Authenticating Your TEFL Certificate

Obtaining a TEFL or TESOL certificate is a significant achievement, but sometimes you may be required to go through the process of apostilling or authenticating it for employers. What exactly does this entail, and how can you navigate this process successfully?

An apostille serves as an authentication method for documents in countries that are signatories to the Hague Convention of 1961. It is used to validate documents intended for use in another country. However, if you’re dealing with countries that are not part of the Hague Convention, such as China, Vietnam, or Saudi Arabia, you’ll need to authenticate your documents using a different process.

When apostilling or authenticating a certificate, it must be done in the country where the document was issued. This process can be challenging, time-consuming, and costly. To save yourself from unnecessary hassle, we highly recommend apostilling or authenticating your certificate before you embark on your journey to start a new English teaching job. Our suggested approach is to use a reputable agent who can handle this process for you, as it will be worth the investment. To authenticate your TEFL or TESOL certificate, follow the step-by-step process outlined below:

1. Contact Vital Consular, our recommended agent, to apostille or authenticate your TEFL TESOL certificate. As a graduate of the TEFL Training College, you will receive the best rates when availing their services, regardless of whether you’re heading to Vietnam, China, or the Middle East. Simply click here, fill out the online form, and request a quote or additional information and assistance. Choosing Vital Consular is advantageous due to their special relationship with the FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office), which streamlines the process. You will directly pay Vital Consular for their services.

2. Order a hard copy of your certificate from us, ensuring it contains the original signatures. It is crucial to note that Vital Consular requires a hard copy of your certificate with original signatures. When placing your order for the hard copy, use the address of Vital Consular as the shipping address. We will then send your certificate via registered mail directly to Vital Consular.

3. Once Vital Consular receives your certificate’s hard copy, they will initiate the notarization process, followed by submitting it to the FCDO for the attachment of an apostille stamp. Subsequently, the certificate will be sent to the appropriate embassy or consulate for legalization or authentication.

4. Finally, Vital Consular will send your authenticated certificate directly to you, completing the process.

*Rest assured, our courses have been verified to ensure acceptance for legalization by the FCDO. By studying any of our courses, you can confidently apply for jobs overseas without facing any difficulties. Click here for confirmation.

*Note: South African students can have their TEFL Training College TEFL/TESOL certificates apostilled or authenticated in South Africa through Be Authentic. For further information and assistance, please contact Shaneil Dhookie (shaneil[at]beauthentic.co.za).