What a TEFL actually is
Teaching English as a Foreign Language: a certificate showing you have been trained and assessed in teaching English to non-native speakers. It is the standard hiring requirement abroad.
tefl course faq
TEFL Course FAQ (The Questions Everyone Googles)
Every question people actually type at 2am about getting TEFL certified in the UK, answered without the sales waffle. If something here decides it for you, the course page has the three routes side by side.
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Accreditation explainedReal UK pricesTimingsJob expectations
the quick answer
Requirements at a glance
| Degree | No degree | TEFL | Pay | Hardest part |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Not required to certify; required for some work visas | You can still certify and teach in several markets | Accredited 120-hour minimum; Level 5 regulated; CELTA Cambridge | Averages around $1,300+ no-degree markets, $2,500+ degree markets | Telling real accreditation from marketing badges |
What accreditation counts
Look for an independent, named awarding or accrediting body you can verify, plus real assessment and tutor feedback. Level 5 courses are regulated qualifications, which is why they carry more weight.
Does it expire?
A TEFL certificate does not expire. Employers may prefer recent study or extra specialisms if you certified years ago and have never taught.
What it does not do
A TEFL is a qualification, not a visa or a job offer. Whether you can work somewhere depends on your passport, degree, documents and that country's current rules.
searched at 2am. answered.
People also ask
Is a TEFL certificate worth it?
If you want to teach English abroad, yes: it is the standard entry requirement and often part of the visa paperwork. On its own it does not guarantee a job.
What is the difference between TEFL, TESOL and CELTA?
TEFL and TESOL are broadly interchangeable course names. CELTA is a specific Cambridge qualification with observed teaching practice and the strongest name recognition.
How much does a TEFL course cost?
In the UK roughly £149 for a 120-hour accredited course, £299 for a Level 5, and around £1,395 for CELTA.
How long does a 120-hour TEFL course take?
Self-paced online, usually a few weeks part-time. Your pass is guaranteed within 60 days.
Does a TEFL certificate expire?
No. There is no expiry date, though employers may ask about recent teaching or extra training if it is very old.
Is an online TEFL certificate accepted by employers?
Accredited online certificates are widely accepted abroad. Unaccredited or unassessed freebies usually are not.
Can I teach English abroad with just a TEFL and no degree?
In some countries yes, such as Cambodia and parts of Latin America. Degree-required markets like China, South Korea and Japan will not issue the visa without one.
How much can I earn after getting TEFL certified?
Teaching roles average around $1,300+ a month in countries that hire without a bachelor's and $2,500+ a month in degree-required markets. These are averages, not promises.
the course call
Level 5 is the safer bet.
Your pass is guaranteed within 60 days. Everything else — visas, employers, salaries and timelines — depends on your passport, documents and the rules in force when you apply.
Want the lighter start? A credible 120-hour course is still the entry route. Level 5 simply gives your application more weight.