Special Needs Teacher Training Certificate: 120 Hours
The Certificate in Special Education Needs is a 120-hour online course for teachers, parents and caregivers who support children with special educational needs. It covers spotting children who need extra support, learning disabilities, autism, ADHD, speech and language difficulties, emotional regulation and inclusive teaching methods. It takes up to 6 months of self-paced study and costs US$325, £275 or ₹23,600 including GST.
Who this course is for
- Mainstream teachers with children with special needs in their class
- Parents of children with autism, ADHD or learning difficulties
- Teaching assistants and aspiring shadow teachers
- Tutors and caregivers who want a structured introduction
What you will learn
- Recognise signs that a child needs extra support
- Understand learning disabilities, autism and ADHD
- Adapt lessons, materials and instructions for diverse learners
- Support children to manage emotions and behaviour
- Manage an inclusive classroom calmly and effectively
About the Certificate level
The Certificate gives you the core knowledge of teaching children with special needs and introduces the main teaching methods and theories for children with different kinds of difficulties: learning difficulties, autism, ADHD, speech and language problems and emotional regulation. It is the right starting point for teachers, shadow teachers and parents.
Needs covered in the Certificate
The Certificate introduces the most common special educational needs teachers meet in mainstream classrooms:
- Learning disabilities: difficulties with reading, writing, spelling or maths (often called dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia) despite good teaching.
- Autism spectrum: differences in social communication, interaction, routines and sensory experience, and how to make classrooms predictable and calm.
- ADHD: difficulties with attention, impulse control and activity levels, and practical strategies for focus and self-regulation.
- Speech and language difficulties: understanding and using language, and simple ways to support communication.
- Emotional and behavioural needs: helping children name and manage feelings, and positive behaviour support.
- Inclusive teaching: differentiation, visual supports, clear instructions, structured routines and assessment for learning.
A typical week of study
Most learners give 4 to 6 hours a week and finish within six months: a couple of evenings reading a module, time observing children in class or at home and noting what you see, and a session for the module's multiple-choice questions. If you can study 10 hours a week, you can finish in about three months, and fast-track is available.
Where the Certificate can take you
- More confident, inclusive teaching in a mainstream classroom
- Assistant or shadow teacher roles (with practical experience)
- Supporting your own child's learning at home and working with their school
- Tutoring children with learning difficulties
- The first step to the SEN Diploma, PG Diploma or Master Level
What a special needs teacher does
A special needs teacher helps students with intellectual, developmental, behavioural or physical challenges learn and reach their goals. Day to day that means:
- Creating and running Individualised Education Programmes (IEPs) and updating them as the child progresses
- Monitoring each child's progress and behaviour
- Adapting lessons, materials and activities to each child's needs
- Working closely with parents, therapists and other teachers
- Keeping the classroom safe, calm and well organised
How enrolment works
- Complete the online application.
- A London College of Teachers adviser contacts you to confirm your level.
- After payment you receive your login and instructors start your course.
- Complete each module and, at Diploma level and above, your assignment and research paper.
- Receive your certificate on successful completion.
What this course does and does not do
London College of Teachers is clear about the scope of its special needs courses. They qualify you as a regular educator with extensive knowledge of children with special needs, able to supervise and instruct children at home or in a classroom, and to work as a shadow teacher. They do not license you as a qualified special educator, they do not qualify you to perform assessments or diagnostic tests (which are reserved for qualified rehabilitation professionals), and they do not provide a government licence. In India, for example, practising as a registered special educator requires RCI-recognised training and registration.
After the Certificate
Many learners go on to the Diploma or add Child Psychology. Ask admissions about upgrading.
Certificate in Special Education Needs syllabus
- Foundations of special education: basic teaching knowledge, theories and inclusive practice
- Identifying children who need extra support: spotting behavioural and academic issues
- Learning difficulties and learning disabilities
- Autism spectrum and ADHD in the classroom
- Speech and language difficulties and helping children manage their emotions
- Teaching methods and classroom management for diverse learners
Each module ends with multiple-choice questions, and the answer key is provided afterwards. LCT does not publish module titles; the topics above are from its course description.
Fees and study time
The SEN Certificate (120 hours) costs US$325, £275 or ₹23,600 incl. GST. It is designed for up to 6 months of self-paced study, and an optional fast-track add-on costs US$45, £35 or ₹3,300. Compare all fees and payment options.
Entry requirements
Open to teachers, parents and caregivers with good English. No previous teaching experience is needed. Schools and employers in some countries also ask for a degree or a local licence for lead-teacher roles.
How you are assessed
Each module ends with multiple-choice questions, and the answer key is provided afterwards so you can learn from your mistakes. A mentor is available when you need help, and your certificate is issued after you complete every module.
Practical experience and scope
The course is studied online. If you have not worked with children with special needs before, we strongly recommend supervised time in an inclusive school, special school, resource room or therapy centre while you study. This training does not license you as a special educator and does not qualify you to carry out assessments or diagnostic tests, which are reserved for qualified rehabilitation professionals.
Apply for the SEN Certificate (120 hours)
Frequently asked questions
Does this certificate make me a licensed special educator?
No. LCT states clearly that the course does not license you as a special educator or qualify you to carry out assessments or diagnostic tests.
How long does the SEN Certificate take?
It is designed for up to 6 months of self-paced study, and you can finish sooner.
Is there a fast-track option?
Yes. An optional fast-track add-on costs US$45, £35 or ₹3,300.
Is the SEN Certificate online?
Yes, fully online and self-paced.
