What Is TEFL? How fast can I get TEFL certified?

As the world needs more English language teachers, a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification is your ticket to teaching English online or abroad.

Online TEFL courses are more than just a resume booster — they provide the practical training you need to effectively teach because there's a stark difference between speaking English and truly teaching it.

So, how quickly can you get your TEFL certification? Online courses are your expressway to TEFL credentials. Available 24/7, these courses let you dive into learning at your convenience.

A 120-hour TEFL certificate is the industry standard. But the hours spent are merely a guide. The completion time is flexible. Depending on your pace and commitment, you can earn your certification anywhere from 4 weeks to a few months. A recent graduate finished our TEFL course in 2 weeks.

Choosing the right TEFL program will give you the training, qualifications, and job assistance you need to teach successfully. This guide is here to help you navigate the world of TEFL and understand how quickly you can get certified to kickstart your teaching adventure.

TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. A TEFL certificate is a globally recognized credential that enables you to teach English to non-native speakers. It's akin to a driver's license but for teaching.

A TEFL certification is often the minimum qualification for most teaching jobs, whether online or abroad. It doesn't matter if you're new to teaching or have some experience already.

Schools want to hire teachers with professional training, so the 120-hour TEFL certification is the most common requirement. It's the minimum industry standard for most countries and jobs. It grants you the qualification to kickstart your teaching journey. So - don't invest in a 100-hour course if you want to teach in China because a 120-hour certificate is needed for your work visa.

What Can a TEFL Certification Do for You?

A TEFL certification is your internationally recognized qualification to teach English online or overseas. It gives you the skills and confidence to teach non-native speakers English effectively. With a TEFL certification, you unlock:

1. Teaching Jobs: A TEFL certification and a bachelor's degree are frequently the minimum requirements for English teaching jobs. Whether you fancy teaching in Asia, Europe, or from the comfort of your home, it's a requirement.
2. Better pay: Teachers with a TEFL certificate often qualify to work in more reputable schools, which means better benefits and higher salaries.
3. Stand out in job applications: A TEFL certificate adds a layer of credibility to your profile. It shows employers and students that you're committed to your professional growth and possess the skills to deliver high-quality English instruction.
4. Improved Teaching Skills: It's about landing the job and doing it well. TEFL courses equip you with practical teaching techniques, lesson planning skills, and solid knowledge of English grammar — ensuring your classes are engaging and your students are learning.
5. Job Flexibility: Online teaching is booming. With a TEFL certificate, you can tap into this market, providing education from anywhere with a stable internet connection. Plus, with time zone differences, you often work flexible hours.

Choosing the right TEFL course gives you the skills, qualifications, and job support you need to teach English, whether online or overseas.

In a TEFL course, you'll learn to:

• Master English Teaching Skills: Learn how to teach the five core aspects of language learning: reading, writing, speaking, listening, and pronunciation.
• Learner Diversity: Identify different learning styles and tailor your lessons to your student's needs.
• Demystify English Grammar: simplify complex English grammar concepts for students to grasp.
• Craft Effective Lessons: Get the skills to plan and run lessons that hit class goals and keep students engaged.
• Handle Classroom Management: Acquire skills to control your classroom and student behavior.
• Develop Engaging Learning Materials: Learn to source, tailor, and personalize text and digital materials for classroom use.

As you complete your TEFL Certification Program, you'll grow confident in your ability to teach English. You'll be ready to:

1. Step into the classroom.
2. Engage with students effectively.
3. Lead captivating, educational lessons.

Many native English speakers haven't dived deep into the grammar structure. So, a solid grammar component in the course is vital. It matters because most first-time ESL teachers are often nervous about teaching grammar.

How many hours should my TEFL course have?

For TEFL training, 120 hours is the industry standard as a minimum for teaching English online or in person. A 120-hour TEFL certification gives you the foundation to teach English for the first time.

Some courses don't offer enough hours to certify you for certain countries. Choose a TEFL course that matches your teaching goals and helps you stand out to employers globally.

There's no single, standardized way to get TEFL qualified. There's no one umbrella organization. The path you choose is as unique as you are.

While it's possible to wrap up a TEFL course in 2 weeks, most students take about 4 - 8 weeks. It depends on how much time you can invest and your familiarity with teaching curricula.

Most reputable online TEFL courses offer a 6-month window to complete the program. You can get qualified in 1 to 2 months by working on it part-time with some daily commitment and taking time to:

• Learn the material.
• Complete tasks.
• Tweak your work based on your tutor's feedback.

It's all about engaging with the materials and meeting the task standards.

A 120-hour is the estimated time it will take. But here's the thing: a 120-hour online TEFL course is not an absolute 120-hour commitment. It's a guide. The more knowledge and experience you have in the subject matter, the faster you can complete it.

Because it's online, you control your learning pace. If you're focused and consistent, you could finish even quicker. Our fastest student? They completed it in 2 weeks. This person was super-fast at completing the academic work.

Shorter courses like 40 or 100-hour programs may sound tempting. But beware. They often fall short of the required hours for most teaching jobs. So, before you put your time and money into a course, ensure it meets the hiring requirements of the job or country you want to work in. Are you ready to dive in?

Yes. We understand that getting TEFL certified can seem like a big commitment. You might be wondering if there are jobs that don't require it. Sure, they exist. But here's the bigger picture.

Employers typically prefer teachers with a 120-hour TEFL certificate, which opens the door to better positions and higher pay. In many countries, like China and South Korea, it's a legal requirement to have this qualification before schools can hire you even for online positions.

A 120-hour TEFL certification is necessary for almost all legitimate teaching positions worldwide if you plan to teach abroad. It's required to secure your work visa.

TEFL can help you acquire the requisite skills that will help you get the most out of your teaching career.

In other words, your TEFL certificate could be the key to turning "we'll keep your resume on file" into "you're hired!" Once certified, you can get the ball rolling on applying and interviewing for jobs. If you're serious about teaching English, getting TEFL certified is worthwhile.

Does my TEFL Certification Expire?

No. A TEFL certification is a lifetime qualification — once you've earned it, it's yours forever. There's no need for re-certifications or additional courses to keep it valid. When you complete your TEFL course, you'll receive your certificate and can start teaching immediately.

For those in a rush, online courses are your quickest route to a TEFL certificate. These courses have all their material ready and waiting for you online. You can log in whenever it suits you, learning in digestible half-hour sessions or intense eight-hour marathons—it's up to you.

Remember that there could be slight delays in receiving instructor feedback. So, opting for a course where assignments get reviewed frequently is smart. This approach allows for quicker revisions and a speedy progression through the modules.

But let's not forget - earning a TEFL certificate isn't just about speed. It's your passport to unlocking teaching opportunities worldwide. So, choose a course that doesn't just fast-track your certification but also broadens your knowledge and is internationally recognized.

Choosing a teacher training course can be tricky due to TEFL's lack of regulation. Since no single body governs TEFL certification, anyone can create and sell a 'TEFL course.' So, not all TEFL courses are equal.

That's where accreditation comes in—a seal of globally recognized quality assurance. Accreditation signifies that an impartial organization has vetted the course before you attend, confirming it meets high-quality training standards.

Here's why TEFL accreditation matters:

• Credibility: An accredited course ensures you're not pouring your time or money into an unrecognized or untrusted program.
• Impress Employers: Employers can spot sham certification programs. Accreditation helps you land your first teaching job.
• Protect Your Investment: Beware of TEFL courses that lack accreditation, boast lightning-fast completion times, or have questionable assessment practices.

So, seek a TEFL course provider with recognized accreditation to ensure you get a quality education that earns you respect. Remember, cheaper and faster isn't always better!

Here's your TEFL certification fast game plan:

1. Pick a 120-Hour Online TEFL: Online courses let you learn at your own speed, anytime you like. If you put in the time, you can finish in about four weeks. Ensure the course is accredited so it's recognized everywhere.
2. Carve Out Study Time: The quicker you want your certificate, the more time you'll need to study each day. The course is around 120 hours, so if you can spare six hours daily, you'll finish in 20 days.
3. Use Your Tutor: Your tutor's there to help. They can help you understand complex subjects, provide feedback on your progress, and guide you on best practices. So, always find a course with a personal tutor.
4. Stay Organized and Committed: Keep a close eye on your progress, deadline, and coursework. Staying organized will get you through the course much quicker.
5. Don't Sacrifice Quality for Speed: Don't rush too much. You want to make sure you understand the concepts. You're here to be a great teacher, not just to get a piece of paper.

Remember, even though getting certified fast is good, the quality of your learning is vital. Your future students will benefit from your deep understanding of teaching methods, lesson planning, and classroom management. So, get ready, set, go, and get that TEFL certification!

Your Gateway to a World-Class Teaching Career

The Really Great Teacher Company has long been a global frontrunner in nurturing and managing online teachers. Leaning on this vast experience, we've designed our fully accredited 120-hour TEFL Certificate. Our online course gives you the tools to be a successful English teacher and stand out in the job market.

Why our TEFL course stands out:

• Versatile Teacher Training: You gain online and face-to-face teaching experience and certification.
• Internationally Recognized: Our course is internationally accredited at Level 3 by ACTDEC (Accreditation Council for TESOL Distance Education Courses).
• Unmatched Support: Our real-time trainer support ensures you're engaged and on target.
• Engaging and Inspiring: Our practical flow across 14 comprehensive modules keeps you engaged and inspired to learn more.
• Flexible learning: Online courses to suit you at a time that suits you.
• Affordable: At USD$9.90 per month, our certification offers a remarkable return on investment. The faster you are able to complete your course, the less you will end up paying for it. Your certification will be mailed to you promptly upon completion.

We don't just focus on producing certified teachers; we aim to build confident educators who can connect with their students.

With full accreditation, we can assist our TEFL-qualified teachers with job placement. While our course leans into the thriving online teaching market, it also perfectly prepares you to teach English abroad.

You're paired with a personal tutor - a skilled EFL teacher who ensures you get all the help and advice you need to make the most of our course. They're there to guide you, check your work carefully, and give you feedback on your assignments. All this helps you succeed, achieving a highly regarded and respected TEFL Certification.

Here's what you can expect:

1. Personal Tutor Support: You're not alone in this journey. A skilled tutor will be there to help you navigate the course.
2. Fast Answers: Have a question or a concern? We're here for you! Expect to hear back from us within 24 to 48 hours.
3. Flexible Assignments: We know everyone has different learning preferences. So, you can choose a multimedia option that shows us your knowledge.
4. Feedback That Nurtures You: Beyond grading, we engage with you regularly. We'll highlight improvement areas, suggest revision topics, and recommend further reading to deepen your knowledge.
5. Recognized Certification: Our course meets ACTDEC's stringent standards, surpassing industry norms. We give you the most value for your effort and set you up for successful teaching outcomes.

Choosing our TEFL course boosts your teaching confidence, develops your skills, and gains recognition globally. Course completion rewards you with a highly respected TEFL Certification. So, ready to be a really great teacher?