The World TEFL Accrediting Commission (WTEFLAC) was an accrediting body for TEFL/TESOL courses and course providers which has now ceased operations.
The organization was set up to improve standards across the TEFL and TESOL industries by providing a clear and comprehensive framework on which all providers could be judged. Through their detailed code of practice and accreditation process, they set a benchmark of excellence that all providers could strive to achieve.
Through collaboration, partnerships, and education, the company worked to create an open, transparent and reliable TEFL/TESOL market for all customers.
Code of practice
All course providers on their website underwent a rigorous process of evaluation and assessment to ensure they provided customers with the knowledge and tools needed to achieve their aspirations. Each would have to satisfy the company’s minimum requirements as set out in their code of practice:
Course advertising and promotion: Students should be given clear and accurate information about the content of courses and fees. Any promotional material should offer a realistic reflection of the actual course content.
Selection and admission: The provider should have a clear admissions policy that meets equal opportunity standards. Entry requirements must include competence with the English language.
Course delivery: Courses have to be provided by an experienced EFL professional with at least three years of practical experience teaching English as a foreign language. Teaching should follow a clear and methodological process with a significant proportion of the course being peer to peer learning.
Course modules and content: Modules had to be clear, easy to follow, and include coherent and sequential modules. At the end of the course, students should be given a solid foundation of knowledge to achieve their professional aspirations.
Feedback and assessment: Each course should have a clear method of assessment which is made clear to all students. Throughout the process, students should receive constant feedback.
Staffing and development: Staff should be experienced with all relevant qualifications and be given opportunities to progress within the company.
Quality assurance and evaluation: The company should continually work to improve and update courses. Any which have been offered for a prolonged period of time should be updated to meet current standards. Independent assessment should be available to evaluate the standards and delivery of courses.
Accreditation process
When assessing providers, the organization would assess course content, administration procedures and marketing materials. They would assess the qualification and experience of those running the course and, if the course was run on site, carry out inspections.
Having this in place provided verification about the quality of courses on offer. It provided customers with the reassurance of knowing that the provider could provide high quality qualifications which would help them further their career aspirations.
Throughout its history WTEFLAC did everything it could to raise overall standards in this industry. Its work helped to provide information and guidance for those interested in teaching English as a foreign language and to direct them towards those companies who would best help them achieve their aspirations.