ACE-TESOL Diploma

• Satisfactory completion of the TESOL Certificate at Renison program (70% on all coursework and a  pass on the practicum).  Candidates with an equivalent TESL Canada Standard One qualification (as listed on www.tesl.ca) may be considered for entrance to the ACE TESOL Diploma. These candidates may be required to complete additional reading prior to starting the ACE TESOL Diploma in order to demonstrate understanding of key principles from the TESOL Certificate at Renison program.   

• Undergraduate university degree (in any field) is required for certification, but is not required for enrolment.*  

• Strong proficiency in English; applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in English by providing a recent score on a standardized English language proficiency test that exceeds the score required for undergraduate admission to the University of Waterloo's Faculty of Arts.

*Those in their final year of university studies may apply; however, once they have successfully completed the TESOL programs, they may only seek professional certification upon graduation with their university degree. 

Each of the 100 modules in the ACE TESOL Diploma course are comprised of Lecture Notes and a Task Journal. Students submit observation notes on an ongoing basis for feedback and assessment.  Students are also assessed on the completion of an Observation Report and three Term Exams.

The delivery method of this course is fully asynchronous with the opportunity to participate in 1 hour / week of office support from your assigned course mentor virtually (on Zoom).

Each of the 100 modules in the ACE TESOL Diploma course are comprised of Lecture Notes and a Task Journal. Students submit observation notes on an ongoing basis for feedback and assessment.  Students are also assessed on the completion of an Observation Report and three Term Exams.

The delivery method of this course is fully asynchronous with the opportunity to participate in 1 hour / week of office support from your assigned course mentor virtually (on Zoom).

Each of the 100 modules in the ACE TESOL Diploma course are comprised of Lecture Notes and a Task Journal. Students submit observation notes on an ongoing basis for feedback and assessment.  Students are also assessed on the completion of an Observation Report and three Term Exams.

The delivery method of this course is fully asynchronous with the opportunity to participate in 1 hour / week of office support from your assigned course mentor virtually (on Zoom).

Applications must be submitted through our student portal. Follow these steps to apply for the TESOL diploma program:

Step 1: Visit the student portal to submit your application; if you are not signed in to or signed up for a portal account, you will be prompted to do so now.

Step 2: Once signed in, you will be directed to the Program Applications page; select the blue ‘Submit Program Application’ button.

Step 3: Proceed with preparing and submitting your application.

Step 4: You will receive confirmation of your application through e-mail to the e-mail address attached to your account.

For questions about TESOL, please contact cape@uwaterloo.ca.

If you run into issues with the application, signing in/up, or have questions about portal, please contact renison.sace@uwaterloo.ca.

Application deadline Fall 2024 and onward:  No new start dates being offered at this time

Please contact  Kimberly Burrell  with inquiries about the program application procedures. 

TESL/TESOL - What's the difference?

Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) is used mostly in Canada. Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) is used mostly in other countries. Often these acronyms are used interchangeably.

ESL/EFL - What's the difference?

English as a second language (ESL) teaching refers to teaching English in an English-speaking country. English as a foreign language (EFL) teaching refers to teaching English in a non-English-speaking country.

How can I teach ESL to adults in Canada?

The TESOL Certificate at Renison will provide you with the skills and training required to teach in most private sector language schools, private career colleges, privately funded ESL programs provided by community colleges and universities in Canada.  With the Certificate you may choose to apply for TESL Canada Certification Standard 1 (interim) and/or apply for TESL Ontario (CTESOL) Membership.

To maximize ESL teaching options to adults in Canada, you may need to combine the TESOL Certificate at Renison and the ACE-TESOL Diploma program.

Building on the Certificate program, the Diploma examines the theory that underpins the practice of ESL teaching and offers opportunities to master the practical skills you developed in the Certificate.  The Diploma program will permit you to teach in both government-funded programs (LINC, OSLT, School Board ESL, etc.), and private schools in Canada. With the Diploma, you may apply for TESL Canada Standard Two (interim) and/or TESL Ontario-Ontario Certified English Language Teacher (OCELT) professional designation.

For more information on TESL Canada Certification Standards please visit the TESL Canada website.

For more information on TESL Ontario Teacher Accreditation please visit the TESL Ontario website.

When does the observation and practicum take place? 

Observations will take place in authentic English language classrooms through the first half of the program. There is some flexibility when scheduling your observation attendance, but it is important to note that most language classes take place during the regular daytime working hours and some may even take place during the evenings.  In addition, as Renison continues to transition its classes to in-person delivery the majority of English language classes are now offered in person rather than online.  Be aware that minor adjustments to your schedule may be required to accommodate and complete the observations efficiently. 

Participants who would like to complete their practicum within the limited in-person practicum placement opportunities available in English language programs offered at Renison University College must express interest by the deadline (indicated within each course schedule) and meet all eligibility requirements. Participants will be provided with additional information and details once the practicum placements are to begin. Be aware that minor adjustments to your schedule may be required to accommodate and complete the practicum efficiently. 

Selected participants will be required to pay an additional Practicum Placement Fee.  

To be eligible for a  Renison  hosted practicum placement, participants must:   

• Be available to attend and complete the placement in person at Renison University College during the time offered for placement 

• Demonstrate a language proficiency of IELTS 8 or equivalent  

• Successfully have completed all course work requirements of the ACE TESOL Certificate program and/or Diploma program

• Complete and submit documents and payment to support the practicum placement by the deadlines indicated within each course schedule  

All other participants must find their own practicum placements.  The ACE TESOL program coordinator will provide guidance to participants to help locate a suitable placement but will not be arranging or actively searching for a placement for participants.  Participants are responsible for coordinating their own practicum placement.  

What is ACE?

ACE (Advance Consulting for Education) is Canada’s premier provider of English Second Language (ESL) teacher training. Renison University College is an ACE partner institution, offering ACE teacher training programs.