Although the market for TEFL qualified teachers is very strong in many countries, you might find that there is a lot of competition for each available job in the more sought after locations. If your plan is to head to a popular destination overseas, then you might want to consider completing a higher level of TEFL certification before you start applying for jobs.
Table of Contents
What are the different levels of TEFL certification?
What level of TEFL is required to teach English?
Is it worth completing a level 5 TEFL course?
What are the different levels of TEFL certification?
When it comes to the different levels of TEFL certification, it is important to understand that there is no one framework that encompasses the whole EFL teaching world. Some countries such as the USA, the UK, and Australia have their own system, as do other regions, teaching organizations, and some course providers. However, most course level frameworks are based on the same common factors such as the type of certification, the number of study hours, whether practical training is included, and whether the study is full or part time. The ITTT course level framework is also based on these factors in order to give you a clear idea as to the standing of each individual course and level of qualification it provides.
Check out our course levels page for full details of our framework.
What level of TEFL is required to teach English?
Note: The ITTT level framework runs from level 3 to level 7.
It is widely accepted by international employers that a level 4 TEFL certification is required by applicants when applying for entry-level teaching jobs. A level 4 course will have a minimum of 100 hours of study covering all the main grammar points and teaching methods. Anything less than this level of study is likely to be insufficient unless you are applying for teaching assistant or volunteer-type jobs.
At ITTT we provide a very popular 120-hour TEFL certification course that includes more than enough content at level 4 to satisfy the vast majority of employers in any location.
Is it worth completing a level 5 TEFL course?
Although a level 4 qualification such as the 120-hour TEFL certificate is typically enough to qualify you for most entry-level teaching jobs, a level 5 certification will give you a distinct advantage over the competition when applying. With a higher level of qualification you are more likely to stand out from the crowd and your overall understanding of the EFL world will also be that much higher, which is good news for you during the interview process and for your future students. At ITTT we have two course options at this level: The 170-hour TEFL course with online specialization and the 220-hour Master Package.
The 170-hour course includes the initial 120-hour certification that covers all the basic teaching knowledge you need, plus a 50-hour course that covers all the areas of teaching that are specific to teaching English online. If you choose to go with the Master Package you will also start your studies with the initial 120-hour certification course, followed by two 50-hour specialized courses in teaching business English and teaching English to young learners. The additional teaching knowledge gained through these courses, and the advantage you gain in the job market, means that taking a level 5 TEFL course is definitely worth it in our opinion.
