If you’re just starting to look into teaching English abroad, you might be wondering what level of TEFL qualification you need. There are a few different options available, and it really depends on your goals and what you want to do with your qualification. Here’s a quick overview of the different TEFL levels and what they entail:
Basic/Introductory TEFL Certificate
Also sometimes called a Level 1 or Entry Level certificate, this is the most basic TEFL certification. It is typically a short, intensive course (usually around 20 hours) that covers the basics of teaching English as a foreign language.
Intermediate TEFL Certificate
An Intermediate certificate (sometimes called a Level 2 or Advanced certificate) is designed for those who have some experience teaching English, or who have completed a Basic certificate and wish to further their knowledge. These courses are usually around 40 hours in length.
Advanced TEFL Certificate
The most advanced level of TEFL certification, an Advanced certificate (sometimes called a Master’s Level certificate) is intended for experienced teachers who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the theory and practice of teaching English as a foreign language.
180-hour TEFL Certificate
If you’re interested in becoming a TEFL teacher, then a 180-hour TEFL Certificate is ideal. This type of certificate will help boost your TEFL knowledge and appeal to the majority of employers for entry-level TEFL positions.
The certificate usually takes around 4-8 weeks to complete and includes helpful information about teaching young learners! After you’ve completed the certificate, you’ll be one step closer to becoming a certified TEFL teacher and making a difference in the lives of English language learners around the world!
300-hour TEFL Diploma
The 300-hour TEFL Diploma is the ideal choice for those looking to specialise in teaching online or teaching adults. This Level 5 certificate covers all of the material in the 180-hour course and extra specialist courses in Teaching Online and Business English. It typically takes around 8-16 weeks to complete.
This course will give you the skills and knowledge you need to teach English effectively online or to adults in a business setting. You will learn how to create engaging and effective lessons, how to manage a classroom, and how to cater to the needs of different types of learners. By the end of the course, you will be confident in your ability to teach English effectively to any audience.
420-hour TEFL Advanced Diploma
The TEFL International Diploma is the highest level of qualification offered by TEFL International. It is ideal for those who want to pursue a career in teaching English as a foreign language, and provides access to the highest paying jobs in the industry. The course covers everything in the 300-hour course, plus two additional modules on teaching other subjects (such as math, science, and geography) and teaching IELTS. It is a comprehensive course that will help you stand out from the competition. The course takes 12-20 weeks to complete.
The TEFL International Diploma is recognised by employers worldwide, and will give you the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in your career. The course is designed to help you develop as a professional teacher, and will give you the opportunity to learn from experienced teachers. There are also opportunities to practice your teaching skills in real-world settings.
The TEFL International Diploma will open up doors to teaching opportunities around the world. With this qualification, you will be able to teach in a variety of settings, including schools, universities, and language institutes. You will also be able to pursue a career in teaching English as a foreign language online.
Delta: Level 7
A DELTA is the highest level of TEFL qualification and is equivalent to a master’s degree. If you are looking to open your own language school or teach new TEFL teachers, this is the course for you. It is a serious commitment and will require a lot of time and effort, but it will be worth it in the end.
The level of TEFL certification you need will depend on the country you wish to teach in, as well as the type of position you are applying for. In general, however, most schools and employers will prefer candidates who have at least an Intermediate certificate.
If you’re not sure which level of TEFL certification is right for you, or if you have any other questions about the different levels of TEFL certification, it is good to contact the government regulated TEFL Institute.