Although this is a common question, it is hard to answer as it depends on which course you choose to take. There are a wide variety of TEFL courses available, both online and in-class, and some that are a mixture of the two, and every one has its own average completion time. At ITTT we have developed a range of TEFL course options of varying length, difficulty, and study method to ensure there is something to suit every individual situation.
Which TEFL course can be completed the fastest?
TEFL courses are typically classified by the average number of hours they take to complete and if you look online you will find some courses advertised at around 50 hours or even less. If you have no other commitments and are able to study every day, it would be possible to finish this type of course in less than a week. However, it is worth noting that any TEFL course rated at 100 hours or less is not generally seen as a full length certification. This type of course is aimed at those looking to teach on a voluntary basis or for a small stipend, rather than full-time, mainstream teaching jobs. If you want to work in a traditional school or language center and earn a good salary you will usually require a TEFL certificate of at least 100 hours.
At ITTT one of our most popular courses is the 120-hour TEFL certification course, which provides all the knowledge you will need to get your teaching career started. If you have few other commitments and are prepared to put in the hard work, this course can be completed in as little as two weeks. However, the average completion time is around six to eight weeks.
What about an in-class TEFL course?
Our online TEFL courses are designed to be self-study in nature, which means it is ultimately down to you as to how long it will take to complete. In contrast, an in-class TEFL course from ITTT requires full-time study at one of our training centers, which means the time table for completion is set before you start your studies. If this is your preferred option you will need to attend a training center for a four-week period, during which you will complete all the theory lessons required and participate in several teaching practice sessions with real English language students. As soon as the course is complete you will be ready to start applying for teaching jobs in the local area or anywhere else in the world that you prefer.
What about specialized and advanced TEFL courses?
Although the online and in-class TEFL courses outlined above are both great options for getting your teaching career underway, there are other additional courses you might want to consider if you want to open up a wider choice of jobs worldwide. We offer a range of specialized TEFL courses that will expand your teaching knowledge without taking a great deal of time to complete. Our specialized courses in Teaching English to Young Learners (CTEYL), Teaching Business English (CTBE), and Teaching English Online (CTEO) are all 60-hour courses that can be completed in as little as one week if you are fully committed. On average, the completion time for these options is around four weeks.
We also offer an advanced-level Diploma in TESOL course that is a great way to add extra weight to your portfolio. With this type of qualification you will be eligible for more high-end type jobs that usually include a larger salary and more responsibility. This course is rated at 250 hours, although this goes up to 370 hours if you include the initial 120-hour TEFL certification course that is included in the course price. Thanks to the inclusion of the initial course, the Diploma in TESOL is open to anyone, including those who have yet to start on their TEFL journey. This popular course option will take a minimum of one month to complete, with an average completion time of around eight months.
What is the maximum time limit for completing a TEFL course?
Apart from the in-class TEFL course that has a fixed timetable of four weeks, the time it takes you to complete your TEFL training is entirely down to how much time you have to study and the strength of your own motivation. However, to ensure you are not put under any undue pressure we allow up to six months to complete all aspects of our standard online courses. The maximum time limit for the Diploma in TESOL is one year. Whichever course you choose, you should find you have plenty of time to complete your studies at your own pace without feeling rushed or pressurized.
