FAQs

Welcome to the ELT Council’s FAQ page. Below you’ll find updated procedures, eligibility criteria, and key information related to ELT Permits, Temporary Permits, Work Permits, and Renewals.

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1. ELT Permits & Renewals

What is the standard procedure for ELT Permits?

• Both Temporary Permits (TP) and Full ELT Permits are issued against a single payment of €15 per client every four years. If a client has paid for the TP, they are not required to pay again for the full permit.
• Full ELT Permits are valid for four years, starting from the date the original Temporary Permit was issued (if applicable).
• A Temporary Permit cannot be extended or reissued within the same year.
• Temporary Permit Renewals and Full Renewals are issued with a single payment of €20 per client. This fee covers both the temporary and full renewal stages.
• The administrative process is the same for temporary and full permits, which is why both cost the same.

🔗 All relevant forms are available here: Applications Page

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2. Applying for a Work Permit (Non-EU Applicants)

What is the most efficient way to obtain a work permit?

1. Qualifications are vetted by the ELT Council. Foreign qualifications must first be assessed by MFHEA.
2. If eligible, the Council will issue an email confirmation stating the person is eligible for an ELT Permit upon receiving a work permit.
3. Work permit applications must be submitted by the employer through JobsPlus.

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3. ELT Permit: Application & Requirements

What are the eligibility requirements?

• Level 4 qualification in English Language (Grade C or higher)
• Level 4 qualification in EFL Methodology, approved by the ELT Council
• SEPTT certificate with a minimum of Band 3 (Apply: SEPTT Form)
• Police Conduct Certificate, ideally in English, not older than one month
• Filled application form (Download: Applications Page)
• €15 fee, payable only by bank transfer

Note: CELTA covers both Level 4 in English and Level 4 in Methodology.

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4. International Qualifications

How do I have international qualifications recognised?

1. Submit qualifications to MFHEA for level rating.
2. Once approved (Level 4+), forward the MFHEA letter to the ELT Council.

Exceptions: Cambridge CELTA, DELTA, and CertTESOL do not require MFHEA vetting.

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5. ELT Permit Numbers & Certificates

• Once your application is accepted, and your new permit issued, you’ll receive an acknowledgement with your ELT Permit Number. Similarly, an acknowledgement letter will be issued for renewals, but the permit number will remain the same.
• Certificates are issued monthly in batches and sent via email.

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6. Temporary ELT Permits

Who is eligible and for how long?

• 3-month permit:
  • MQF Level 4 in English (e.g., A Level) or a TELT certificate, AND
  • TEFL Certificate from an ELT Council-approved centre
• 5-month permit:
  • International Certificate at MQF Level 5+ in ELT (e.g. CELTA, CertTESOL) from an approved provider

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7. ELT Permit Renewals

How do I renew an ELT Permit?

• Submit 32 hours of CPD completed during the past 4 years of the day of application.
  • Minimum of 20 hours must focus on ELT Methodology and Language Awareness.
  • Amount of CPD hours must be verifiable on the certificate.
  • CPD must be from an approved provider, please check with ELT Council staff if you are not sure.

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8. Temporary Renewal of ELT Permits

• Available to those who have completed at least 16 CPD hours.
• Valid for 3 months, during which the remaining hours must be completed.

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9. SEPTT – Spoken English Proficiency Test for Teachers

• Applicants must score Band 3 or higher.
• Held every 4th Tuesday of the month, from 16:30 onwards.
• Venue details are sent via confirmation email.
• 🔗 SEPTT Schedule

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All application forms and additional guidance can be found here:
👉 ELT Council Applications Page

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Need More Help? Please feel free to contact us!