this program are teachers and administrators with strong professional connections to English learners and professional associations, and typically hold Master's degrees. The Dean of UC Davis Extension and the appropriate UC Davis departments(s) approve all courses and instructors. In our system, instructors do not have blanket approval; they are approved for specific courses, thereby ensuring quality instruction on a case-by-case basis.

I work full-time and have a family. How much time can I expect to spend on assignments and homework?

Assignments will vary according to the instructor. Past participants have found our courses engaging and challenging, but manageable when balanced with a full work- and/or family-life. Generally speaking, you can expect to spend about two-and-one-half hours of outside class time for every one hour spent in class.

What is the cost of the program?

Prices depend on the unit count for each course, and range from $495 (2 units) to $695 (5 units). Expect to pay about $3,200 for the 18.5-unit program, plus a $45 program application fee. Please note, these prices may change at any time.

How much can I expect to spend on textbooks?

Textbooks range in price from $30-120, depending on the course. In general, you can expect to spend about $325 on textbooks if completing the entire program. These estimates are based on prices for new textbooks.

How can I check my grade at the end of a course?

After the instructor has submitted grades at the end of the course, Student Services will mail you a grade report. You may also create an online customer account to access your grade report as needed.

How long does it take to complete the program?

Scheduled in a cohort model, we typically offer each of the five required courses once a year, over three quarters.

What type of document will I receive when I complete the program?

Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive a TESOL certificate, indicating that you have successfully completed all program requirements.

Contact Us