Tesol Certification Levels

Our Diploma in tesol is an advanced online course that gives graduates an in-depth knowledge of English language teaching and a distinct advantage when applying for ESL jobs worldwide. By completing this research based course you will be in a position to apply for jobs that offer greater responsibility and an increased salary. As this option is an advanced level training course that has been designed to build on the subjects covered in a standard TEFL certification course, prior TEFL certification is usually required. However, as the 370-hour Diploma in tesol course also includes our 120-hour TEFL certification, this is not an issue. Simply sign up for the Diploma in tesol course and you will learn all the most important teaching subjects first, before you move onto the main diploma...  [Read more]

At ITTT our course-level framework runs from level 3 to level 7. At level 6 we provide our 370-hour Diploma in TESOL course which is the highest level individual course you can complete with us. The Diploma in tesol is a great option for first-time teachers who want to start their careers with a bang, as well as teachers who already have some classroom experience and are looking to move up the employment ladder. With a level 6 qualification on your portfolio you will have access to a wider range of teaching jobs, many of which could potentially include a higher rate of pay and greater responsibility than the majority of entry-level positions. Check out our course levels page for more information on our framework. As this is an advanced level course it has been designed to follow on from...  [Read more]

First we will look at the different levels of study currently available and how they relate to the world of TEFL qualifications. Taking the UK as an example, there are nine qualification levels; examples of actual UK qualifications at each level are given below: From the above, we can see that a degree in TEFL/TESOL is at level 6 and is therefore a very high level of study in the English teaching world. A few examples of such Level 6 courses are shown below: https://www.bachelorstudies.com/BA-English-Language-Linguistics-and-TESOL/United-Kingdom/York-St-John-University/ https://www.bachelorstudies.com/Bachelor-of-Arts-in-TESOL/USA/Great-Northern-University/ https://www.bachelorstudies.com/BA-TESOL/Thailand/Thongsook-College/ If you have a TEFL/TESOL degree the most obvious use of it would...  [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]

Even entry-level teaching jobs usually require applicants to have completed a standard TEFL certification course of around 120 hours. Teachers who want to take another step up the employment ladder often choose to take a higher level qualification such as a Diploma in TESOL. However, if you are seriously interested in reaching the very top of the TEFL job market, completing a master’s degree will certainly be a big help. ITTT does not oversee its own master’s degree course, but we do have a popular option that we can recommend. The Master of Education in TESOL (MEd in TESOL) from the Paris College of International Education provides a practical and affordable route towards gaining a highly regarded, internationally recognized qualification. With this qualification in your pocket you...  [Read more]

If you want to meet the criteria laid out for most online or overseas TEFL jobs, then you will need to complete a standard 120-hour TEFL certification course as a minimum. Anyone who dreams of earning a higher salary or applying for management level positions will typically need an advanced qualification such as diploma. However, teachers who want to get to the very top of the EFL tree will probably need to think about completing a Bachelor's Degree in TESOL. ITTT does not operate its own degree course, but we are able to recommend a good option. The Bachelor of Education in TESOL (B.Ed TESOL) from the Paris College of International Education offers a very convenient and affordable way to gain a high-end, internationally recognized teaching qualification. This is a 120-credit degree...  [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]

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]

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]

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]

If you have already done some research into TEFL courses you might have noticed that they are usually given a level that places it somewhere on the hierarchy of available courses. This type of organization makes it much easier for teachers to compare different courses and to choose the best options to suit their own situation. However, the first thing to make clear about TEFL course levels is that there is not just one framework, as many countries and individual teaching organizations have developed their own versions. Despite this, the vast majority of frameworks are designed using the same type of criteria, which means that most are very similar in design. Although each framework might vary slightly, most are constructed based on the type of study, the hours involved, whether they are...  [Read more]

EFL stands for English as a Foreign Language and is to almost all purposes the same as ESL, English as a Second Language. These two are also equivalent to ESOL which means, English to Speakers of Other Languages. For each of these terms, when we talk about the teaching of them, we add a ‘T’ to the front of each acronym and hence we arrive at the terms TEFL, TESL and TESOL. As they are basically the same we will refer to just one from here on, TEFL for the Teaching of English as a Foreign Language and EFL for English as a Foreign Language. Almost all TEFL teaching positions require a minimum qualification of a 100 to 120-hour TEFL certification. Courses provided to cover this certification are usually delivered by one of three methods, namely, onsite courses, online courses and combined...  [Read more]

  Ruth lives in Nicaragua and took the 120-hour online TESOL without tutor support from ITTT. In this TESOL review video Ruth discusses what she enjoyed about the course. She found the course units to be simple and easy to follow and particularly liked the teaching ideas that the course provided to help her teach language concepts in more varied and interesting ways. She also benefited from the job help provided at the end of the course. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving...  [Read more]

In order to be a regular subject teacher in a state school in most countries throughout the world a teaching degree is required. Such degrees are usually three or four years of study dedicated to gaining subject knowledge and teaching skills. The same two areas are covered in any TEFL or TESOL certification course, the timeframe however is greatly reduced. Typically a course may take 120-hours. The teaching of EFL is therefore fairly unique in that it offers you the opportunity to enter the teaching profession in a very short time, compared to the regular teacher training process. There are a number of ways in which TEFL certification can be obtained and these fall into three different categories. Online courses: As the name implies these courses are done via a computer or similar device....  [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]

These acronyms are used when referring to training courses that English language teachers undertake, as well as the certification they receive upon completion. TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language and tesol stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. As these terms are essentially the same, they are often used interchangeably, however, TEFL is most commonly used within the UK and tesol is usually preferred in the USA. Although some countries may favor one acronym over the other, it is important to remember that a TEFL certification and a tesol certification are exactly the same thing as the training involved is identical. Although TEFL and tesol training courses are identical and the acronyms are generally used interchangeably, there is a technical...  [Read more]

Thailand is known as the Land of Smiles. The culture is warm, friendly and genuine. There is a big expat community out there, so you’re in a new and exciting culture but also engaging with many different cultures through the expat network as well. The travel opportunities are wonderful, either around Thailand itself or to neighboring countries. AND the food is delicious and fresh! Hua Hin is a beautiful city on the beach in central Thailand, approximately two and a half hours away from Bangkok. The area has some amazing beaches, mountains, viewpoints, temples, night markets, water parks, and dining experiences for you to choose from and enjoy at any time of the year. Hua Hin itself features a beautiful, powdery sand beach, plenty of waterside seafood restaurants, a lively night market...  [Read more]

  Get TEFL or TESOL certified and teach English abroad! Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the next. Troubleshooting is a form of problem solving and a common problem situations especially how to dealt with different students. Like for example with new group,existing group,young learners, different levels and large classes. The rule of the teacher here is very important because it is character trait and mind set because it takes a person who motivated. Many...  [Read more]

From Sumo wrestling, the most authentic Japanese cuisine you’ve ever tasted, ancient castles and Pagodas, skiing in the mountainous north and beach hopping in the tropical south, ancient and bustling cities like Tokyo and Osaka, Japan caters for every type of traveller. Japan is unlike any country you’ve ever been to with the most bizarre but fascinating experiences available throughout the country, and a scenery like no other. A distinct balance between ancient and modern- Japan opens up a whole new world. Nagoya is an ideal destination for an in-class, immersive TESOL course experience in Japan. It is the fourth largest city in Japan, which means that as a TESOL student, you get the full experience of high paced life in Japan, but at a much lower cost than bigger cities like the...  [Read more]

When selecting a TEFL course, it is best to narrow your focus to the courses that will give you the best chance to achieve your goals. TEFL qualified teachers are employed in a range of roles. Most notably, teaching children in a school setting, teaching business English at a language center, working as a private tutor, or teaching English online. Keeping your options open is a good approach, but it isn't for everyone. Understandably, some teachers limit their options to employment in a specific area or to the flexibility of online teaching jobs. If you wish to teach English via a virtual platform, it is advisable to complete a qualification which includes specific certification in teaching English online. Identifying the type of students that you would like to teach can also impact...  [Read more]

  In this ITTT TESOL review video Karen describes her experience during her TESOL/TEFL course in Hangzhou, China. ITTT has training centers in over thirty different international locations. To find training center that suits you just visit our web site or follow the above links. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the next. Course books: student’s book, work nook,cassettes, teacher’s book,reading books graded to varying levels of students,...  [Read more]

  In this TEFL review video ITTT course graduate discusses her plans for the future. Anik completed her ITTT course while working in Afghanistan and is looking forward to teaching English in Indonesia in the future. Earning a TEFL or TESOL certificate with ITTT is an excellent way to open up employment possibilities all over the world. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the next. This unit has taught how a language course could be developed for young...  [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 will...  [Read more]

If you are already TEFL qualified and are looking to take your teaching knowledge and qualifications to the next level, or you have yet to start your training and want an advantage in the job market, then our Diploma in TESOL could be the perfect choice for you. This advanced level training course will build on your existing skills and knowledge, and provide you with a highly valued qualification that will allow you to apply for a wider range of jobs within the TEFL world. The course is a great choice for anyone with or without classroom experience as it begins with our standard 120-hour TEFL certification course that covers all the basic subjects required before you move onto the advanced diploma stage of the training. The course also includes the assistance of a highly experienced...  [Read more]

  Fernando is originally from Buenos Aires but spent the past 12 years working in the United States. As he has now returned to Argentina, he wants to become an English teacher. In his TESOL review he shares his thoughts on the center in Buenos Aires. He learned a lot regarding teaching techniques and lesson planning. He is confident that he can now lead his own classroom and is excited to start working as an English Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the next. ...  [Read more]

When choosing the right TEFL course to suit your future plans, it is important to understand the different levels of study involved so you are able to pick the right option that provides the qualifications you really need. While a level 3 course can be completed quite quickly and at a very affordable price, it might not give you the level of qualification that employers are looking for in your chosen destination. Equally, if you plan to volunteer as a teacher or work as a teaching assistant, a level 8 Master’s degree in TEFL will involve a bit more time, effort, and money than you really need to be investing. Check out our course levels page for more details. At ITTT we have a course-level framework that has been designed to make it easy for our trainees to compare our different course...  [Read more]

During the past 10 years, more and more teachers have opted to gain their TEFL qualifications online. This was further accelerated due to the coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent restrictions placed on international travel and business practices. However, onsite TEFL training and hybrid type courses that combine online and in-class training are still viable options in many areas. The most commonly taken ESL teaching course is a 120-hour online TEFL certification course. Originally taught across 4 weeks in a classroom, the course content has been adapted into a popular online course by highly experienced TEFL trainers at ITTT. Access to our online courses is possible at any time of the night or day, from any location with an internet connection. Participants can work through the course...  [Read more]

  Ozlem from Turkey recorded this TESOL review video. Ozlem successfully completed the 120-hour online TESOL course with ITTT. During the course Ozlem learned many things to help her with her new teaching career. ITTT’s 120-hour online TESOL course covers a wide range of topics over a course of 20 units. All the units are designed to give trainees a solid grounding in teaching theory, teaching practice and language concepts. Topics include types of learners, teaching methods, classroom management, lesson planning, grammar, pronunciation and more. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language...  [Read more]

  In this tesol review video Jamin talks about his experience taking ITTT’s 120-hour online TESOL course. Jamin is currently living and working as an English teacher in South Korea. He has been working as a teacher for the past 5 years. Despite working as a teacher for several years Jamin found that he still learned several things throughout the course. Jamin recommends the 120-hour course to anyone thinking of taking a TESOL course. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before...  [Read more]

  Sairi from Mexico was already teaching English when she took the ITTT online course. In this TESOL review video she talks about how the course has helped her develop her teaching skills. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the next. Unit 3 explores ways you could develop a course for young learners (syllabus). The unit describes the different levels which have been divided into a five-level scale. The levels are starter, elementary, pre-intermediate,...  [Read more]