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Tefl Courses Levels explained

Wanting to teach English abroad but need guidance navigating the TEFL maze?

When it comes to choosing a TEFL Course, the options sometimes seem endless. So here at i-to-i, we keep it simple. We offer a highly-regarded selection of Level 3 and Level 5 TEFL Courses, all created by experienced TEFL experts. Our courses are English-Government regulated by Ofqual and are internationally recognised, so you’ll have the pick of the jobs once qualified.

So once you’ve picked your TEFL Course provider (hopefully us, since you’re here!), you need to select which TEFL “Level” you need. Choosing a TEFL Level comes down to what you want to do with your qualification, how much money you want to earn or where you want to teach. Check out our handy Level comparison below, then head on to choose your perfect TEFL Course!

Choose a

TEFL Course
 Level 3

If you're...Choose a Level 3 if you're...

Wanting to teach English abroad whilst travelling (voluntarily or paid)

A native or non-native English speaker

Wanting to teach worldwide, particularly in non-native English-speaking places

Budget for TEFL training is lower

See Level 3 Courses Read Course Highlights

Choose a

TEFL Course
 Level 5

If you're...Choose a Level 5 if you're...

Wanting to teach English abroad or online with access to the best possible TEFL jobs

A native or near-native English speaker

Wanting to teach worldwide, inc. competitive locations and some English-speaking countries

Wanting to increase your earning potential and bag the best jobs!

See Level 5 Courses Read Course Highlights

Academic Director,
Alexa's Advice

“When it comes to choosing between a Level 3 and a Level 5, it’s important to remember that essentially, the Level 5 is made up of more in-depth training and more challenging assessments; however, it will in general open the door for higher paid jobs in more locations around the world.

We’re the only TEFL Course provider incorporating Level 5 Specialist Courses in our qualifications, such as Teaching Business English and Teaching One-to-One & Online, which will make your CV look super attractive to employers!”

Compare TEFL Courses

Trophy i-to-iLevel 3 i-to-iLevel 5 CELTA
Qualification equivalent A Level Foundation Degree Foundation Degree
Price From $199.60 From $448.50 From £1,450
Entry requirements Fluent English speaker Native or near-native English speaker Native or near-native English speaker
Average time to complete 8 weeks 15 weeks 15 weeks
Study format Online or combined choice Online or combined choice Online and face-to-face
Travellers on a boat left rip

TEFL Levels FAQs

  • Q: What are the benefits of a Level 5 course or diploma?
    • The Level 5 course or diploma is the equivalent level to a CELTA and Trinity CertTESOL qualification, meaning it’s regarded more highly than a Level 3 TEFL qualification.
    • The minimum hours we offer are 180 hours on the Level 5 course, giving you a comprehensive knowledge of TEFL before you start teaching. Our courses range from this 180 all the way up to a 320 Hour Diploma qualification which includes online training and a weekend of in-class training.
    • The course is tutor-supported from start to finish, meaning you’ll get help along the way from our expert tutors, in-house Academic Director and Customer Support team.
    • You’ll get 6 months’ access to the course.
    • You’ll get a diploma certification on completion of your 300 or 320 Hour Diploma and a TEFL Course certificate if you’ve opted for a lower number of hours.
  • Q: Who can help me decide which course is for me?

    Our TEFL experts are on hand to help you decide which course will get you where you want to be! You can either call our helpful team on the number at the top of the page or request a call here to schedule a call for a time that suits you. We look forward to hearing from you!

    Another super handy way to decide which course is for you is to take our 2 minute TEFL Quiz which will give you a Level 3 or Level 5 suggestion based on your answers.

  • Q: How do I know which TEFL provider to use?

    With so much choice and a huge amount of information online, navigating the world of TEFL Courses can be a tricky place!

    You need to make sure you choose a TEFL provider who is internationally-recognised and is regulated by a governing body. This ensures the training you receive is of the highest quality and your qualification will be highly regarded by employers worldwide. All of our TEFL Courses are regulated by Ofqual, the English Governing body responsible for monitoring qualifications.

    We offer flexible and affordable TEFL Courses which are designed to be completed around busy lives and other commitments. Our courses are competitively priced to enable as many people as possible to get TEFL qualified.

  • Q: Do I need to be a native English speaker?

    You don’t need to be a native English speaker to take a TEFL Course, but you do need to have a native English speaker level to succeed in it. If you aren’t a native English speaker, we recommend you opt for a Level 3 TEFL Course, unless your standard of English is near-native.

  • Q: What qualification will I receive?

    You will receive an i-to-i Level 5 or Level 3 TEFL Certificate, or if you have selected a Level 5 300 or 320 Hour Diploma, you’ll get a diploma certification. All qualifications are regulated by Ofqual (English Government). The qualification is awarded by Gatehouse, an Ofqual regulated awarding body.

    Our Level 5 TEFL certificate qualifies you to teach English as a foreign language internationally, including in the UK. The qualification is at the same level as the CELTA and Trinity CertTESOL courses qualifications.

  • Q: Do I need to know English grammar and grammatical rules?

    Our TEFL Courses are designed for those who haven’t studied grammar since they were at school (most of us!) It’s not everyone’s favourite subject, but if you’re a native English speaker, you already have a natural understanding of grammar – it’s all about turning that knowledge into teachable rules which is where our TEFL training comes in!

    So whether you’re a native speaker or simply fluent in English, our TEFL Courses will help you feel totally confident when it comes to taking your first grammar class.

  • Q: Who can I teach when I have qualified to teach?

    With all of our Level 3 and Level 5 TEFL Courses, you’ll be qualified to teach English to adults and children of any age. Within both of our Level 3 and Level 5 TEFL Courses are Specialist Courses which can be taken if you’d like to be TEFL trained in a particular area.

    Within our Level 5 Course, we offer two Specialist Courses: Teaching Business English and Teaching One-to-One & Online which will prepare you for specific teaching situations plus adding a welcome boost to your income!

    We’re the only TEFL provider to offer these Specialist Courses at Level 5, which will make your CV stand out to future employers. If you’ve opted for our Level 5 qualifications, you’ll naturally have a greater pick of TEFL jobs on offer as you’ll be qualified to a higher level than with a Level 3.