Teaching English as a foreign language has changed a lot. Years ago, having a single 120-hour TEFL certificate was enough to find good jobs. But today, the industry is more competitive. Employers and students want teachers with specialist skills. That’s where TEFL-Pro Micro-Credentials step in.

You can think of micro-credentials as mini qualifications. They focus on one specific area of teaching, so you can build extra skills that are in demand. Let’s explore what these courses are, why they matter, and the top TEFL-Pro micro-credentials from the TEFL Institute.

What Are TEFL-Pro Micro-Credentials?

Micro-credentials are short, focused courses that give you training in a specific area.

• A standard TEFL certificate covers general teaching methods.
  
• A TEFL-Pro micro-credential lets you zoom in on one niche, like teaching business professionals, online learners, or exam students.
  

They’re compact, practical, and designed to make you stand out.

Why Choose TEFL-Pro Micro-Credentials?

Shorty And Quick – 

Most TEFL-Pro micro-credentials take around 30 hours to complete—making them a practical choice for busy teachers. You’ll walk away with concrete skills you can apply immediately, without needing to commit to months of study.

Specialist Focus – 

Each micro-credential dives deep into a specific teaching niche, whether that’s Business English, exam preparation, or CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning). These are not just theory-heavy modules—they’re designed to give you real-world strategies and classroom-ready techniques that make you more effective and confident as a teacher.

Flexible & Stackable –

Think of micro-credentials as building blocks for your career. You can complete one course to upskill in a particular area, or stack multiple credentials to carve out a strong teaching profile. For instance, combining Business English + Exam Preparation makes you the go-to teacher for ambitious professionals preparing to work or study abroad.

Top TEFL-Pro Micro-Credentials

1. Level 5 Teaching Business English

The global business world runs on English, and demand for teachers who can prepare professionals for the workplace is at an all-time high. This micro-credential equips you with the tools to help learners succeed in real corporate settings. You’ll learn how to:

• Teach business-specific vocabulary that professionals need for emails, meetings, and reports.
  
• Run practical role-plays for scenarios like negotiations, presentations, and networking events.
  
• Boost learner confidence so they can communicate clearly and effectively in a professional environment.
  

With the qualification from a level 5 teaching business English course, you position yourself as a specialist teacher—perfect for students working in international companies, entrepreneurs expanding abroad, or professionals preparing for overseas assignments.

2. Level 5 Teaching Online & One-to-One

Online learning has transformed education—and it’s here to stay. More and more students prefer the flexibility of learning English from home, while one-to-one lessons continue to be in high demand. This micro-credential prepares you to thrive in the digital classroom by showing you how to:

• Design engaging online lessons that keep students motivated and focused, even through a screen.
  
• Use digital tools and apps effectively, from interactive whiteboards to breakout rooms and learning platforms.
  
• Deliver personalized one-to-one lessons that target individual goals, whether that’s fluency, pronunciation, or exam prep.
  

Courses like  One-to-One online teaching, you’ll be ready to meet learners wherever they are—perfect for teachers building a remote teaching career, freelancing on platforms like Preply or iTalki, or adding private tutoring to their income stream.

3. Level 5 Teaching Exam English

For many learners, passing an English exam is a life-changing milestone—opening doors to university study, career opportunities abroad, or even immigration. Exams like IELTS, TOEIC, and Cambridge English are globally recognized, and demand for skilled exam tutors is consistently high.

This micro-credential trains you to:

• Understand exam formats in detail, so you can guide students with accuracy and confidence.
  
• Teach strategies for every section—from tackling tricky reading passages to structuring strong essays and polishing speaking fluency.
  
• Support learners in managing exam stress and building the confidence they need to perform at their best.

By learning to teach English for exams will help you tap into a lucrative and stable niche within English teaching. Students are often highly motivated (and willing to invest) because passing these exams has a direct impact on their future. 

For you, that means a steady stream of dedicated learners and the chance to specialize in a high-demand field that can set you apart from other TEFL teachers.

4. Level 5 Teaching Other Subjects in English (CLIL)

CLIL is a fast-growing approach in education, where teachers deliver school subjects—like science, maths, or history—through English. It’s widely used in bilingual and international schools, making it a powerful qualification for teachers looking to expand their career options.

This micro-credential helps you to:

• Design subject-based lesson plans that integrate both content knowledge and language skills.
  
• Blend language learning with subject knowledge, so students improve their English while mastering academic concepts
  
• Develop practical classroom strategies to keep lessons clear, engaging, and accessible—even when teaching complex subjects in English.

With CLIL expertise, you’ll stand out in the job market—especially if you want to work in international schools, bilingual programs, or private institutions abroad. Schools are actively seeking teachers who can combine English teaching with academic subject delivery, meaning CLIL certification can give you a competitive edge and access to higher-paying opportunities.

Who Can Benefit from Micro-Credentials?

These courses are flexible and suit many types of teachers:

• New teachers who want to stand out early.
  
• Experienced teachers looking for a new direction.
  
• Online tutors who want to attract more students.
  
• Teachers abroad who need skills for specific school demands.
  

In short, if you’re teaching English, a micro-credential can give you the extra edge.

TEFL-Pro Micro-Credentials are a smart way to grow as a teacher. They’re short, focused, and designed to make you more employable. Whether it’s Business English, Online Teaching, Exam Prep, or CLIL, each course opens new doors.

If you want to stand out in today’s competitive TEFL market, these specialist courses from the TEFL Institute could be exactly what you need.