THE SEATTLE UNIVERSITY CERTIFICATE
- cannot be notarized
- takes approximately 4-5 months to process
- is mailed directly from Seattle University
- is only for S-TESL students who began study after March 2004
- has no fee
Excellence in TESOL Since 1985
Applying for Certificates - Read Me First
Before applying for a TESOL certificate, read the information below to help you decide which certificate(s) you want, which certificate(s) you qualify for, and to troubleshoot potential problems in processing your paperwork.
If you have further questions after reading this information please contact the S-TESL office at 206-781-8607.
THE SCHOOL OF TEACHING ESL CERTIFICATE
- is notarized
- takes approximately one month to process
- is optional for those who began study after March, 2004. For students who began study prior to March, 2004, it is the only certificate available.
- has a $10 per certificate fee ($20 if mailed internationally)
Q. I'm in my final S-TESL class. When can I apply for my certificate?
A. You must wait until your grades have posted at Seattle University for your final class in order to request your transcript. This usually takes 2-3 weeks after the course is over.
Q. Other than having a BA, what are the requirements for qualifying for a Seattle University TESOL certificate?
A. You must have completed 12 credits (24 credits if applying for the Advanced Certificate) at S-TESL with a 3.0 GPA. You must have begun your studies at S-TESL after March 2004.
Q. Other than having a BA, what are the requirements for qualifying for a S-TESL TESOL certificate?
A. You must have completed 12 credits (24 credits if applying for the Advanced Certificate) at S-TESL with a 3.0 GPA.
Q. May I request both certificates?
A. Yes, as long as you meet the qualifications for each certificate.
Q. I studied with a BA waiver. Which certificate should I apply for?
A. Neither. A BA waiver student is not eligible for a Seattle University or standard S-TESL certificate. Please contact the office at 206-781-8607 for information on certificates for BA waiver students.
Q. I obtained a BA after I completed my certificate studies at S-TESL. Can I apply for a Seattle University or S-TESL post baccalaureate certificate?
A. No. Seattle University or S-TESL post baccalaureate certificates can only be issued to a student who obtained a BA prior to beginning studies at S-TESL. Students without a BA prior to studying at STESL are only eligible for a “Certificate of Training in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages” This alternative certificate does not indicate our relationship with Seattle University on the certificate.
Q. I want to apply for both certificates; do I need to submit two sets of documents?
A. Not if you apply for both certificates at the same time.
Q. Does the S-TESL certificate state any affiliation with Seattle University?
A. Yes, the certificate states "The School of Teaching English as a Second Language, in cooperation with Seattle University College of Education, awards this Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages to [NAME]"
Q. Why is there a fee for the S-TESL certificate, but not the Seattle University certificate?
A. The S-TESL certificate is notarized. The fee covers the cost of notary service.
Q. What if I apply for the Seattle University certificate, and later decide I want the S-TESL certificate as well? Can I still apply for the second certificate?
A. Yes, but a new set of supporting documents will need to be submitted with the S-TESL certificate application. For this reason, we strongly encourage you to apply for both at the same time
Q. How long does it take to receive both certificates?
A. The Seattle University certificate takes about 12-15 weeks to receive. The S-TESL certificate takes approximately 4 weeks to receive. Consider these timelines when applying for certificates so the certificates will be mailed to an address where you can be reached.
Q. I studied prior to March 2004. Why don't I qualify for the Seattle University Certificate?
A. Requirements and guidelines set forth by Seattle University changed at the end of Winter Quarter, 2004. S-TESL cannot grandfather anyone in to receive the Seattle University certificate.
Q. I see that you do not want me to send my transcripts directly to the School of Teaching ESL. I don't understand. This seems easier.
A. Since transcripts are not identifiable from the outside envelope, we ask that they not be mailed directly to us from your university or college. Transcripts that are not accompanied by certificate request paperwork are discarded.
Q. I'm a graduate student at Seattle University. Do I need to submit a transcript from my undergraduate program?
A. No. However, we still will need proof of degree. Your official and sealed Seattle University transcript can serve as proof of degree, but ONLY if you have studied at least one quarter in on-site classes at Seattle University. If you choose not to submit your Seattle University transcript, your original and sealed undergraduate transcript can serve as your proof of degree.
Q. I have lost my certificate. Can you send me a copy of my original?
A. We do not keep copies of certificates. If you have lost your certificate you must re-apply for another certificate. In other words, you must start the application process from the very beginning..
Q. My name has changed since I received my bachelor's degree. Will this change how my application is processed?
A. Both the Seattle University and the S-TESL certificates are legal documents. If your name differs from one document to another, there must be evidence of legal name changes to be sure your certification is legal and correct. Acceptable proof of name change includes: a) a copy of your marriage certificate, or b) a copy of your legal name change document, or c) a copy of your divorce certificate (if returning to your maiden name)
Q. The name on my Seattle University transcript differs slightly from the name on my undergraduate or graduate transcript. ie: Joseph Smith vs. Joe Smith. Is this a problem?
A. Yes, this is a problem. The names on both transcripts must match exactly. The solution for such a problem is unique to each situation. Please email Kim Darcy hasegawa@seattleu.edu for assistance.
Q. I graduated a long time ago but never received a certificate. Why?
A. Did you submit an application packet to our office? Certificates are not automatically issued to graduating students. If you submitted an application but never received your certificate, we will be happy to investigate the issue. If you never applied for a certificate, you may still apply for one at any time. Certificates do not expire.
Q. Can I drop off my application packet in person?
A. Mailing your packet is the preferred method. You may bring your application in person, but you must make an appointment first, and you cannot expect your documents to be evaluated on the spot.
Q. I already have a copy of my transcript. Can I submit a photocopy of this?
A. No. Your transcript must be an official and sealed transcript. You should specify you require an official and sealed transcript when requesting your transcript from your university.
Q: Can I submit a photocopy of my actual diploma as proof of degree?
A: No. We will only accept an official and sealed transcript as proof of degree.
Q: I am an international student. What proof of degree do you need from me?
A: We need an official sealed transcript (a list of grades for all classes taken) from your university in English. Please note that an official and sealed diploma will not suffice. We must have the official and sealed English transcript.