The qualifications and awards here are recommended because they are externally validated and, with the exception of the TKT award, have a teaching practice component. If you decide to take one of these, it is important to be sure that the qualification or award you take is also recognised by your employers and/or future employers. These are internationally recognised, but they are not automatically recognised in some sectors and some countries. You will also need the funding to pay for the preparation and exam fees.

More information about these qualifications and awards can be found at:
www.cambridgeesol.org
www.trinitycollege.co.uk

Table comparing the teaching awards of Cambridge ESOL and Trinity College London at a basic skills level. 

Pre-service TEFL qualifications
The CELTA, offered by Cambridge ESOL, and the Cert. TESOL, by Trinity College, London both have a strong emphasis on teaching practice. They are run in the UK and in many other countries. Both qualifications meet the specifications set by the Qualifications Curriculum Authority (QCA) for England & Wales at Level 4.

Cambridge ESOL and Trinity College London also offer qualifications for teachers wanting to specialise in teaching English to children or young adults (CELTYL, Cert. TEYL).  

In-service certificates
If you are already practising as a teacher and English is not your first language, you may consider one of the following qualifications, though they may be demanding for teachers with little experience:

Cambridge ESOL’s ICELT (In-service Certificate in English Language Teaching) is designed to help practising teachers deepen their knowledge and develop their ability to reflect on and improve their teaching. Course programmes are designed for specific needs and working contexts. The main aim is to develop skills in the following areas: language awareness and language use in the classroom; planning, teaching and evaluation; assessment and evaluation.

Trinity College London’s Joint Certificate TESOL is offered on successful completion of a validated in-service training programme run outside the United Kingdom for practising teachers whose first language is not English. Each Joint CertTESOL programme is slightly different as it is negotiated between Trinity and a regional or national education authority and/or a respected training organisation outside the UK. The qualification awarded is known as the Joint CertTESOL, delivered in association with the course provider and/or local authority.
The level of English for both courses should be at least Level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. ICELT is also suitable for first language speakers of English.

Teaching Knowledge Test
The Teaching Knowledge Test (TKT) assesses the knowledge you need for teaching English, including teaching methodologies, the 'language of teaching', using resources, lesson planning and classroom management. Actual teaching is not tested. The test is suitable for teachers with at least an intermediate (B1) level of English, who want an award to show their understanding of the principles of contemporary language teaching.

Distance learning courses
Distance learning courses are popular among those who cannot afford either the time or money to follow a full-time teacher training course. There is a wide range of such courses, with an equally wide range of prices. It is important to recognise that not all distance learning courses have external validation and a teaching practice component.