If you are considering a career in TESOL, you will find that the field offers many diverse and rewarding opportunities. Teaching English as an additional language (EAL) requires skills beyond just knowing the language.
Properly Trained Teachers
- Know the latest research-based methodologies for language teaching.
- Know how learners acquire a new language.
- Have the patience and empathy to support students as they struggle with the language.
- Develop specialized skills through years of dedicated practice in the classroom.
You must be more than a proficient speaker.
English language teaching (ELT) opportunities exist throughout the world.
If you are interested in beginning your ELT career, the information presented here will help you get started.
Getting Started
FAQs About Starting a Career in TESOL
A Guide to Common Acronyms in the TESOL Profession
Publications to Help You Get Started
Find a Job
Doing the Research
Qualifications for English Language Teachers
Individuals who wish to pursue a career in TESOL can choose from several pathways to establish their teaching qualifications. Regardless of the program, a quality program will require some supervised teaching practice.
Prerequisites
A bachelor of arts (BA) or science (BS) degree is usually a prerequisite for any of the programs listed below. In most countries, it is not feasible to obtain a work permit for an ELT position without a BA/BS degree.
Just as there are numerous methodologies in language teaching, there are also a wide range of options to launch your education in TESOL. To help you explore these options, TESOL's Directory of Degree & Certificate Programs lists institutions that offer teacher training programs (certificates, and bachelor's and graduate degrees) in TESOL.
Introductory Programs
Many institutions have created programs that fall in between the TESOL certificate and TESOL endorsement in offering an add-on certification. These programs may take one to two semesters and are designed to provide initial teacher training for overseas teaching assignments. The credits from these shorter programs may be applied toward an endorsement or master's degree upon return to the United States.
Be aware that some certifications need annual upkeep. Most TESOL certificates do not. Make sure you understand the longevity of your credential.
Master's Degree
The most widely available training option in the United States and Canada, the master's degree is required for teaching in higher education and community colleges. Offered by more than 300 universities in the United States and Canada, the degree may go by different names, for example:
- Master of Education (MEd) in TESOL
- Master of Arts (MA) in TESOL
- Master of Arts (MA) or Science (MS) in Applied Linguistics
- Master of Arts (MA) in English with an emphasis in TESOL
- Master of Arts (MA) in Teaching (MAT) in ESL
Any of these programs will prepare those enrolled to teach EAL. They also offer training in curriculum development, teacher training, administration, and materials writing. Master's degrees usually require 30-36 hours of credit and may include a thesis.
Endorsement or Add-On Certification in EAL in the U.S.
Elementary or secondary school teachers in most states in the United States must have a degree in education with an endorsement or add-on certification in EAL. Certification requirements can be obtained from state departments of education, and may be reciprocal from state to state. University teacher training programs offer the required courses and are another source of information regarding state certification requirements.
Many U.S. teachers who want to teach internationally, but who intend to return to the United States to continue teaching, choose to pursue this type of certification or endorsement. The advantage to the endorsement or add-on EAL certification is that it offers more in-depth training for international positions than the TESOL certificate. It also usually counts toward the completion of the master's degree or state certification upon return to the United States. In other words, TESOL certificates do not count toward employment qualifications for most schools in the United States, but endorsement and add-on certification in EAL do. The training can take two to four semesters of full-time study at an accredited institution.
Common Certificates
Educators who decide not to begin their teaching career with a master's degree can choose from several other options. Neither the CELTA nor an independent TEFL certificate alone is sufficient qualification to teach in most institutions in the United States, though the practical training required as part of the certification process greatly enhances teaching skills.
In general, the minimum qualification to teach EAL in private language schools overseas and in some private language schools in the United States is a TESOL certificate. Usually, TESOL certificate courses in the United States and Canada are highly intensive, running full time over the course of two to six weeks. These courses focus on practical training and also teach different language methodologies.
Because of the scope of information that must be covered, a four- to six-week intensive course is likely to be more valuable than a shorter version. Most respected TESOL courses offer 100+ classroom hours and have an additional practical training component. Many institutions are accredited by varying state organizations, and many of these TESOL courses are excellent.
Teacher trainers may vary greatly in qualifications. Look for a program with qualified trainers, such as teachers who have a master's degree in EAL and extensive international experience.
TESOL Core Certificate Program
Based on the TESOL Short-Term Certificate Standards, the TESOL Core Certificate Program (TCCP) is a 140-hour blended-learning certificate program providing a foundation in the theory and practice of English language teaching (ELT). This program delivers a summary of core TESOL knowledge to support individuals in enhancing their professional practice when serving the needs of multilingual learners of English (MLE). This program was developed for TESOL professionals with little to no formal ELT education.
To earn the TESOL Core Certificate, participants must successfully complete three parts:
- Part 1. 60-hour blended learning foundation course on the fundamentals of TESOL
- Part 2. 60-hour online specialty course focused on teaching adolescent learners
- Part 3. 20-hour teaching practicum
a) 10 hours of in-person classroom observation
b) 10 hours of in-person practice teaching
Cambridge UCLES CELTA
The Cambridge UCLES CELTA (formerly known as the Cambridge RSA CELTA) is administered by England's University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate. This certificate program is available through language institutes and British Council offices throughout the world. In the United States, the CELTA program is available in major cities on the east and west coasts.
The CELTA course is a standardized program that regulates the selection of candidates and ensures that trainees are given quality instruction and are objectively graded. The teacher trainers who conduct these courses have themselves undergone rigorous training and are required to have substantial, varied, and current teaching experience. Programs may vary in the availability of full- or part-time options (ranging from four to twelve weeks), placement services, and cost.
SIT TESOL Certificate
The School for International Training (SIT) TESOL certificate course is a 130-hour course that includes workshops, lesson planning, and practice teaching. The course covers the basics of classroom practice starting with a look at learning and how learners' needs inform teaching. The course is available at a variety of locations worldwide and is taught by SIT-trained trainers with extensive EAL classroom experience.
Designed by faculty at SIT, the course emphasizes experiential learning, reflective practice, and learning in community. The course moves through a series of modules that cover how to teach reading, writing, listening, speaking, pronunciation, grammar, and culture at the beginning and intermediate levels.
Trinity Certificate in TESOL
Trinity College London’s rigorously assessed certificate courses, available world-wide, provide sound, basic training for entry level into the profession. They are offered full or part-time and are held over a minimum of 130 hours at one of the 100+ Trinity-validated centers, detailed on their website.
Trinity’s CertTESOL is accepted by the British Council as an appropriate initial TESOL qualification in the Council’s teaching operations outside the United Kingdom and in its accredited schools and colleges in the UK.
It cannot be taken online, although an additional precourse component may be done online. Trinity’s CertTEYL, taken over 140 hours, prepares teachers to identify teaching methods, materials, and methods of assessment appropriate to young learners.
Finding Teacher Education Programs in TESOL
Directory of Degree & Certificate Programs
Within the TESOL English Language Professional’s Resource Guide, you can search for degree and certificate programs in English as an additional language (EAL) and related fields.
The directory does not include all programs worldwide. If you do not see a program listed in your area, you might contact local universities to inquire whether they offer one or contact your local TESOL affiliate. You might also search online or contact the Department or Ministry of Education in the country where you hope to find a program.
To inquire about having your teacher education program listed in the resource guide, visit the media kit.
Note: TESOL International Association offers information about teacher training programs as a service for its members and others interested in the profession, but TESOL does not warrant that this resource is comprehensive, complete, or otherwise reliable. TESOL is not affiliated with the programs listed in the directory. TESOL does not endorse or evaluate the quality of any programs or courses and cannot recommend a program or type of program.
Tips for Evaluating Teacher Education Programs
Before You Begin
As you begin researching teacher education programs, create a spreadsheet to compare and contrast the data fields that are important to you, and to keep track of contact information. You may want to consider some of the following questions when evaluating programs of interest to you.
Ask Questions
Ask for a reference or two from the program director. Ask recent graduates if they are satisfied with the education they received and whether their courses have actually met the needs of their current jobs.
Examine the job placement record. What percentage of graduates get jobs after they receive their degrees? Does the school offer placement assistance or career counseling? Is the career counseling specialized for your field?.
If You Are Researching Degree Programs
What kinds of courses are offered in the program? Are they more practical or theoretical in scope? If you are interested in going directly into teaching after getting your master's degree, you should stick to a practical curriculum. If, on the other hand, you are interested in pursuing your doctoral studies, look for a program that meets your needs.
What do the faculty members specialize in? Ask the program director for details on what the faculty is researching, what courses they teach, and even about possible internships or assistantships. This will give you an indication of what the focus of your studies will be. If your interests are similar to theirs, you have a good match.
If You are Interested in Teaching in a Primary or Secondary School
Find out if the program provides the necessary courses that lead to a job offer.
What Are Independent Certificate Programs?
An independent TESOL certificate program is a program that is neither accredited nor affiliated with an accredited post-secondary institution. These programs can serve as a gateway to the field and profession of English language teaching for those who have high proficiency in English.
TESOL recommends that an independent certificate program should be taught by qualified teacher educators and offer a balance of theory and practice regarding pedagogy and methodology, including a minimum of 100 instructional hours plus a supervised practice teaching component.
In response to the numerous inquiries TESOL receives about independent certificate programs, TESOL has created the Standards for Short-Term TEFL/TESL Certificate Programs.
How to Evaluate an Independent Certificate Program
Because TESOL does not recommend or endorse specific certificate programs, TESOL has compiled the following suggestions to help you evaluate them. These suggestions are offered for informational purposes only. TESOL hopes the information provided here is helpful to you but does not intend it to substitute for professional assistance.
Learn About the Institution
Type the institution's name into a search engine and visit its website. Look also at other websites where its name appears, such as academic organizations, research forums, conferences, government websites, the news media, and chat boards.
Ask for References
Contact graduates who have received certificates from the institution and used them to obtain employment or other benefits. If an institution promises job placement, contact individuals who have used this service. Verify that graduates got their jobs because they had this particular certificate and could not have gotten the jobs on their own or without the certificate.
Be cautious as well about money-back guarantees for job placement. Although this may be an excellent benefit, find out how you will be expected to demonstrate that you have searched for but failed to find employment.
Verify Affiliations
If an institution claims or appears to be affiliated with a major university or another organization, verify this affiliation with the parent institution. It’s unlikely but possible that a teacher education program could misuse the name or logo of another institution, or they could use a name or logo very similar to that of other well-respected organizations (including TESOL International Association), to imply that they are affiliated with or accredited by that organization.
Verify Claims
If a program claims that a particular certificate qualifies you for a particular type of job, jobs in a particular country, or all international ELT jobs, be sure to verify that. Certificate programs provide just that, a certificate, not certification (see TESOL's Position Statement on Independent Short-Term TESL/TEFL Certificate Programs). Your certificate verifies that you have completed a particular institution's curriculum.
No single license qualifies you for all teaching jobs in all countries because no single body governs all employment worldwide. Requirements to teach EAL vary by country and by institution. Generally speaking, only the employer can determine whether or not an individual qualifies for a particular job. If you are counting on a certificate to obtain a particular job, contact your prospective employer and ask if the certificate would fulfill the job's academic requirements.
Independent Certificates vs. State Certification or Licensure in the U.S.
If you are planning to teach in the U.S. public school system, do not confuse the certificates granted by independent certificate programs with the specific license granted by one of the 50 states' Departments of Education. Most jobs in the U.S. public school system require teachers to obtain an endorsement of some kind in TESOL or a related field from the state where they plan to teach. Unfortunately, this license or endorsement is often called a certificate, and teachers who hold such a certificate may be referred to as certified teachers.
TESOL Certificate and Online Learning Programs
Those who decide not to begin their ELT career with an appropriate degree or endorsement may choose to pursue a shorter term certificate program, such as TESOL Core Certificate Program, Trinity, CELTA, SIT TESOL Certificate, or an independent certificate program. An independent TESOL certificate program, which is a program that is neither accredited nor affiliated with an accredited postsecondary institution, can serve as a gateway to the field and profession of EAL teaching for those who have proficiency in English.
Standards for Short-Term TEFL/TESL Certificate Programs
In response to the proliferation of short-term TESOL certificate programs around the world, TESOL International Association has developed a set of standards for entry-level short-term certificate programs.
The standards are intended to provide a framework for organizations to use in developing, implementing, and evaluating programs that prepare candidates to teach English as a second or foreign language that require 120–180 interactive hours. Please note that TESOL International Association does not provide recommendations or endorsements for degree or certificate programs.
To purchase the standards and program assessment tool, please visit the TESOL Bookstore.
Online Programs
Degree programs as well as certificate courses in TESOL are also offered via distance learning programs. This educational format is well suited for those who are already in the field or teaching English abroad and want to pursue a degree while continuing to teach.
A good TESOL certificate program should focus on practical training. Employers are not interested in credentials from a distance education program that does not incorporate practical teaching experience.
Programs geared toward experienced teachers, such as the RSA Diploma (open to those with certain TESOL certificates and 2 years of teaching experience) and MA and PhD programs from accredited institutions, are viable options for distance learning. TESOL recommends that you contact the schools directly to obtain contact information for the accrediting body.
FAQs
What is TEFL vs TESOL? ›
Despite sounding similar, the two acronyms describe two different teaching contexts. TESOL refers to teaching English to individuals and groups who speak another language. This can be either in the U.S. or abroad. TEFL refers to teaching English in places where English is a foreign language.
Is TESOL a good major? ›It's no wonder the demand for English teachers remains high and constant around the world. With a TESOL master's degree (teaching English to speakers of other languages), you can be well positioned to secure the best jobs within the industry and get the most value out of your degree.
Do you need a degree to get a TESOL? ›Admission to the TESOL certification program requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and a minimum undergraduate grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. No prerequisite courses must be completed, but courses in English and linguistics are recommended.
Is a TESOL certificate worth it? ›Almost all schools worldwide and online that hire English teachers require that they hold TEFL/TESOL certification, among other qualifications; therefore, yes, it is definitely worth it to get certified if you plan to teach English.
What is the best ESL certification to have? ›- Best Overall: International TEFL Academy.
- Best Online Program: Premier TEFL.
- Best Budget-Friendly Option: ITT.
- Best for Student Support: TEFL Org.
- Best Hybrid Program: ITTT.
- Best for Specializations: Teach Away.
- Best for Overseas Job Placement: TEFLPros.
- Best for Online Teaching: i-to-i.
Yes, it is possible to start a new career at 40 — or 50, or 60, for that matter. It might take some extra effort, but it's never too late to set new personal goals and professional goals and live a life that feels meaningful.
What is the best career to start at 40? ›- Real estate agent.
- Proofreader.
- Freelance writer.
- Translator.
- Consultant.
- Job Recruiter.
- Social media manager.
- Project or program manager.
- Find a Personal Connection. ...
- Tell Your Story in the Cover Letter. ...
- Explain the “Why” on Your Resume. ...
- Don't Undersell Your Experience. ...
- Tailor Resume to the Job Description. ...
- Research the Company and the People. ...
- Prepare for the Interview. ...
- Make the Most Out of the Interview.
It is extremely rare for a trainee to fail an ITTT TESOL certification course. Our courses have a 90% pass rate across the board (one of the highest passing rates of any TESOL provider worldwide). We make sure that every course taker has the chance to become a great English teacher.
Is TESOL degree hard? ›To complete the Cambridge CELTA or Trinity CertTESOL successfully, you need to be committed and devote your full attention to the course. The 4-week full-time course is intense and demanding, with lessons and teaching practice during the day and several hours' homework on the evenings and weekends.
How hard is TESOL certification? ›
Most people choose to take a TEFL/TESOL course of 120 hours in order to qualify for the most teaching jobs, and this type would take about six weeks to complete, working on it part-time. Classroom-based TESOL courses, on the other hand, are almost always four weeks long since they are intensive, full-time training.
Can you teach in the US with a TESOL certificate? ›United States
Requirements vary by state, but most require a bachelors, and sometimes masters, degree in addition to a TESOL certificate. Areas with larger immigrant and refugee populations have a greater need for ESL teachers.
Duration of the Course
The length of time it takes to complete the TEFL/TESOL course depends on your other commitments. There are approximately 120 hours of work in the course. As a general guideline most students complete the course in approximately 8 weeks, but you have 6 weeks to complete the course.
TESOL Certification Explained
TEFL candidates need to appear for at least one module of the TKT Exam; each module providing a separate Cambridge Certificate, after the candidates appear for the exam.
For nearly all purposes, an affordable 120-hour TESOL course in the $200-$300 price range is sufficient for most ESL jobs. Some students looking for a more robust TESOL certificate of 150+ hours or university-level will see fees raise significantly, with the average online TESOL certification cost between $400-$2,500.
Do TESOL certificates expire? ›No, TESOL certificates are valid for life, they do not expire. As soon as you complete your online or in-class training course you can use your certificate to find a teaching job, or you can keep it until you are ready to look for work in the future.
Do you need to be bilingual for TESOL? ›Although you do not need to speak any other language to be a great ESL teacher, you might be at an advantage if you have some experience in learning or using languages other than English.
What is the highest paying ESL company? ›- Magic Ears. Magic Ears is an online teaching platform that keeps class sizes small for teachers. ...
- Preply. Preply is an online language learning platform where students get to work with their preferred tutor at their own time and pace. ...
- VIPKid. ...
- Lingoda. ...
- SayABC. ...
- Qkids. ...
- DadaABC. ...
- Cambly.
The highest-paid ESL teaching jobs abroad tend to be paid by countries in the Middle East, such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). English teaching jobs in Abu Dhabi and Dubai pay particularly well, and teachers can expect to earn between $2,000 - $5,000 USD per month, tax-free.
Which state pays ESL teachers the most? ›Highest Paying States For ESL Teachers
If both location and money are important to you, then you might want to check out moving to Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York, as these three states offer the highest salaries throughout the U.S. for esl teachers.
How can I reinvent my life after 40? ›
- Investigate career options based on your strengths. ...
- Take up new hobbies and learn something new. ...
- Start living a life of intention. ...
- Experiment with new styles of clothing. ...
- Find new habits and get rid of old self-defeating habits.
What are the best careers to transition into at 45? The top five high-paying jobs that are great for career changers at 45 are real estate agent, web developer, personal financial advisor, writer, and sales manager. However, we recommend that you choose a new career based on your skills and personal interests.
What can I study at 45 years old? ›- Teaching and Research(107)
- Digital Marketing(21)
- Social Media Marketing(5)
- Marketing Communications(4)
- Marketing Research(4)
- Marketing Analytics(3)
- Brand Management(2)
- Ecommerce and Retail(1)
One simply needs to be open, fearless and committed to ensure employability at any age. Agencies There is nothing like "being too old to seek a new job". One simply needs to be open, fearless and committed to ensure employability at any age. There is nothing like "being too old to seek a new job".
Is 50 too old to start a career? ›Being 50 or over can be a great age to choose a new career. You have lots of skills and experience and the agility of mind to learn new things. While many people are happily settled in their careers, others may want to change theirs for a variety of reasons, such as…
Is 50 too late to start a career? ›No, 50 is not too old to start a new career. You'll have tons of experience and transferable skills by the time you reach 50. However, you will need to be open to learning new things.
Can I start my career after 35? ›Changing your career at 35 can be a rewarding experience because it allows you to explore new avenues for better pay or pursue your passion. At 35, you often have ample work experience and still enough time to make a career switch.
What is a good career to start at 35? ›There are a variety of fields to choose from depending on your interests. You can be a dental assistant, patent care technician, medical insurance biller, patient advocate or a nurse. Whatever new career you choose at 35, make sure you select one that you will be happy doing for the next 35 years.
What is the best career to start at 30? ›- Computers and Technology. The world is becoming more technology-dependent each year. ...
- Computer Forensics Specialist. ...
- Computer Engineer. ...
- Business Analyst. ...
- Healthcare.
- Physician Assistant. ...
- Occupational Therapist. ...
- Registered Nurse (RN)
Completing a 120-hour certification will probably take you several weeks. On average, most people take six to eight weeks to complete Bridge TEFL/TESOL certification courses, but some finish sooner. Bridge allows you up to three months to complete an online TEFL certification course.
Is TESOL online legit? ›
Firstly, you need to understand that online TESOL courses are legit. However, you should find a legit TESOL course provider for yourself. Moreover, you should look for accredited TEFL and TESOL programs. Other than that, online TESOL courses are acceptable worldwide without any issues.
How long is the TESOL test? ›Test takers are given 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete the examination, which includes a 30-minute listening section. The second section consists of 100 selected-response questions.
What is the passing score for TESOL? ›The minimum recommended total score is 100, with minimum reading and writing section scores of 26.
What is the passing score for TESOL exam? ›...
Prospective Students.
| TESOL Emphasis | Credits |
|---|---|
| Total Credits | 18 |
Depending on the place one is teaching, generally speaking, the minimum qualification to teach English in private language schools throughout the world is a bachelor's degree and some type of TESL or TEFL certificate. Applicants must obtain a field-specific teaching license from the state where they wish to work.
Which online TESOL certification is the best? ›ITTT International TEFL and TESOL Training (best hybrid TEFL courses) At ITTT International TEFL and TESOL Training, you can do in-person courses, online courses, or hybrid courses that are a combination of the two. This is the best TESOL certification online.
Are English teachers in demand? ›An Increasing Demand for Native English Speaking Teachers. An estimated 250,000 native English speakers work as English teachers abroad in more than 40,000 schools and language institutes around the world.
What level is a TESOL certificate? ›Accredited at Level 5 on the UK qualifications framework, it gives an introduction to the theory and practice of contemporary English teaching and an insight into the challenges facing the learner and the teacher. Who is the qualification suitable for?
Does a TEFL make you a licensed teacher? ›A TEFL certification is not a teaching license. Both qualifications are used for entirely different things. TEFL is an internationally recognized certificate for teaching English abroad as a second language at all levels.
How much money can I earn Teaching English online? ›Fortunately, teaching online presents a solution! But can you support yourself working as an online teacher? Teaching English online salaries depend on your qualifications and the specific job, so you can expect to make anywhere from $12-$40 USD/hour.
Do I need TESOL if I have a TEFL? ›
TESOL certification, just like its equivalent, TEFL certification, is what you need if you plan to become an EFL or ESL instructor either in a traditional classroom or online.
What is a TEFL certificate equivalent to? ›CELTA qualifications and Level 5 TEFL certification are the equivalents of a diploma of higher education (DipHE), a foundation degree, or two years at university. Both qualifications sit between an A-Level qualification and a Bachelor's degree on the qualifications framework.
Is a TEFL certificate enough? ›Is TEFL Certification Worth It? Yes. If you want to get a good teaching job and be an effective teacher for your students, then it is definitely worth it. Remember, most schools worldwide require a TEFL certification; and once you're certified you can the ball rolling on applying and interviewing for jobs.
Can you teach English with just a TEFL certificate? ›Yes, you can teach English in the United States with your TEFL certification. There are millions of non-native English speakers living, working and studying in the United States and the demand for English language instruction is huge.
Is TESOL a degree or certificate? ›Or, you can earn a degree in education and take coursework in TESOL to earn a certification or endorsement that will qualify you to teach ESL and work with ESL students in public school settings.
What is the salary of a TEFL teacher? ›TEFL Teacher Salaries in India
The national average salary for a TEFL Teacher is ₹27,142 in India.
How Hard is it to Get a TEFL Certificate? As long as you dedicate enough time to your coursework, complete your assignments on deadline, and respond positively to instructor feedback, you are very unlikely to fail your TEFL certification course.
Is it hard to get a TEFL job? ›Landing your first TEFL job is the hardest. Once you've got a year or more of teaching experience under your belt, things become easier. But in this sense the TEFL industry is no different to any other. And the advantage of the TEFL industry is the sheer demand for learning English.
Does a TEFL certificate look good on a resume? ›If you have TEFL certification, it should be right at the top of the education section of your resume. You should also always indicate the number of certification hours.
How long does it take to get a TEFL? ›How long does it take to get a TEFL certificate? Not everyone will earn their TEFL certificate in the same amount of time. Some students take intensive courses to get TEFL certified in as little as 1 month. However, most students should plan to set aside about 4 to 6 months to complete their TEFL course.
What is better than TEFL? ›
TEFL refers to any certification program that trains an English speaker to teach their language to others. CELTA, on the other hand, is an intensive ESL teaching certificate, designed by Cambridge University. It is considered one of the most prestigious qualifications for teaching English abroad.
Is TEFL equivalent to a degree? ›CELTA qualifications and Level 5 TEFL certification are the equivalents of a diploma of higher education (DipHE), a foundation degree, or two years at university. Both qualifications sit between an A-Level qualification and a Bachelor's degree on the qualifications framework.
How long is a TEFL valid for? ›A TEFL certification does not expire. Once earned, a TEFL certificate is valid for life. A TEFL certificate doesn't require any additional training or coursework to renew it, and it does not have an expiration date. You can start work immediately after receiving your TEFL certificate.
Is 120 hour TEFL enough to teach abroad? ›You're probably still wondering, “How many hours of TEFL/TESOL training do I need?” and in short, 120 hours is the standard that will generally qualify you to teach abroad and online.