One of our most frequently asked questions is “how do your online TEFL courses differ from each other?” and we totally get it; the options are overwhelming!
As one of the oldest TEFL course providers around (i-to-i is a proud millennial born in 1994), we offer a fair few certifications: 7 to be exact. Each course has a unique content library and specialist modules that may make it more suited to certain types of TEFL jobs. On top of this, there’s always a confusing set of acronyms and different numbers of hours.
Don’t worry, we’re here to help. Whether you’re shopping for your first online TEFL course or looking to upskill, we’ve outlined the differences between each certification and who they’ll benefit the most. Read on for our ultimate TEFL course comparison guide.
What do all our courses have in common?
First and foremost, all our TEFL courses are accredited by both UK and US Government awarding bodies, Ofqual and DEAC. This means they’re internationally recognised, and employer-preferred.
Once you’re enrolled, each course comes with academic tutor support, every step of the way. Our tutors are there to offer academic advice and guidance, give detailed feedback, answer your questions and help you with anything you might get stuck on. All you need to do is ask.
Did we mention our amazing upgrade system? Unless you go straight for our Trinity CertTESOL (the best of the best), every course offers the opportunity to upgrade your qualification later. So, if you want to do a Level 3 first and a Level 5 later, it’s completely up to you.
Last but not least, all our courses will qualify you to teach English online and in person, allowing you to shape your TEFL journey however you like!
Now we know what unites our courses, what sets them apart from each other?
What’s the difference between a Level 3 and a Level 5 TEFL course?
In essence, a Level 3 assessment is equivalent to an A-Level in the UK, or a matric in South Africa. Level 3 qualifications in the TEFL market are often done by people who want to join an internship or a volunteer programme. It’s more of a short course to get you overseas and gaining some experience.
Level 5, on the other hand, is a big step up, as it’s the same level as a foundation degree and is more of a professional qualification. Level 5 opens the door to work with language centres and private schools, that offer better rates of pay, benefits, and security. If you’re considering TEFL jobs in Europe or the Middle East, Level 5 is expected as a minimum.
Level 3 120 Hour TEFL Online
Our 120 hour course is small, but mighty! It might not be a CELTA equivalent like our Level 5 TEFL courses, but it’s a great introduction to the world of TEFL and it’ll get you that all-important qualification.
- Perfect for: anyone wanting to test whether TEFL is right for them, or for those wanting to teach in SE Asian countries where the requirements are less strict.
- Flexible studying? Yes
- Specialist modules? No
- Best for teaching: Young learners
- Average completion time: 2-8 weeks
Level 5 180 Hour TEFL Online
The 180 hour online TEFL course is a clear step up from the 120 hour certificate, allowing you to get a Level 5, CELTA equivalent diploma without breaking the bank. While not as comprehensive as the other Level 5 courses, the 180 hour comes with one extra specialist module.
- Perfect for: Those who want to get a Level 5 certificate without spending big, and who would prefer to get qualified quickly.
- Flexible studying? Yes
- Specialist modules? Teaching Young Learners
- Best for teaching: Young learners
- Average completion time: 4-8 weeks
Level 5 300 Hour TEFL Online
The 300 hour is the cheapest Level 5 course to offer the specialist Teaching Business English module. It offers all the key components of TEFL but gives you the confidence to teach adults as well as young learners.
- Perfect for: Those who are interested in teaching adults and young learners in their TEFL careers.
- Flexible studying? Yes
- Specialist modules? Teaching Business English, Teaching Young Learners, Teaching Other Subjects in English
- Best for teaching: young learners & adults
- Average completion time: 8-16 weeks
Level 5 420 Hour TEFL Online
The leap between our 300 hour and 420 hour courses is huge in terms of value for money. With this TEFL certification, you can get a similar experience to our most expensive courses (the 500 hour and trinity courses) without breaking the bank.
- Perfect for: Those who are interested in teaching English online, and who want to access higher paid teaching positions abroad.
- Flexible studying? Yes
- Specialist modules? Teaching Young Learners, Teaching Business English, Teaching Online & One-to-One, Teaching Other Subjects in English, and Coaching Exam Preparation (IELTS) Course
- Best for teaching: Young learners and adults
- Average completion time: 12-20 weeks
Level 5 420 Hour PREMIUM TEFL Online
The 420 Premium has all the benefits of the regular 420 hour, but with the invaluable addition of TEFL Prime. If you’d like to elevate your experience of our online TEFL courses, this is the one for you. Prime gives you fast-track marking, bespoke TEFL jobs support, free teaching resources, and a practice online teaching session.
- Perfect for: Those who want to fly through their TEFL certification and add online teaching experience to their resume. This is the course for maximising your job opportunities both online and in-person.
- Flexible studying? Yes
- Specialist modules? Teaching Young Learners, Teaching Business English, Teaching Online & One-to-One, Teaching Other Subjects in English, and Coaching Exam Preparation (IELTS) Course
- Best for teaching: Young learners and adults
- Average completion time: 12-20 weeks
Level 5 500 Hour TEFL Online
The 500 hour advanced course is crème de la crème of our TEFL certifications and is the closest to our Trinity CertTESOL in terms of prestige. What sets this certification apart from our others is its specialist courses on setting up your own TEFL business and digital marketing as a TEFL freelancer. Not even our Trinity course offers this!
- Perfect for: Those who are interested in setting up their own online TEFL business, or marketing themselves as a TEFL freelancer.
- Flexible studying? Yes
- Specialist modules? Teaching Young Learners, Teaching Business English, Teaching Online & One-to-One, Teaching Other Subjects in English, and Coaching Exam Preparation (IELTS) Course, How to Set up a TEFL Business, How to Market Yourself as a TEFL Freelancer
- Best for teaching: Young learners and adults online and abroad
- Average completion time: 12-20 weeks
Trinity CertTESOL Level 5
Our Trinity CertTESOL is the gold standard of TEFL courses. Unlike our other courses, it qualifies you to teach English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) in both non-English-speaking countries AND English-speaking countries, such as the USA, the UK, or South Africa.
- Perfect for: Those looking to make some serious money and build a career out of teaching English. It’s perfect for anyone looking for TEFL jobs in highly competitive nations such as the Middle East, or in English-speaking countries such as the US or the UK.
- Flexible studying? No, this course consists of timetabled, tutor-led lectures across 15 weeks. However, it is part-time!
- Specialist modules? Teaching Young Learners, Teaching Business English, Teaching Online, Coaching Exam Preparation (IELTS) Course, and 6 hours of teaching experience.
- Best for teaching: Young learners and adults online and abroad
- Average completion time: 15 weeks
Start your TEFL journey today
While there isn’t necessarily a ‘best’ course in our portfolio, there will be a ‘better’ course for you and your unique goals as a future TEFL teacher.
Want to become the best online teacher out there? Our 500 hour course is for you. Rather jet off to Thailand for a semester? Check out our 120 hour! The best part? Our expert-led TEFL training will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to succeed.
Start your TEFL adventure today with i-to-i and unlock your greatest adventure yet!
