The Carleton CTESL program is for ESL teachers and for professionals dealing with adult learners. It is not an education program for teaching in the school system. Most Canadian Ministries of Education require that teacher qualifications come from university faculties of education. Nonetheless a number of Carleton CTESL graduates do work at that level, using their CTESL as an additional qualification.

The CTESL program is recognized by TESL Ontario, the professional organization for TESL practitioners, as a qualification to teach ESL to adults in government funded programs in the province, and the qualification is transferable to most other provinces in Canada. CTESL candidates who wish to obtain TESL Ontario qualifications are advised to consult the TESL Ontario website for details of the requirements for certification, particularly as regards the teaching practicum component.

Carleton CTESL graduates have been very successful in getting employment in Canada and abroad, teaching in colleges, universities, private language schools, community-based programs, and as consultants.