With more people sitting down to take the IELTS exam than ever, there is a much bigger need for IELTS trainers. Since the IELTS band score is an indication of how well someone can use the language, an emphasis is placed on being prepared prior to the examination. To get prepared, many are turning to IELTS trainers for help. So how does someone become an IELTS trainer?
According to the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) organization, to become an IELTS examiner, one must not only meet the requirements, but complete the six steps for certification. However, certification or any other formal training is not necessary to be an IELTS trainer
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Even though no specific certification or training is required to teach students to score well, continue reading to learn the types of courses taken or certifications completed to best prepare teachers in training their students.
Become an IELTS Trainer
Becoming an IELTS trainer is to become someone who helps and assists others to use the language effectively. Ranking third in the world, English is used in social situations, educational classrooms, and throughout the business community. Foreign language speakers learn English to:
- Get work
- Take college courses
- Become a resident of a foreign country
To demonstrate their knowledge and how skilled they are in writing, reading, speaking, and listening, the IELTS is a standard used by many institutions and organizations.
With so much at stake, the student can feel confident of scoring well when a teacher provides instruction with specific training. This training may include specific course work, the number of hours already spent in the teaching profession, and special certification.
IELTS Training Requirements
Anyone at any time can be considered an IELTS trainer since there are no requirements in helping others prepare to take the test.
However, universities and other organizations that are invested in providing this type of training will require specific qualifications of their teachers. These qualifications may include:
- A BA or MA degree
- Some teaching training or experience
- 120 hours in TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language)
- TEFL or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) Certification
The TEFL or TESOL program certifies the teacher in teaching English as a second language. The teacher trainer learns specific tips and tricks that can be used to help students make connections. The program’s focus is on how listening, speaking, reading, and writing work together to develop comprehension and understanding.
An IELTS teacher should take the test themselves to do well with students. This provides an opportunity to become familiar with its format, structure, types of questioning, and complexity.
IELTS Trainer Skills
Knowing how to teach content is one thing. Knowing what to teach is quite another. The test is made up of four components. Each component receives an individual score and one composite score is provided as a band score. The four components of the IELTS are:
- Writing– writing has a purpose, a logical structure, takes a position, and supports that position with evidence.
- Reading–Use techniques such as skimming/scanning to understand the best approach to providing an answer and record answers correctly.
- Speaking–not only speak clearly to be understood but use fillers and hesitation to allow thinking time when necessary.
- Listening–read questions before text is provided to listen with intention
The band score ranges from 1-9, one being a nonuser of the language and a 9 indicating expert-level proficiency. Institutions that require their trainers to take the test expect their trainers to have a band score of 8, meaning they are very good language users.
The trainers not only know the content but will also assist in preparing to take the actual test.
They will advise their students on what should be done before, during, and after the test. This may include practising the language every day at home, among friends, and when appropriate at work.
The more immersed in the language, the more prepared students will be.
Ongoing Training and Teacher Development
When taking on the role of IELTS trainer, the teacher accepts the importance of each student’s score. Their score indicates how successful they may be when choosing to study, work, or live abroad. The support includes:
- Practice test–available online and through the IELTS organization
- Practice materials–available online and through the IELTS organization
- Facebook groups and LinkedIn connections–connections and groups for teachers to collaborate on best practices
The IELTS organization has prepared a guide for teachers to use. The guide includes specific information on test format, scoring, and preparing students for the test itself.
Other organizations have also prepared guides, often in different formats, for teachers. Teaching is collaborative; the best instruction is provided for students to excel through shared resources and opportunities to connect with others.
Additional IELTS Skills
One thing is teaching and having the English knowledge to assist students in scoring well on the IELTS exam. But being able to connect and relate to speakers of a different language is just as important. The best trainers will also be able to:
- Provide lessons that are specific to age.
- Be able to make changes to the lesson when necessary.
- Have flexibility in the learning process.
- Support students in not just their language learning but other areas of life.
Communicating and understanding students and their needs is an important part of teaching.
Becoming an IELTS Test Examiner
In addition to becoming an IELTS trainer, being qualified to administer the exam is highly sought. With over 11,000 organizations recognizing the validity of the test, and with over 3.5 million tests administered every year, there is a need for examiners.
There is a certification process for becoming an examiner. But it’s similar to the expectations for the IELTS recommended qualifications for trainers. A college degree, TESL/TESOL certification, and relevant teaching experience.
There are six steps in the process of becoming the examiner, which includes:
- Certification
- Induction
- Monitoring
- Recruitment
- Standardization and Recertification
- Training
One thing to consider when deciding whether to become an examiner is the fact you cannot teach simultaneously. If you train students, it is considered a conflict of interest to administer the test.
Conclusion
Becoming an IELTS trainer is rewarding. You are helping people become proficient in a language recognized around the world. The need for trainers will always exist as long as English continues to be the way you socialize, learn, and work.
