By Crissandra Ayroso
If you're considering teaching English abroad, TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification is an important credential.
But how much does TEFL certification cost? Is it worth getting TEFL certified? In this article, we’ll explore TEFL course options and costs, and what TEFL providers mean by "accreditation."
How Much Does A TEFL Certificate Cost?
For a TEFL certificate, you can expect to pay anywhere starting from $200 to $2,000 CAD if it’s a university course.
We always warn about deals found online that advertise prices like $39 USD or 87% off. Most 120-hour TEFL courses should cost around $1,000. You may end up finishing the course only to have to buy your certificate to be certified.
A legitimate online TEFL course provider will outline everything included in your costs. Be sure to look for what your TEFL certificate qualifies you for by the end. Does it qualify you to teach English as a second language, online and abroad?
The more comprehensive the course, the higher the cost. For example, a 100-hour online course may cost around $1,000 and qualify you to teach English online, while a 120 or 150-hour online course may cost up to $1,500, and qualify you for ESL teaching jobs online and abroad.
Online TEFL Course Cost Comparison
When comparing different TEFL courses, there are several factors to consider. First, consider the length of the course. Generally, the longer the course, the more comprehensive the training.
Second, consider the type of course. Online courses are generally more affordable than in-person courses, but they may not provide as much hands-on experience.
Finally, consider the reputability of the course. Research your top choices and read the reviews, and make the best choice possible. We’ll start by comparing the standard 120-hour TEFL certification programs. Here are a few examples of costs associated with well-known TEFL certification courses.
- ITTT 120-hour online course; $340 CAD
- i-to-i TEFL 120-hour online course; $930 CAD ($695 USD)
- OISE TEFL 120-hour online course; $1,295 CAD
- International TEFL Academy 120-170-hour* online course; $2,008 CAD ($1,500 USD) *Options are offered in 11-week or 4-week intensive course lengths
Does A TEFL Course Need To Be Accredited?
In your research, you’ll come across TEFL courses labeling themselves as an accredited course, or having accreditation. But the term itself could cause confusion and make you question whether it’s ‘marketing’ or meant to describe something like accreditation.
Accreditation is the independent, third-party recognition that an institute adheres to a certain set of standards, agreed upon by a governing body.
Having accreditation means that your TEFL course is internationally recognized by a governing body. There is no international organization that provides global accreditation to TEFL courses at this time.
What this means further is that TEFL courses are not globally recognized by one international organization.
But- there are smaller organizations that do recognize TEFL courses and provide accreditation, like these ones:
- World TEFL Accrediting Commission (WTEFLAC)
- British Council
- Accreditation Council for TESOL Distance Education Courses (ACTDEC)
Universities like University of Toronto offer accredited programs that are internationally recognized.
Best TEFL Certification Course Recommendation
The best TEFL certification course, assuming you’d like to teach English abroad full time or part time, will be any of the 120-hour or 150-hour TEFL courses. These ones will qualify you to teach online and abroad.
Eventually, when you start your TEFL job search and start applying for teaching positions at language learning centres, hiring managers will start by assessing whether your TEFL training and certificate comes from a reputable source or not. Having a distinct TEFL certificate will give you the competitive edge and give you more job opportunities to choose from.
Choose the one that best fits your needs and goals. Make sure that the course materials and lesson plans can ensure that your teaching experience will be up to par so that you land the teaching job of your dreams!
Interested in teaching abroad across the globe? From China to Thailand and Spain to the Middle East, your TEFL certificate is you passport to the world.
Make this the year you qualify to teach abroad. Find out more about our 100% online, self-paced TEFL course options today!