If you're looking to teach English abroad or online, choosing between a 120-hour and a 150-hour TEFL certification is your first major career decision.
While both provide a high-quality foundation, the right choice depends on your specific career goals and the requirements of global employers.
Quick Summary: Which TEFL is right for you?
- 120-Hour TEFL: The industry "gold standard" that meets the strict minimum requirements for most reputable schools and visa regulations worldwide.
- 150-Hour TEFL: Best for competitive markets. It includes everything in the 120-hour course plus 30 hours of specialized training to make your resume stand out.
- New for 2026: Specialized training in the form of 3 x 10-hour modules for Japanese Speakers (Live), Young Learners (Live), and Business English (available starting April 3rd, 2026).
TEFL Course Curriculum Overview
| Component | 120-Hour Course | 150-Hour Course |
| Core Curriculum (Foundations, Skills, Grammar) | 100 Hours | 100 Hours |
| Comprehensive Training (Online Teaching & Culture) | 20 Hours | 20 Hours |
| Specializations (Japanese Speakers, Young Learners*, Business*) | — | 30 Hours |
| Total Certification Hours | 120 Hours | 150 Hours |
What's Included in a Professional TEFL Syllabus?
Both the 120-hour and 150-hour pathways are built upon the same rigorous 100-hour Core Curriculum. This ensures every graduate possesses the fundamental skills to lead a classroom effectively.
The 100-Hour Core covers:
- Lesson Planning: Foundations for structured, engaging classes.
- The Four Skills: Specialized techniques for Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking.
- Language Components: Grammar, Pronunciation, and Vocabulary.
- Classroom Management: Effective skills for student engagement and behavior.
- Resources & Materials: How to use games and digital tools to enhance learning.
120-Hour Certification: The Industry Standard
The 120-hour TEFL is the most common requirement for teaching jobs globally. Most reputable schools and language institutes worldwide require at least 120 hours of TEFL training.
In addition to the Core Curriculum, this pathway includes 20 hours of Comprehensive Training designed for the modern teacher:
- Culturally Responsive Teaching (5 hours): Navigating diverse classroom dynamics with empathy and inclusion.
- Online Teaching & Learning (15 hours): Mastering the digital tools and pedagogical shifts required for the booming online ESL market.
Best for: Teachers who want a versatile, internationally recognized credential that opens doors to the widest range of online and global opportunities.
150-Hour Certification: Gaining a Competitive Edge
The 150-hour certification is designed for educators who want to go above and beyond, gaining specialized knowledge in specific areas of English language teaching.
It includes the full 120-hour curriculum plus 30 hours of Specializations.
By choosing the 150-hour pathway, you aren't just getting "more hours"—you're gaining niche expertise that qualifies you for higher salaries and specialized roles that other teachers may not have.
How to Specialize in Teaching English to Japanese Speakers
The Teaching English to Japanese Speakers (10 hours) Specialization course is specifically designed for teachers who want to confidently navigate the unique rewards and challenges of the Japanese ELT market.
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Cultural Context: Understanding Japanese classroom etiquette and "silent" communication styles.
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Linguistic Contrastive Analysis: Identifying why Japanese speakers struggle with specific English phonemes and grammar structures.
- Japan TEFL Launchpad: Practical advice on the visa process, job search, and living in Japan.
This specialization is the perfect addition for anyone planning to teach in Japan (home to one of the world's most robust TEFL markets!) or working with Japanese students online.
TEFL Career Roadmap 2026: New Specializations & Release Dates
Teach Away is expanding our 150-hour TEFL course to include more specialized pathways.
If you're currently enrolled in or considering the 150-hour course, here is the rollout schedule for our upcoming modules:
| Specialization Module | Focus Area | Availability |
| Teaching English to Japanese Speakers (15 hours) | Cultural Nuance & Linguistics | Available Now |
| Teaching English to Young Learners (15 hours) | Early Childhood Pedagogy | Available Soon |
| Teaching Business English (15 hours) | Corporate & Professional ESL | April 3rd, 2026 |
Stay tuned for more information on these upcoming modules!
Which Path Will You Take?
Whether you choose the industry-standard 120-hour course or want to specialize with the 150-hour option, we're here to help prepare you to get hired for your dream job teaching abroad.
Ready to start your journey? Explore our courses and find your perfect fit today!