Tefl Certificate Levels

When researching TEFL courses you will probably come across courses at various different levels, ranging from level 1 to level 8. These levels can cover everything from a 10-hour introductory course, right through to a master’s degree in TEFL. However, as this course framework covers such a wide range of qualifications it is important to have a broad understanding of the levels to ensure you take the right courses to suit your personal situation. Take a look at our course levels page for more details. At ITTT we have developed our own course level framework to ensure it is easy for everyone to compare all our different courses options. Our framework is based on the same criteria as most other recognized systems and it runs from level 3 to level 7. The basic criteria used to build our...  [Read more]

  Level 4 TEFL qualifications provide a solid base from which to start a serious EFL teaching career. Even if you are only planning to teach short-term, a level 4 TEFL will provide access to a wide range of jobs and give you a qualification that is equivalent to a first-year degree course.  [Read more]

A TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) certificate can be a valuable asset when teaching English to adults with low literacy levels. This certification equips you with the essential tools and techniques to effectively teach English to individuals who may struggle with reading and writing. One of the key benefits of obtaining a TEFL certificate is gaining a solid understanding of how to tailor your teaching approach to meet the specific needs of adult learners with low literacy. Through TEFL training, you will learn strategies for simplifying language, using visual aids, and implementing interactive activities that can help individuals with limited literacy skills grasp English concepts more effectively. Additionally, a TEFL certificate can enhance your ability to create a supportive...  [Read more]

  TEFL certifications have different levels, which are all equivalent to some other certificates. For example, a level 4 TEFL course is equivalent to the first semester of an undergraduate degree, whereas a level 6 TEFL course is equivalent to the final semester of an undergraduate degree.  [Read more]

First we need to define what TEFL means before looking at the various ways in which it can be examined to provide a teaching certificate. There are various locations in which a TEFL exam can be taken and different methods of instruction, these will also be considered. The acronym TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language and it can be used in any situation where the English language is being taught to non-native English speakers. Technically speaking, TEFL refers to teaching English in countries where English is not the native language. It is a term used mainly in the UK and is used interchangeably with the equivalent USA term TESOL. As with any profession, teaching has a series of exams at different levels. Within the world of ESL the entry level examination for teachers is...  [Read more]

If you have a TEFL certificate and are looking to teach English in Europe, there are plenty of opportunities available to you. Europe is a popular destination for English language teachers due to the high demand for English language skills in both professional and academic settings. Here are some of the best countries in Europe where you can teach English with a TEFL certificate: Spain is a popular destination for English language teachers, with opportunities available in both public and private schools as well as language academies. The demand for English teachers is high, particularly in cities like Madrid and Barcelona. With a TEFL certificate, you can find opportunities to teach children, teenagers, and adults in a variety of settings. Italy is another great option for TEFL teachers,...  [Read more]

We know it can be difficult to sort through the various TEFL certification options available today, but don’t worry, we're here to explain the various levels of TEFL courses to you. The general characteristics of the framework are frequently tied to a variety of elements, including the total amount of hours spent studying, the certification type, if the program contains a practical component, and the form of study (full-time or part-time). A level 4 TEFL course fulfills the standard of having at least 100 hours of coursework, which is highly sought after by most employers in the EFL field worldwide. A level 4 TEFL qualification is the equivalent of a freshman-level university course. This level is ideal for finding a long-term TEFL job, whether you want to work online or in classrooms...  [Read more]

Navigating your way through the different TEFL certification options can be daunting. Luckily, we are here to shed some light on the different levels available for TEFL courses. The frameworks' general characteristics are often related to various factors, including the total number of hours spent studying, the certification type, if the program includes a practical component, and the method of study (full-time or part-time). A level 5 TEFL course is in the upper range of the framework, meaning it is among the more advanced TEFL certifications out there. A level 5 TEFL qualification is equivalent to a CELTA or Foundation Degree. This level is ideal for obtaining the top TEFL positions available. Whether online or abroad, better-paying TEFL jobs will be easier to find. A level 5...  [Read more]

We know it can be difficult to sort through the various TEFL certification courses available on the market. That is why we are here to explain the various levels of TEFL courses. The general characteristics of the frameworks are frequently tied to a variety of elements, including the total amount of study hours, the certification type, if the program contains a practical component, and the study technique applied (full-time or part-time study). A level 6 TEFL course is near the top of the framework, making it one of the most advanced TEFL credentials available. A level 6 TEFL qualification is equivalent to an undergraduate or bachelor’s degree. With this level of TEFL certification, better-paying TEFL jobs are easier to come by, whether online or abroad. A level 6 qualification will also...  [Read more]

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]

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]

When researching teacher training courses it can be difficult to compare the many options available, which is why EFL course levels can be a great help. All TEFL courses can be put into certain levels that reflect their content and the level of qualification you will receive at the end of the training. This organization of courses can be a real benefit when it comes to choosing the right type of course to suit your individual situation. However, it is also important to know that there is not a single ranking system that is adopted by the whole EFL world. May individual countries and teaching organizations have their own set of course levels. Despite this, most systems are developed using similar criteria such as the type of study involved, the number of study hours, whether it is part-time...  [Read more]

A TEFL certificate can be a valuable asset when teaching English to high school students, as it provides you with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively teach English as a foreign language. Here are some key points to consider: Firstly, a TEFL certificate equips you with essential teaching techniques and methodologies that are specifically tailored for teaching English to non-native speakers. High school students may have different learning styles and needs compared to adult learners, so having a solid foundation in TEFL can help you adapt your teaching approach to better suit their requirements. Additionally, a TEFL certificate demonstrates to potential employers that you have undergone training in teaching English as a foreign language and are committed to professional...  [Read more]

Teaching English in Turkey can be a rewarding experience, but it also comes with specific requirements. Whether you are a native English speaker or a non-native speaker with a high level of proficiency, there are certain qualifications and documents you need to have in order to teach English in Turkey. First and foremost, most language schools and institutions in Turkey require English teachers to have a bachelor's degree in any field. This is a basic requirement that demonstrates your ability to commit to a long-term goal and shows that you have a certain level of academic knowledge and skills. In addition to a bachelor's degree, most employers in Turkey also require English teachers to have a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other...  [Read more]

Yes, you can absolutely teach English abroad with a TEFL certificate even if you are a non-native speaker. Many countries and schools welcome non-native English speakers as long as they have a high level of proficiency in English and hold a recognized TEFL certification. In fact, being a non-native speaker can sometimes be an advantage as you can better understand the challenges your students may face in learning English as a second language. One important factor to consider is the specific requirements of the country or school where you wish to teach. Some countries may have stricter requirements for non-native speakers, such as higher English proficiency levels or additional teaching qualifications. It's essential to research these requirements before applying for teaching positions....  [Read more]

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. 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...  [Read more]

When it comes to ranking educational qualifications by their difficulty level, many countries have their own ranking system. For example, there are 9 different levels that courses can be classed as within the UK. Level 1: GCSE - grades 3, 2, 1 or grades D, E, F, G Level 2: GCSE - grades 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4 or grades A*, A, B, C Level 3: A level Level 4: Certificate of higher education (Cert HE) Level 5: Diploma of higher education (Dip HE) Level 6: Degree with honors - for example bachelor of the arts (BA) hons Level 7: Master’s degree, for example Master of Science (MSc) Level 8: Doctorate, for example doctor of philosophy (PhD or DPhil) Depending on which National Qualification Framework (NQF) you are referencing, you may...  [Read more]

  On completion of your TEFL training course with ITTT you will receive a high-quality, embossed Certificate. The cost of the certificate is always included in the initial course fee and every one also comes with a unique certificate number which employers or government departments can use to verify its authenticity. When you apply for jobs or work visas the relevant parties can visit the Certificate Verification page on our website, enter your unique certificate number, and then get instant verification that you are a genuine ITTT course graduate. International employers find this to be an increasingly useful tool as it is quick and easy to use and it discourages the small minority of teachers who rely on a fake or copied certificate. As ITTT has been providing training courses for...  [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]

Did you know that there are multiple levels of TEFL certification, including TEFL level 4, TEFL level 5, and TEFL level 6? Just when you thought picking an appropriate TEFL course would be easy, you discover that there are several levels available! It is crucial to know what each of these TEFL levels means before choosing your TEFL course. This will help you in determining what level is ideal to reach your desired goal and what courses you need to take in order to get the teaching job you are looking for. To begin, keep in mind that TEFL levels are based on the UK qualifications framework. This includes levels 0 through to 8. Check out the graphic below to get a better understanding of what kind of qualification each level corresponds to: A level 3 TEFL certificate corresponds to the AS...  [Read more]

We can start with two sayings: 1) These is no such thing as a free lunch And 2) You get what you pay for With these two things in mind let us explore what free TEFL certificates are available and the problems that may be associated with them. This is becoming more common with online courses in all subjects across the curriculum. You are able to take a course for free (or at a minimal cost) but there is no certificate issued with the course. You are then offered certificate options from a PDF emailed version to full hard copy certificate with postage. When you add the certification cost you find it is similar to buying a regular course which has the certificate and regular postage already paid for in the price. There are some legitimate free TEFL courses available as well as many not so...  [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]

Yes, you can absolutely obtain a TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) certificate even if English is your second language. In fact, being a non-native English speaker can sometimes be an advantage when pursuing a TEFL certification, as you have firsthand experience in learning the language and can empathize with your future students who are also learning English as a foreign language. One of the first things to consider when pursuing a TEFL certificate as a non-native English speaker is your proficiency in the English language. Most TEFL certification programs require a certain level of English language proficiency, typically equivalent to a C1 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This is to ensure that you have a strong grasp of the language in...  [Read more]

Yes, obtaining a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate can be extremely beneficial if you are looking to teach English to immigrant communities. Here are several reasons why a TEFL certificate can help you in this endeavor: Firstly, a TEFL certificate equips you with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively teach English to non-native speakers. It covers essential topics such as lesson planning, classroom management, language teaching methodologies, and assessment techniques. These skills are crucial when working with immigrant communities who may have varying levels of English proficiency. Additionally, many immigrant communities have specific language learning needs and preferences. A TEFL certificate program often includes modules on teaching English for...  [Read more]

A TEFL certificate can be a valuable tool for teaching English to college students, as it provides you with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively instruct non-native speakers. Here are some key points to consider: Firstly, a TEFL certificate demonstrates your commitment to professional development and can enhance your credibility as an English teacher. College students may be more likely to trust and respect an instructor who has taken the time to earn a recognized teaching qualification. Additionally, a TEFL certificate equips you with practical teaching techniques and strategies that are specifically tailored to teaching English as a foreign language. This can help you create engaging and effective lessons that cater to the needs and proficiency levels of college students....  [Read more]

Teaching English abroad with a TEFL certificate as a senior is not only possible but also increasingly popular. As an older individual, you bring a wealth of life experience, maturity, and often a higher level of education, which can be highly valued by schools and students in foreign countries. Many countries have no age restrictions for teaching English, and some even appreciate older teachers for their professionalism and reliability. Additionally, having a TEFL certificate demonstrates your commitment to teaching and your ability to effectively instruct non-native English speakers. When considering teaching English abroad as a senior with a TEFL certificate, it's essential to research the specific requirements and preferences of the country and institution where you plan to teach....  [Read more]

  Another great benefit of completing a TEFL course with ITTT is that you can issue your students with a high-quality certificate of completion once they have finished a series of lessons. Your certificates allow you to fill out the name of the student, the level of the classes they attended, and the number of study hours. The certificates also have a unique identification number and a section where you can include your own ITTT TEFL certification number. Once issued, your students and anyone who takes an interest in their English language skills will be able to see that they were taught by a legitimate EFL teacher. Being in a position to issue official certificates of course completion is a great way to stand out from the crowd if you are working in an area where the competition...  [Read more]

A TEFL certificate is a valuable qualification that can enhance your ability to teach English to non-native adults. While it is not always a strict requirement for teaching English as a foreign language, having a TEFL certificate can open up more opportunities for employment and provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to be an effective teacher. First and foremost, a TEFL certificate equips you with essential teaching techniques and strategies that are specifically tailored to teaching English as a foreign language to adults. Through a TEFL course, you will learn about lesson planning, classroom management, error correction, and other key aspects of language teaching that are crucial for effectively engaging and instructing adult learners. Additionally, many language schools...  [Read more]

A TEFL certificate is a valuable asset for anyone looking to teach English to business professionals. The skills and knowledge gained through a TEFL course can greatly enhance your ability to tailor your lessons to the specific needs of this demographic. One of the key benefits of a TEFL certificate is that it provides you with a solid foundation in English language teaching methodologies. This knowledge is essential for creating effective lesson plans that are engaging and relevant to the business context. Additionally, a TEFL course will teach you how to adapt your teaching style to suit the learning preferences of adult learners, including business professionals. This is crucial for creating a positive and productive learning environment that encourages active participation and...  [Read more]

A TEFL certificate can be a valuable asset for teaching English to bilingual students. While bilingual students already have a foundation in English, a TEFL certificate provides you with the skills and knowledge to effectively teach English as a foreign language. Here are some ways in which a TEFL certificate can benefit you when teaching bilingual students: 1. **Understanding Language Acquisition**: A TEFL course covers theories of language acquisition and teaching methodologies that can help you better understand how bilingual students learn English. This knowledge can inform your lesson planning and teaching strategies to cater to the specific needs of bilingual learners. 2. **Effective Lesson Planning**: With a TEFL certificate, you will learn how to create engaging and interactive...  [Read more]