What is TEFL or TESOL certificate?
TEFL means Teaching English as a Foreign Language, while TESOL is an acronym that stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. The two acronyms are umbrella terms for training courses offered online or in-person (or a blend of both) that prepare English language teachers.
Nowadays, TEFL and TESOL are terms that are usually used interchangeably. The only slight difference is that TESOL encompasses teaching English language learners who are residing in English-speaking countries. So if you're going to teach English in the U.S., online, or abroad, you need to get those certificates to make yourself qualified.
Apostille and Authentication of TEFL/TESOL Certificate
When teaching English abroad, depending on whether the foreign country is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, you may be asked to obtain an apostille or authentication of your TEFL/TESOL Certificate.
▶️ Step 1: Notarize the TEFL/TESOL Certificate
Please note that the school that issued the TEFL/TESOL certificate must be located in the United States and the certificate must be signed and notarized by the school in the United States.
💡 Tips: Notarization option 1: Ask the school to have your TEFL/TESOL certificate signed and notarized. Notarization option 2: Have your TEFL/TESOL certificate translated and ask the translator to sign the translated document in front of a notary. The photocopy or the original copy shall be attached to the translation as well.
▶️ Step 2: Order the service that suits your situation.
After obtaining a notarized TEFL/TESOL Certificate, depending on whether the destination country is a member of the Hague Convention of 1961, complete the following steps:
If the destination country is a member country/region (such as Germany, Spain, France, etc.):
Get an Apostille from the Secretary of State.
If the destination country is NOT a member country/region :
Get an Authentication from the Secretary of State.
Get an Authentication from the U.S. Department of State. (if required)
Get a Legalization from the Embassy.
▶️ Step 3: Mail the following documents to our office.
The checklist below may vary by the destination country. Be sure to contact us for confirmation.
Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| It should be properly notarized. This document must be original. Photocopies, scanned or digital copies are not accepted. |
2. Embassy's request or application form | We'll fill out this form based on the information you provided to us. |
3. Photocopy of Applicant's ID | Acceptable IDs usually refer to Passport, Driver's License, Travel Documents, Green Card, etc. |
4. Other documents (if applicable) | |
Mailing Address:
American Notary Service Center
7512 Diplomat Drive, Suite 101,
Manassas, VA 20109Once we receive your order and document, it'll be processed as soon as possible. In most cases, you may also be required to obtain apostille or authentication for your diploma and FBI background check.
Besides TEFL/TESOL Certificates, we also provide apostille, authentication, and embassy legalization services for other personal documents and corporate documents issued in 50 states and DC.
⬇️ Other personal and business documents we provide apostille and authentication services for are:
Personal Documents:
Business Documents:
Articles of Incorporation/Articles of Organization
Amendment
Company's Annual report (Statement of information)
Bylaws (Operating Agreements)
Good Standing Certificate
Business License
Meeting Minutes
Board Resolutions
Shareholders' Resolutions
Corporate Stock Ledger
Financial documents
Bank documents
Tax documents
Contracts
American Notary Service Center Inc. provides fair, fast, confidential, and professional document notarization and certification services for our clients. We also provide various assistance services to small businesses led by socially and economically disadvantaged groups. Our service helps small businesses obtain federal government contracts, gain a foothold in the market, and boost their sales. For more information, please visit our website at www.usnotarycenter.com, and contact us by calling 202-599-0777 or by email at info@usnotarycenter.com.