120-hour vs Level 5: TEFL hours and levels explained | The TEFL Org (2024)

FAQs

120-hour vs Level 5: TEFL hours and levels explained | The TEFL Org? ›

We would recommend a 120-hour over a Level 5 if you fit most of the following criteria: You have a minimum of a BA degree in any discipline (to emphasize, your degree doesn't have to be in a specific field, for example, Teaching, or English. You have some previous teaching experience.

Upon completion, you will be awarded an internationally recognised Level 5 TEFL Diploma (168 hours), which is regulated by Ofqual (UK government) and DEAC-Approved (US Department of Education National Accreditor).

What is a Level 5 qualification? A Level 5 TEFL qualification is an equivalent level to a CELTA or Foundation Degree. This level is ideal for accessing the best TEFL jobs out there. Better paid TEFL jobs, whether that's online or abroad, will be more accessible if you have a Level 5 certificate.

Ofqual is a government department which regulates tests and exams in the UK. According to Ofqual's framework, 120-hour TEFL courses rank as a level 3. This is the equivalent of an A-level or an apprenticeship.

A Level 5 TEFL qualification is an internationally-recognised qualification that is regulated by the qualification regulator Ofqual. This Ofqual accreditation speaks to the quality of the teaching you have received and the course syllabus itself – making it highly sought after by employers across the globe.

However, the short answer is YES!

Rather than asking if you need a TEFL certificate to teach English abroad, you should ask why it's worth becoming TEFL certified before setting your sights on teaching English overseas. One size doesn't fit all but luckily there is a certificate for nearly everyone.

An industry standard TEFL certificate takes 120 hours to earn, with the average completion time being about 10-12 weeks. That's whether you're completing an online course, or you're learning about English language teaching in person.

Online TEFL Course, Level 3 Certificate (120hrs)

Our Level 3 TEFL certificate course is an online-only course which leads to a 120hr TEFL certificate. It is the best option if you want to find casual work teaching English, such as volunteer teaching, teaching whilst backpacking, plus some online roles.

Many employers these days require at least 120 hours of teaching certification. But with a 180-hour certification, you will surely stand out from the competition. The 180-Hour TEFL/TESOL Certification course offers an affordable, accredited option for teachers with or without experience.

There are two main internationally-recognised TEFL qualifications: the Cambridge CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) course and the Trinity College London TESOL certificate course, commonly referred to as CertTESOL.

Is there a Level 6 TEFL course? ›

A level 6 TEFL qualification is equivalent to an undergraduate or bachelor's degree. With this level of TEFL certification, better-paying TEFL jobs are easier to come by, whether online or abroad. A level 6 qualification will also allow you to teach in competitive areas, such as English-speaking countries.

Level 5 TEFL courses have at least 168 hours of study time and are naturally more in depth than a level 3 TEFL qualification. This means that they can cover additional content such as teaching English to young learners or Business English.

So, after successful completion of your online TEFL course, you'll receive an internationally recognized Level 5 TEFL Diploma (168hrs) — the only qualification you'll need to teach English online or internationally.

An online 120 hour TEFL certificate course will normally cost between £100-£400.

Most learners complete 120 hours of training in around 3 – 6 weeks, depending on how much free time they have to study.

Yes, a Level 5 TEFL course and CELTA are both level 5 qualifications, but that only means they're the same level of difficulty, not that the qualifications are interchangeable. The method of delivery and content of the two qualifications is actually very different.

Level 5 is the equivalent to the second year of a Bachelor's Degree programme. It is also equivalent to a HND diploma. The Level 5 course also has 10 modules and 8 assignments, which also provide the student with 120 university credits upon completion.

An accredited professional-level TEFL course is similar to a standard university class and you should prepare to commit the time you need to complete your coursework & practicum. If you meet class deadlines and respond positively to instructor feedback, you are unlikely to fail your TEFL course.

How long does it actually take to complete a TEFL course? There are different courses with different hours but, on average, our students take between 10 to 12 weeks to complete our most popular 120-hour online TEFL course . Depending on your other commitments it can take you more or less time.

Is 35 too old for TEFL? ›

TEFL programs generally do not have strict age limits. Many opportunities exist for individuals of varying ages to pursue TEFL certification and teach English abroad. However, some countries or employers may have preferences or specific age requirements.

In short, a TEFL course will suit you best if you want to teach English online and abroad to students who aren't native English speakers, for example, Chinese students. A TESOL course will be better if you want to teach English in an English-speaking country.

'120-hour course Pro' consists of 6 modules, '150-hour course Master' - 10 modules, '250-hour course Expert' - 13 modules. The '120-hour course Pro' is a core course. The '150-hour course Master,' besides all the basic units, has an 'Advanced Teaching English online' course.

Yes. But there's just one – and it's ours. We offer the only free TEFL certification course with no strings attached. To receive your free 40 hour TEFL certificate, you simply need to enroll in our 40 hour TEFL course, complete the lessons and quizzes, and pass the final assessment.

Our 27 outstanding modules will teach you how to understand your learners, the importance of context, lesson planning, teaching skills, assessment and reflection. The Professional 160-Hour Online TEFL Course also includes Teaching English for Young Learners (TEYL) course.

A Level 5 TESOL qualification is a comprehensive certification that equates to the academic level of a CELTA or a Foundation Degree. This level of TESOL certification is recognized for its rigor and depth, similar to an undergraduate degree program.