Choosing a TEFL course and level: questions and answers

Which TEFL course should I choose?

Choose the 120-hour TEFL Certificate if you want the standard entry qualification for teaching abroad or online. Choose the 150-hour Diploma or 250-hour Advanced Diploma for deeper grammar, phonetics and a specialisation, and the 350-hour PG Diploma or 480-hour Master in TEFL if you have a degree and want senior, training or management roles.

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Is a 120-hour TEFL enough?

For most entry-level jobs, yes. 120 hours is widely treated as the international baseline for paid English teaching abroad and online. Some employers prefer longer courses or a course with observed teaching practice, so a Diploma or adding a specialisation can help you stand out.

Is a 120-hour TEFL course enough →

What is the difference between a TEFL Certificate and a TEFL Diploma?

At London College of Teachers the 120-hour Certificate covers the core TEFL modules, while the 150-hour Diploma adds Advanced Grammar and Advanced Phonetics. The Certificate takes up to about 4 months and the Diploma about 5 months of self-paced study.

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What does the TEFL Advanced Diploma add?

The 250-hour Advanced Diploma adds a research project, a specialisation in either Young Learners or Business English, Advanced Grammar and Advanced Phonetics, plus training in educational management and administration. It suits teachers who want to progress beyond entry-level roles.

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What is a TEFL PG Diploma?

The TEFL PG (postgraduate) Diploma is a 350-hour programme for graduates. It covers the core TEFL modules, a research assignment, specialist training in Young Learners and Business English, and Advanced Grammar and Phonetics. Entry needs a university degree.

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What is a Master in TEFL?

London College of Teachers' Master in TEFL is a 480-hour advanced professional programme, the highest TEFL level it offers. It adds a research paper and training in management, administration and classroom management to the PG Diploma content. It is not a university master's degree; for that, see the M.Ed in TESOL.

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Should I specialise in Young Learners or Business English?

Choose Young Learners if you expect to teach children and teenagers in schools, kindergartens or academies, which is most of the demand in Asia. Choose Business English if you want to teach adults in companies or online professionals. The Advanced Diploma includes one specialisation, and both are available as stand-alone courses.

Can I upgrade from a TEFL Certificate to a Diploma later?

Yes, progression from Certificate to Diploma and higher levels is part of London College of Teachers' pathway. Ask admissions how credit and fees work for an upgrade before you enrol, so you choose the most economical route.

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Is a longer TEFL course better?

A longer course gives more depth, specialisations and a stronger CV, and some employers prefer 150 hours or more. But a well-taught 120-hour course meets most entry-level requirements. Choose by your goal: entry job, specialisation or senior role.

Is an online TEFL as good as an in-class TEFL?

An online TEFL gives the same theory and is accepted by most language schools and online platforms. In-class courses add live, observed teaching practice, which some employers value. With an online course, getting your own teaching practice, which London College of Teachers supports with a recommendation letter, closes most of that gap.

Which TEFL course is best for teaching kids?

The Young Learners Teacher Training course (60 hours) focuses on teaching English to children and teenagers. If you also need a full TEFL qualification, combine it with the 120-hour Certificate, or choose the Advanced Diploma with the Young Learners specialisation.

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What is the best TEFL course for career changers?

Most career changers start with the 120-hour TEFL Certificate because it is the standard entry qualification and can be finished alongside a job. If you have a degree and want stronger long-term prospects, the 150-hour Diploma or PG Diploma adds depth.

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