Are All Tefl Certificates The Same

TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. In other words, it is a teaching qualification for teaching English to anyone whose first language isn’t English. TEFL certificates are academic qualifications that are provided upon successful completion of a TEFL course. TEFL certificates can be used anywhere in the world, although the TEFL acronym is most commonly used when referring to teachers in the UK and Europe. Almost all schools expect their ESL teachers to be fluent in the English language, with sound communication skills and an ESL teaching qualification (TEFL/TESOL/CELTA). CELTA shares some similarities with TEFL and TESOL courses. It is overseen by the Cambridge university and is predominantly a qualification for teaching English to adult learners. TEFL and TESOL...  [Read more]

You will typically receive your online TEFL certification via email as a digital certificate or through a downloadable link once you have successfully completed the course requirements. The time it takes to complete the certification process can vary depending on the specific course you choose and your own pace of study. Here are some general points to consider regarding the process of receiving your online TEFL certification and the time it may take: You can access your TEFL certification online by following these steps: Find a reputable online TEFL course provider that offers certification upon completion of the course. Enroll in the online TEFL course of your choice and complete all the required modules, assignments, and assessments. Upon successful completion of the course, you will...  [Read more]

For certain employers in certain countries you must be able to verify your TEFL certificate. This is often the case in countries like China or Vietnam, as well as when applying to work for some online teaching platforms. In the past, the legal requirements for teaching English were somewhat ambiguous. When it came to hiring, many employers had their own set of rules. As a result, there was an influx of teachers who did not have an accredited TEFL certification or teaching experience. These days, many countries and employers are enforcing stricter regulations. In many cases employers must be able to verify your TEFL certificate online as part of these new regulations. This is to ensure that your certification is genuine and that you are qualified to teach English; believe it or not, some...  [Read more]

The choice between different TEFL course formats depends on your teaching plans and preferences: Each of these options has its advantages and is suited to different teaching goals and circumstances. Consider your own situation and aspirations when choosing the most suitable TEFL course format for you. Upon receiving your course fee, we will promptly send you an email containing all the necessary information to commence your TEFL studies. This email will include your personal login details for our online training platform. Once you access the platform, you will find all the materials required to start with the first unit of the course. As you progress through the materials and feel you have sufficiently absorbed the information, you can proceed to take an automated online test based on...  [Read more]

The combined TEFL course provides a convenient option for anyone who wants the benefit of in-person training from a highly qualified teacher trainer, but who doesn’t have the time to commit to a full in-class course. The course starts with an online section that covers all the theory topics. You then attend one of our training centers to complete your observed teaching practice classes. Yes. The combined course covers all the same content as the full in-class course. However, if you are not comfortable with the idea of distance learning or would prefer more interaction with your tutors and other trainees, then the in-class TEFL course might be the better option. Yes. If you complete the combined course you will be issued with the exact same certificate as those who complete the...  [Read more]

Getting your TEFL certificate authenticated for work abroad is an important step in the process of teaching English as a foreign language in another country. This authentication process ensures that your certificate is recognized and accepted by employers and educational institutions overseas. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to authenticate your TEFL certificate for work abroad: 1. **Understand the Authentication Process**: Before you begin the authentication process, it's essential to understand the requirements and procedures involved. Each country may have its specific authentication requirements, so it's crucial to research the guidelines for the country where you intend to work. 2. **Obtain a TEFL Certificate**: To authenticate your TEFL certificate, you must first complete a...  [Read more]

  Dahlia is a graduate of ITTT's 120-hour online TESOL course. In this TESOL review, she recommends the course for anyone thinking of earning a TESOL or TEFL certificate especially those with backgrounds in teaching and education. ITTT's courses assume no prior teaching knowledge so are suitable for complete beginners to English language teaching or those looking to refresh their skills. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the next. This unit was talking...  [Read more]

  The fact that our online TEFL courses are accredited by a leading educational institution such as the Paris University of International Education (PUIE) is a major benefit to many trainees as you are able to claim credits towards your bachelor’s or master’s degree through the PUIE. For example, if you choose to take our 120-hour TEFL certification course (generally seen as our standard online course option) you can claim three bachelor’s credits or one master’s credit on completion. If you take our 550-hour Expert Package you can claim nine bachelor’s credits or six master’s credits. At ITTT we offer the chance to gain a teaching qualification that is recognized and welcomed by all the best employers across the TEFL world, while also adding to your higher education...  [Read more]

  Upon successful completion of all aspects of your TEFL course we will put your high-quality TEFL certificate in the mail and send it to anywhere in the world you choose via registered post. While you are waiting for the postman to arrive, we can also send you an instant PDF copy of your certificate via email. This instant copy can be very handy if you need to prove to employers or government offices that you have completed your training before you receive the original version. For many graduates this will not be an issue. However, it might be just what you need if you are in a real hurry to get your teaching career underway. Our course graduates are based in all corners of the world which makes it very hard to predict how long your certificate will take to deliver. If you think...  [Read more]

  In this TEFL review video Danny gives us a brief tour of Hong Kong where he is teaching English. Danny also outlines his three reasons for choosing to earn his TEFL certificate with ITTT. The first is the great flexibility ITTT's courses provide, with six months to complete the course students are able to work in their own time and fit their studying around any other commitments they may have. The second is the reviews he read about the course online. The third is the affordability of ITTT's courses allowing you to earn a teaching certificate without stretching your budget. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of...  [Read more]

All ITTT TEFL courses result in a certificate that can be used when applying for ESL teaching positions anywhere in the world. Our TEFL courses range from 120-hours up to 550-hours. The majority of ESL teachers select an online course due to the flexibility of a self-paced course and its cheaper price. While these two factors make the courses ideal for most people, there are some real benefits to taking an in-class course over 4 weeks. The in-class courses are structured 4-week courses with face-to-face instruction from professional TEFL trainers. During an in-class course, trainees cover the same teaching techniques as the 120-hour online course with the added advantage of being able to put them into practice at local schools. After each class is taught by a trainee, the TEFL trainers...  [Read more]

TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) and CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) are both certifications that qualify individuals to teach English as a foreign language. However, there are some key differences between the two that potential teachers should be aware of before choosing which certification to pursue. One of the main differences between TEFL and CELTA is the level of recognition and prestige associated with each certification. CELTA is widely considered to be the gold standard in TEFL certifications and is highly regarded by employers around the world. On the other hand, TEFL certifications can vary widely in quality and may not always be recognized by employers to the same extent as CELTA. Another important difference between TEFL and CELTA is the...  [Read more]

The world of English language teaching is well known for its love of acronyms and unfortunately this can lead to a large amount of confusion amongst potential teachers, as well as those with plenty of experience in the field. Websites for course providers, job boards, recruitment programs, and any other teaching related information you might look at are likely to be littered with acronyms, including TEFL, TESOL, and CELTA. So what is the difference between these terms? Short for Teaching English as a Foreign Language, TEFL is probably the most common acronym you will come across when conducting research for teaching English abroad. TEFL does not refer to a single training program, certification, or program provider but is simply a catch-all term for training courses and certification...  [Read more]

Although you are free to sign up for any course that catches your eye, there is one thing you should always bear in mind: the minimum qualification required by most ESL employers worldwide is a 120-hour TEFL certificate course. The good news for our trainees is that there are a number of ways in which this can be achieved with ITTT. The first distinction in TEFL course type depends upon whether you want to travel to a training center to complete your studies or stay at home. If you wish to travel, then an ‘onsite’ course is best for you. Should you wish to complete your training at home then an ‘online’ course is best. The four-week 120-hour TEFL certification course can be completed at one of many locations spread across the globe. As the name implies, you attend the training...  [Read more]

If you have done some research and made the decision to teach English abroad or online, you will probably have been confronted with a mound of perplexing letters: TEFL, TESOL, and CELTA – what do they all mean, and which is better? Don't worry. We are here to help you understand the differences and lead you into a world of education and international travel. First, let's get the abbreviations out of the way. TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language, TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, and CELTA is an acronym for Certificate in English Teaching to Speakers of Other Languages (until recently, it stood for Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults). To put it another way, TEFL and TESOL are generic terms for the field of teaching English...  [Read more]

  Once you have paid for the TEFL/TESOL online course you will receive the course log in details. Once logged in you will receive your first email with the course details and course units. Each course unit needs to be worked through in turn and the relevant tasks completed. Trainers will then mark the assessment tasks online. Course units are worked through in order. Upon completion of the course trainees will be sent their certificate within five working days. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with...  [Read more]

Online TEFL courses come in many shapes and sizes and their popularity continues to grow year after year. The convenience of being able to study in your own time from wherever you are in the world is one of the biggest attractions of this form of study, as is the relatively low cost. However, before you make a final decision on which type of course suits you best, it is advisable to have all the facts to hand. The subjects covered in our 120-hour online TEFL course and our in-class TEFL courses are virtually identical. The one area that clearly separates the two versions is observed teaching practice (OTP). Our in-class courses include extensive time in a real classroom where you can practice your teaching skills under the guidance of experienced trainers. As a consequence, in-class...  [Read more]

  Whatever your nationality or background, there are plenty of EFL teaching jobs available as the worldwide market for TEFL qualified teachers is simply massive. In fact, the demand is so strong that you can even pick and choose which job you prefer in some areas around the world. Thanks to this demand, non-native English speakers with a TEFL Qualification are in a great position to find employment in many countries. The truth is, of the thousands of trainees who graduate from our courses every year, there are always more non-native speakers than native speakers. As long as you are a fluent English speaker with a good-quality TEFL certificate under your belt, there is nothing stopping you from achieving your goals as an EFL teacher. In reality, non-native English speakers actually...  [Read more]

You can certainly get a teaching job with an online TEFL certificate. In fact, you can probably get a teaching job without any kind of qualifications or experience whatsoever. The real question is, can you get a quality teaching job with good pay and comfortable working conditions with an online certificate? The answer is still YES, if you make sure you sign up for the best quality online course you can find. The main problem for online trainees is the obvious lack of any practical teaching experience. If you can afford a month-long in-class training course that includes multiple hours of teaching practice in a real classroom, you will be able to apply for a wider range of jobs in most parts of the world. If you choose the cheaper online option, you will find that you will be more...  [Read more]

EFL stands for English as a Foreign Language and is to almost all purposes the same as ESL, English as a Second Language. These two are also equivalent to ESOL which means, English to Speakers of Other Languages. For each of these terms, when we talk about the teaching of them, we add a ‘T’ to the front of each acronym and hence we arrive at the terms TEFL, TESL and TESOL. As they are basically the same we will refer to just one from here on, TEFL for the Teaching of English as a Foreign Language and EFL for English as a Foreign Language. Almost all TEFL teaching positions require a minimum qualification of a 100 to 120-hour TEFL certification. Courses provided to cover this certification are usually delivered by one of three methods, namely, onsite courses, online courses and combined...  [Read more]

These acronyms are used when referring to training courses that English language teachers undertake, as well as the certification they receive upon completion. TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language and TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. As these terms are essentially the same, they are often used interchangeably, however, TEFL is most commonly used within the UK and TESOL is usually preferred in the USA. Although some countries may favor one acronym over the other, it is important to remember that a TEFL certification and a TESOL certification are exactly the same thing as the training involved is identical. Although TEFL and TESOL training courses are identical and the acronyms are generally used interchangeably, there is a technical...  [Read more]

Once you have completed your training and got that all important TEFL certificate in your back pocket, it is time to start applying for jobs and sending off your CV/resume. Of course, simply sending a resume to a potential employer is not much use without an accompanying cover letter to go with it. Your cover letter is the perfect tool for you to demonstrate your enthusiasm for the job and the reasons why you think you are the best candidate. So what exactly should you put in your TEFL cover letter? Although it might be quicker and easier to use the same cover letter for every job you apply for, tailoring each letter to each specific job will generally reap better rewards. It is highly recommended that you do plenty of research into each employer to give each application a personal feel...  [Read more]

  As there is no standard content or fixed length required for a TEFL certification course, individual providers are free to design their own courses and set whatever fees they see fit. The best advice is not to choose a course simply because it is the cheapest one available. Yes, you can find TEFL courses on discount websites for as little US$ 49 but will they be accepted by employers in the region that you want to work in? And will they properly prepare you for life in a real classroom? If you want to ensure that the answer to these questions is YES then you should look a little deeper than just the price. In-class TEFL courses usually involve 4-weeks of intensive training that comprehensively covers the most important aspects of English language teaching. During the course you...  [Read more]

In terms of earning a good salary, Taiwan is one of the best locations in which to work. Hard-working teachers who are willing to work extra hours can expect to save much more each month than they would be able to in their home country. TEFL jobs are available in state universities and bushibans, or private language schools. Bushibans can be found all over Taiwan and a large percentage of TEFL teachers find work at one of these settings. As long as you have a university degree, a well recognized TEFL certificate such as that offered by TEFL International, and you are a native-English speaker getting a TEFL Job in Taiwan should be no problem at all. ITTT recommends Reach To Teach Recruiting for teaching positions in Taiwan. They are the only fully licensed and legally owned foreign...  [Read more]

Acronyms are an essential tool used in all professions and technical writing. They are powerful tools to reduce word content. However without knowing what the acronym stands for, they can form a barrier to understanding. In the ESL (English as a Second Language) teaching world there is certainly no shortage of acronyms. Here we look at a few and one in particular, TEFL. Some useful teaching acronyms are: ELT: English Language Teaching. This is a general term for teaching English and applies to the teaching of English to both native and non-native English speakers. ELL: English Language Learner. This is a general term for anyone learning English and applies to learners of English who are native or non-native English speakers. ESL: English as a Second Language: This relates to the...  [Read more]

Many fully certified teachers decide to head overseas to teach rather than stay in their home country. For some newly qualified teachers it can be hard to find a suitable job so they go abroad to gain valuable classroom experience, while others might simply be looking for a change of direction. Whatever your reasons, teaching is one of the few professions that allow you to develop your skills and knowledge and increase your experience and employability, while travelling the world and exploring new countries and cultures. If you think this is the right path for you, the next step is to think about how your CV/resume will stand out when applying for the best jobs in the most exciting locations. In many cases, qualified teachers do need a TEFL certificate. While searching for jobs online you...  [Read more]

There are a number of EFL teaching scenarios that involve tutoring. The most obvious is that of one-to-one teaching. This can take place in a school, a language center, at a business or privately. Regardless of the teaching scenario, the route to becoming a TEFL tutor is basically the same as becoming a TEFL teacher. In general there are three ways to gain the certification required to become a TEFL tutor. They all involve a course with a minimum of 120 hours of training. This can be done from anywhere in the world with a computer and an internet connection. Typical 120-hour courses give you up to six months to complete the course, working at your own pace. These courses will cover the main aspects of EFL teaching, those being, learning about teaching methodology and learning how to teach...  [Read more]

In order to allow potential trainees to compare different courses, many countries, organizations and TEFL course providers have developed their own course-level framework. At ITTT our framework currently runs from level 3 to level 7, covering our full selection of TEFL certification courses. On this scale it is generally agreed that a level 4 course is the minimum level expected by employers who are trying to fill vacancies for mainstream entry-level EFL teaching jobs. However, many trainees choose to start their teaching career with a higher level of training. A level 5 TEFL course will give you a genuine headstart on most other first-time teachers and allow you to apply for a wider range of jobs. A level 5 TEFL course on the ITTT scale is the equivalent of a standard CELTA certification...  [Read more]

As it is a modern, vibrant city where English is a common language and most luxuries and comforts are available, Hong Kong is naturally a popular destination among TEFL qualified teachers. The city is a cultural melting pot where almost every language on Earth can be heard and there is an impressive number of major skyscrapers dominating the skyline, two reasons why it is sometimes referred to as the New York of the East. Due to its popularity, Hong Kong has strong competition for the best teaching jobs, so to have a good chance of landing one there are a few things you need to know. There have been government guidelines for employing foreign teachers in Hong Kong for some time; however, these have not been rigorously enforced until recently. These days it is very difficult, and...  [Read more]

As the generally accepted minimum standard for mainstream teaching jobs is a level 4 qualification, a level 3 certificate alone would not be considered enough to teach English. However, before you make any decisions on which course to take it is best to be fully informed about the different course levels available. Once you have digested all the information below regarding course levels you should be ready to pick the right one to suit your current situation and your future plans. One important factor regarding TEFL course levels is that there are many different frameworks out there for ranking them. Many countries, regions, organizations, and course providers have their own system for ranking the available courses. However, despite the many frameworks, most are designed using the same...  [Read more]