Frequently Asked Questions

OLI is valuable in several aspects:

• It is the first course related to ESL instruction that is 100% geared toward online learning. All the strategies taught in this course are relevant and usable in this type of learning environment.
• While other online certifications have heavy focuses on learning educational theory, this course aims to teach practical, hands-on skills.
• Since our course is skills-based, one must successfully complete a video demonstration of teaching skills in order to obtain the OLI Certification. Though you will have unlimited opportunities to showcase your abilities, our rigorous grading standards will guarantee that you understand, and can apply, essential teaching strategies prior to earning your certification.

Most online ESL companies require a teaching demonstration with an interviewer in order to get hired. The problem? Teacher candidates were expected to know all necessary skills prior to getting hired without access to job-specific training. Because online instruction is so different from traditional teaching, the unavailability of relevant training was problematic for inexperienced and seasoned teachers alike. With no formal training offered anywhere, landing an online ESL job was incredibly difficult. With the training offered in the OLI Certification course, now all candidates can approach a prospective online ESL job with confidence.

If you are a current online teacher, earning an OLI Certification can help you fine tune those teaching skills. While some online ESL companies offer training to current teachers, this is not universally the case. Many companies employ teacher rating systems which can affect bookings, pay, or both. This training will help ensure you have the skills needed to wow company personnel, students, and parents, keeping your job secure.

Yes. Each Certificate has an expiration date marked three years out from the date of completion. Similar to other certifications, teachers will be expected to take a short refresher course at minimal cost to keep the certification up to date.

Please reach out by sending a message to info@olicertification.org . We are happy to assist you!

If you are an employer, we have made verification of OLI Certifications easy for you. Click the “Verify a Certification” button near the bottom of this page. You can do a search with either the candidate name or certificate number.