The English Language Courses by TESDA offer individuals a structured and comprehensive way to enhance their English proficiency. Designed for both native and non-native speakers, these courses aim to equip learners with essential communication skills for various situations. Covering levels from beginner (A1 and A2) to advanced (C1), the courses follow the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), ensuring alignment with international language proficiency standards.
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Learners will improve their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills while gaining the ability to use English effectively in different contexts. Whether for daily conversations, workplace communication, or academic purposes, these courses provide the tools needed to succeed in diverse environments.
Benefits
Here are the possible benefits of taking TESDA English Language Courses:
- Improved communication skills: These courses help individuals express themselves better in personal and professional settings.
- Increased job opportunities: Strong English skills boost your resume, opening doors to more jobs and higher pay.
- Better academic performance: A good command of English enhances academic success and opportunities to study abroad.
- Enhanced cultural understanding: Learning English also fosters appreciation of its culture and helps build relationships across backgrounds.
- Personal development: TESDA English courses build confidence, critical thinking, and global awareness.
- International travel preparation: Proficiency in English makes traveling easier, helping you communicate, navigate, and enjoy other cultures.
Language A1 Level
The Language A1 Level includes basic skills to use everyday expressions and simple phrases, following CEFR standards. At this level, individuals can introduce themselves, ask and answer questions about personal details like where they live or who they know, and interact simply, as long as the other person speaks slowly and clearly.
Units of Competency
The competency standards encompass the following units of competency:
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases.
- Interact in a simple manner.
Training Duration
Below is a list of suggested minimum training durations for non-native speakers aiming to achieve Language A1 level proficiency.
European Languages
- English: 100 hours
- Italian: 100 hours
- Spanish: 100 hours
- German: 100 hours
- French: 100 hours
- Portuguese: 152 hours
Asian Languages
- Chinese Mandarin: 200 hours
- Taiwanese Mandarin: 200 hours
- Korean: 152 hours
- Japanese: 152 hours
- Arabic: 152 hours
- Bahasa (Melayu and Indonesia): 100 hours
- Filipino: 152 hours
Qualifications
To join the program, trainees must meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Hold at least a High School diploma, ALS certificate (secondary), or Senior High School diploma.
- Have an A1-level language training certificate or equivalent certification.
Additional requirements, such as educational background, nationality, work experience, clearances, or other specific criteria, may be needed based on the institution or training center offering the program.
Trainer Qualifications
The trainer qualifications for this Language A1 Level require the following:
- Completed 2 years of college
- Certificate of higher language proficiency or language course training (A2 Level or higher, aligned with CEFR)
- Trainer’s Methodology I (TM 1) Certificate or Community-Based Training Methodology (CBTM)
- Minimum of 2 years relevant experience in the language to be taught within the last 5 years
NOTE: An online training delivery requires a FELS Certificate or any relevant certificate.
Language A2 Level
The A2 language level, based on CEFR standards, focuses on basic skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. At this stage, learners can use simple expressions about personal topics, shopping, local areas, and work. They can handle routine conversations and describe their background and immediate needs in basic terms.
Units of Competency
The competency standards encompass the following units of competency:
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Use expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance
- Communicate in simple and routine tasks
Training Duration
Recommended minimum training duration for non-native speakers at Language A2 Level.
European Languages
- English: 152 hours
- Italian: 152 hours
- Spanish: 152 hours
- German: 152 hours
- French: 152 hours
- Portuguese: 200 hours
Asian Languages
- Chinese Mandarin: 300 hours
- Taiwanese Mandarin: 300 hours
- Korean: 300 hours
- Japanese: 300 hours
- Arabic: 200 hours
- Bahasa (Melayu and Indonesia): 152 hours
- Filipino: 200 hours
Qualifications
To join the program, trainees must meet the following criteria:
- Must be 18 years old or older
- High School graduate or holder of ALS certificate of achievement (secondary) or Senior High School graduate
- Training certificate for A1 level or equivalent language certification required
Additional requirements, such as educational background, nationality, work experience, clearances, or other specific criteria, may be needed based on the institution or training center offering the program.
Language B1 Level
The Language B1 Level covers intermediate skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, aligned with CEFR standards. At this level, individuals can understand main points on familiar topics, handle common situations while traveling, and create simple, connected text. They can also describe experiences, events, and ambitions, and explain their opinions and plans.
Units of Competency
The competency standards encompass the following units of competency:
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Communicates on familiar matters regularly encountered
- Deals with most situations likely to arise
Training Duration
Here is a list of suggested minimum training durations for non-native speakers aiming to achieve a Language B1 Level proficiency:
European Languages
- English: 152 hours
- Italian: 152 hours
- Spanish: 180 hours
- German: 152 hours
- French: 152 hours
- Portuguese: 252 hours
Asian Languages
- Chinese Mandarin: 352 hours
- Taiwanese Mandarin: 352 hours
- Korean: 300 hours
- Japanese: 300 hours
- Arabic: 252 hours
- Bahasa (Melayu and Indonesia): 200 hours
- Filipino: 252 hours
Qualifications
The program requires trainees to meet the following qualifications:
- At least 18 years old
- High School graduate or holder of an ALS certificate of achievement (secondary) or Senior High School graduate
- A2 level training certificate or equivalent language certification
Additional requirements, such as educational background, nationality, work experience, clearances, or other specific criteria, may be needed based on the institution or training center offering the program.
Trainer’s Qualifications
- College graduate.
- Must have a B1-level or higher language proficiency certificate (aligned with CEFR) OR a training certificate for a B1-level or higher language course.
- Trainer’s Methodology I (TM1) Certificate is required.*
- At least 2 years of relevant experience teaching the language within the last 5 years.
*As per Memorandum No. 193, s. 2024.
If the program is delivered online, a FELS Certificate or equivalent online training delivery certificate is required.
English as a Second Language – Beginner (A1 and A2) Level
The English as a Second Language (ESL) Beginner Program (A1-A2) helps learners develop basic listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills aligned with CEFR standards. It focuses on understanding simple expressions, daily phrases, and basic personal details like residence or location. Learners will be able to introduce themselves, ask and answer simple questions, and handle basic interactions when spoken to slowly and clearly. Completing this program prepares learners to pass A1-A2 level language proficiency exams.
Units of Competency
The competency standards encompass the following units of competency
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Communicate in simple and routine tasks
- Use expressions related to areas of immediate need
Upon completing this program, learners are well-equipped to successfully pass any language proficiency examination at the A1-A2 levels, corresponding to the Beginner level.
Qualifications
Applicants interested in enrolling in the course must meet the following prerequisites and qualifications:
- Must have a proficiency in the English Language.
- Must be a non-native speaker of the English Language.
This list doesn’t include specific prerequisites like education, work experience, clearances, and other requirements for TVET programs.
NOTE: Filipino citizens, eligibility for scholarship programs will be determined in accordance with the most recent Omnibus Guidelines issued.
Qualifications
To enroll in the course, trainees must meet the following qualifications:
- Have a background in the English language
- Be a non-native English speaker
Note: This list does not include additional institutional requirements such as educational background, work experience, or specific clearances, which may be required by the school or training center offering the program.
For Filipino citizens, scholarship program requirements will follow the latest issued Omnibus Guidelines.
Trainer’s Qualifications
- Must be a college graduate of any 4-year degree course or a PQF Level 5 program related to English language.
- Must have a B1 level or higher in the language to be taught.
- Certification Requirements
- DELTA (Diploma in English Language Teaching to Adults)
- CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults)
- TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)
- TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language)
- TKT (Teaching Knowledge Test)
- Trainer’s Methodology I (TM 1) Certificate
- Teaching license from PRC (Philippine Regulation Commission)
- Work Experience
- At least 1 year of related experience teaching the language within the last 5 years.
- Additional Requirements for Online Training
- FELS Certificate or any certificate related to conducting online training delivery is required for programs conducted online.
English as a Second Language – Intermediate (B1 and B2) Level
The English as a Second Language Intermediate Level (B1-B2) focuses on listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills based on CEFR standards. At this level, learners can clearly express ideas, share viewpoints, and discuss a wide range of general topics.
Units of Competency
The competency standards encompass the following units of competency
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Provide clear and more complex descriptions and viewpoints on most general topics
- Engage fluently and accurately on a wide range of topics within one’s field of specialization
Training Duration
The recommended minimum duration for the ESL Intermediate (B1 and B2) level is 200 hours.
Qualifications
Trainees wishing to enroll in the course must meet the following qualifications:
- Formal education from a recognized educational institution is required.
- Must be a non-native English speaker.
- Should possess either a training certificate for A2 level English or a formal test result for A2 level issued by an institution with a TESDA accredited ESL Program.
This list excludes institutional prerequisites like additional education, work experience, specific clearances, and other requirements set by the school or training center for the TVET program.
NOTE: For Filipino Citizens, eligibility for scholarship programs must adhere to the most recent Omnibus Guidelines issued.
Trainer Qualifications
A. Must possess a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in any 4-year course or a PQF Level 5 program specifically related to the English language.
B. Required to have achieved a language proficiency of B1 level or higher in the language intended to be taught.
C. Candidates must hold a training certificate in teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language, which could be any of the following:
- DELTA (Diploma in English Language Teaching to Adults)
- CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults)
- TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)
- TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language)
- TKT (Teaching Knowledge Test)
- Trainer’s Methodology I (TM 1) Certificate
- A teaching license issued by the Philippine Regulation Commission (PRC)
D. Work Experience
- Must have at least one (1) year of related experience in teaching the specific language within the last five (5) years.
English as a Second Language – Advanced (C1) Level
The English as a Second Language Advanced (C1) Level focuses on skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, aligned with the CEFR standards. At this level, learners communicate fluently, accurately, and effectively, with minimal errors, for both social and academic purposes. They can express ideas clearly on complex topics, write detailed and well-structured texts, and understand demanding texts while recognizing implicit meanings.
Units of Competency
The units of competency comprising this qualification include the following:
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Utilize the language more effectively for both social and academic purposes.
- Express ideas in a clear, well-structured manner on complex subjects and situations.
Training Duration
Recommended Minimum Duration for Training for ESL Advanced (C1) Level for Non-Native Speakers is 200 hours.
Qualifications
Trainees wishing to enroll in the course must meet the following requirements and qualifications:
- Must be a non-native English speaker.
- Must have completed formal education at an educational institution.
- Must possess a B2 level training certificate or a B2 level formal test result issued by the admitting institution with a TESDA accredited ESL Program.
This list excludes specific requirements like education, work experience, clearances, and other criteria mandated by the institution offering the TVET program.
NOTE: Filipino citizens, requirements for scholarship program availment must adhere to the latest issued Omnibus Guidelines.
Trainer’s Qualifications
- Must be a college graduate with a four-year degree or possess a PQF Level 5 program related to the English language.
- Must have achieved an ESL Advanced (C1) level or higher language proficiency in the language to be taught.
- Must hold a training certificate aligned with teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language, such as:
- DELTA (Diploma in English Language Teaching to Adults)
- CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults)
- TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)
- TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language)
- TKT (Teaching Knowledge Test)
- Trainer’s Methodology I (TM 1) Certificate
- Teaching license issued by the Philippine Regulation Commission (PRC)
- Must have at least two (2) years of relevant experience in teaching the language within the last five (5) years.
Note: A FELS Certificate or any certificate relevant to conducting online training delivery is required if the program will be conducted through an online delivery mode.
Requirements
To enroll in the course, you will need the following documents:
- PSA Birth Certificate
- High School or College Diploma
- Certified True Copy of Official Transcript of Records or Form 137
- Certificate of Good Moral Character or GMRC
- 1 x 1 and/or 2 x 2 pictures
To obtain further details, please reach out to the enrollment site that aligns with your requirements. Kindly note that the criteria may vary.
Sample of Certificate of Completion
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Summary
The English Language Courses help individuals improve their English skills and boost employability across industries. Aligned with international standards, they focus on effective communication for social and professional settings. TESDA also offers Spanish, Arabic, Japanese, and Mandarin courses to meet the demand for multilingual workers. These programs promote language skills, cultural understanding, and are taught by experienced trainers. Applicants must meet specific criteria to enroll.