Visit TESOL's official website and access a program called the Core Certificate Program (see Resources). As of February 2011, the Core Certificate Program is offered twice a year. Read everything on the webpage to familiarize yourself with this program and its requirements.
Download the application form for the Core Certificate Program (see Resources). The application form is in PDF format and can be printed out. Complete the form and save the PDF for future use. You need at least a four-year bachelor's degree in English or education to apply.
Send the Core Certificate Program application form via email or print the application form to send it via fax. When approved, you will receive registration instructions and a participant agreement form. You must pay fees associated with the program to complete registration. The registration fees range from $400 to $1,000.
Complete your course to get a TESOL certification. The course is administered online by accredited instructors. Expect to spend 10 or more hours per week on this online course. You take two 60-hour courses. The first 60-hour course is "Fundamentals of TESOL," which teaches you about language learning, how to become a good English teacher and other aspects of teaching. The second 60-hour course is a specialty course where you get to choose one or two courses such as ESL (English as a Second Language) for Young Learners or ESL for Adult Learners. You must choose one of these courses to take and complete.Your last course is the professional development component and it requires in-person participation via a workshop, classroom or symposia. Your instructor will assist you on your professional development component. Once you successfully complete all three components, you will get a TESOL certification to teach English to non-English speakers. The entire course will take six to 11 months to complete.