How Long Does It Take to Get a TEFL Certificate? Exploring Timeframes and Options

How Long Does It Take to Get a TEFL Certificate? Exploring Timeframes and Options

If you are thinking of becoming an ESL instructor, it is crucial to get TEFL-certified. With a TEFL certification, you can make a real difference in the lives of people worldwide. English is one of the fastest-spreading languages. Moreover, it is evolving as an international language.

A large number of international businesses rely on English when communicating with their clients and stakeholders across borders. More and more students around the globe are focusing on learning English as a second language. So, the demand for English teachers is surging at a rapid pace. But before you embark on your journey of teaching English, you should know about specific aspects.

Teaching English and speaking English are two entirely different skills. To ensure that you get all the perks of teaching English to non-native speakers, you’ll need qualifications and training. Getting TEFL-certified is the first step to getting paid to teach English abroad.

The TEFL certification involves instructing non-native English speakers how to speak, write, and read English. If your main objective is to teach English abroad, you’ll need a TEFL certification. It is common to wonder how long does it take to get a TEFL certificate. Aspirants should remember that there’s no single and standardized path to getting a TEFL certification.

Based on the TEFL course and your circumstances, you will get TEFL-certified in a month. But if you want your TEFL certificate to be recognized worldwide, you must set aside six months to complete the course. The amount of time you will spend studying depends on the type of course you select. Do you know that getting a basic idea of TEFL can take as little as twenty hours? But getting qualified to teach abroad can take much longer based on the depth of learning.

Most employers ask for at least 120 hours of TEFL learning. Therefore, it is an excellent idea to pursue a TEFL course comprising 150 or 250 hours of working through the course content. It is of great significance to research the country you’re thinking of traveling to teach English. By setting aside at least six months for the course, you can complete 150 hours of coursework efficiently.

The units and modules of the TEFL certification course also determine the total timeframe. Here are the essential aspects to know about the timeframe of pursuing a TEFL course.

Factors Affecting the Timeframe for TEFL Certification

If you have never taught abroad before, it can be tough to determine where to start. Getting a TEFL certification is an excellent and necessary first step to teaching in a foreign country. Candidates with a TEFL certificate are preferred by employers. In other words, a TEFL certification will help you get better pay.

Moreover, it can be the deciding factor when the context is about grabbing an ESL job role. Aspirants should know how long it takes to get a TEFL certification for effective career planning. The timeframe for a TEFL certification course depends on various factors. For instance, an online or on-site certificate will influence the timeframe of a TEFL certification.

The structured TEFL courses taught on-site have start and end dates; therefore, you will always know about the timeframe for completing the certification. On the other hand, if you are doing TEFL online, there can be a lot more flexibility. The online TEFL courses are appealing to aspirants who don’t have a lot of free time to work with.

The type of TEFL course you will choose can make a massive difference in the timeframe of getting a TEFL certification. The online TEFL certifications come with great flexibility and are much faster. This is because you can access study materials 24/7.

Moreover, it also offers you the chance to study at your own pace. You are less likely to miss classes and self-study sessions while pursuing your TEFL certification online. The fewer sessions you miss, the quicker you can work through the course content.

On the other hand, the on-site courses are intensive and more hands-on. The on-site courses are completed in a classroom setting. They are taught by a qualified ESL instructor. Compared to an online TEFL certification, the on-site course is more time-consuming.

A significant advantage of on-site TEFL certification is that it offers access to live practice teaching. Nowadays, many educational institutes prefer candidates who have prior experience in teaching. You will also have the chance to land with a support network when pursuing a TEFL certification.

You must understand how long does it take to complete a TEFL course to apply for the correct job positions. Here are some additional factors that influence the timeframe for TEFL certification.

The Intensity of Training

A few TEFL courses comprise intensive modules that will help you acquire in-depth skills to teach ESL. However, pursuing a TEFL course with detailed course content and modules will take more time to complete.

Self-Studying Hours

While pursuing a TEFL certification course, you should always aim to develop a dedicated schedule for self-study. The more time you can allocate, the faster you will progress through the course content. Furthermore, it will also help you get good scores.

Your Willingness to Seek Help

If you are stuck and can’t understand the fundamentals of the course, it will be tough to progress. Therefore, you should always be willing to ask for help if you find something you don’t understand. Usually, the accredited online TEFL programs come with support of the trainers. You can clear your course-related doubts directing your questions to the trainer and getting the response with clarifications.

Your Efficiency in Working Through the Course Material

Aspirants serious about pursuing a TEFL course can quickly work through the course material. This offers them a chance to get certified at a record time. On the other hand, if you like to take your time and study at a slower pace, you will progress slowly.

Besides all these factors, you should consider the total number of hours of a TEFL certification. For instance, most ESL aspirants nowadays prefer pursuing 150-hour courses. The 150-hour TEFL course comprises 169 units along with 19 topics and ten modules. The candidates can access the course for six months. To complete the 150-hour TEFL course, you will need two to three months.

The 250-hour TEFL certification is another popular course among ESL aspirants. It is one of the most comprehensive TEFL certifications, as it has 219 units. The course comes with 22 topics along with 13 modules. Candidates can access this course for eight months. You will need at least three to six months to complete this TEFL certification. The 250-hour TEFL certification can boost your employment prospects as it helps you acquire in-depth skills.

So, how long does it take to get TEFL certified online? The total timeframe usually depends on what you want to include in your program. Moreover, you should also factor in the total amount of classroom hours of the TEFL certification course.

If you can study your TEFL course full-time, you’ll complete it in less than the average candidate. In a TEFL certification program, you will have a host of support teams to help you sort out queries. The more support you have access to, the less likely you will get stuck.

A fully-accredited TEFL course can last anywhere from five weeks to six months. Moreover, the five-week-long courses will usually run full-time. These courses are very demanding and can take a toll on your preparations. So, while selecting an online TEFL course, ensure that you choose a 150-hour TEFL certification course.

The upper-tier online courses like the 250-hour TEFL certification are more structured. These courses follow a set calendar to include interactive components of the course. Always select an online TEFL course that offers you flexibility.

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Benefits of Accelerated TEFL Certification Programs

Besides knowing how long does it take to get TEFL, you must also be aware of the benefits of accelerated TEFL programs. The accelerated TEFL programs will allow you to acquire essential skills with which you can teach non-native English speakers effectively.

TEFL programs also play a crucial role in helping you manage a classroom of students belonging to different cultures. An increasing number of government agencies and schools require foreign English teachers to present proof of their TEFL certification.

An accelerated TEFL certification course will assist you in evolving as a great lesson planner. You can know adequately about the ins and outs of English grammar. Another highlight of a TEFL certification is that you will feel confident before teaching your class.

A TEFL certification also comes in handy when you want to apply for work visas. Listed are some of the primary benefits of enrolling in an accelerated TEFL course.

A Faster and More Affordable Way to Get TEFL-Certified

An accelerated TEFL certification is an excellent option if you’re looking to gain additional knowledge and experience in your field. Moreover, with the ability to earn your degree faster, you can achieve your objectives of boosting your career prospects.

Plus, you will automatically enhance your resume to stand out among other aspirants. Usually, accelerated TEFL programs are more affordable compared to different types of certifications.

Flexible Scheduling

Whether you are working full-time as a young professional or taking care of your family, your time is always valuable. You should know how long does it take to complete TEFL course to plan your career objectives properly.

Accelerated TEFL certifications are mainly online and allow you to work through the course content at your own convenience. These courses are meant to fit into your schedule. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about investing additional time to commute.

Online TEFL certifications are gaining popularity because of their ability to provide you with diverse options. For instance, you can easily select a TEFL course based on its total coursework hours.

Eliminates the Need to Relocate

Accelerated TEFL courses don’t just offer flexibility with respect to course scheduling. These courses also make it easy for you to go about your daily routine without any issues. In other words, you can earn your TEFL certification from a reputed platform without having to leave your home. The additional costs associated with relocating are also eliminated when you pursue an online TEFL certification program.

Increases your Earning Potential

Besides understanding how long does it take to get your TEFL certification, you must know the earning potential of an accelerated degree. A TEFL certification is your ticket to teach and settle in a foreign country.

Most educational institutes look for a TEFL certification from an accredited institute while hiring ESL teachers. Therefore, pursuing an accelerated TEFL certification program lets you improve your career prospects drastically.

You Can Build Upon Skills You Already Possess

With an accelerated TEFL certification, you can change your entire career trajectory. Thanks to the range of tutorials and career-relevant skills, an accelerated TEFL course makes your CV unique among employers. Beyond a career change, you can fortify your existing skill set by learning the intricacies of how to teach English to non-native speakers.

Allows you to find a job

It is pretty common to wonder how long does it take to get a TEFL job after getting certified. With exemplary efforts, you can get a TEFL job in two months. An accelerated TEFL course offers you a job assistance after completing the course and obtaining TEFL certificate.

So, these are some of the primary benefits of enrolling in an accelerated TEFL course. However, it is also crucial to pursue an accredited TEFL course online. An accredited TEFL course separates suitable certifications from the bad with respect to the program’s recognition among employers. Accreditation also depicts that the course offers practical training to help you find success as an ESL teacher.

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Flexibility and Self-Paced Learning: Options for Busy Individuals

The TEFL certificate has become a vital asset for individuals interested in teaching English as a foreign language. Online TEFL certification courses are widely available nowadays owing to the growth of e-learning. The online TEFL certifications offer people a more cost-effective and convenient option to accomplish their dreams of teaching English abroad.

Learning how long does it take to complete TEFL can help you develop an action plan to accomplish your career objectives. The best option for busy candidates is to choose a TEFL course that lets them learn at their own pace.

Perhaps you want to become an ESL teacher but don’t know how to find time in your day. With a self-paced TEFL course, you will have the freedom to curate your daily routine in a way that works. Enrolling in an online and self-paced TEFL program comes with the following benefits.

Access to the Course

With an online TEFL certification course, you will have access to the certification materials even if you complete the course before the expiry date. You don’t have to rely on an on-site classroom infrastructure to grasp the basics of TEFL. It becomes easier to review different lessons and content based on your requirements. Moreover, if anything is hazy, you can reach out to the support team.

Flexibility for Self-Paced Learning

One of the key highlights of an online TEFL course is that it lets you study and prepare at your own pace. Furthermore, if you have several commitments and responsibilities to handle, an online TEFL certification is the best option.

Not everyone can stop what they are doing and shift their schedule to full-time TEFL learning. With a self-paced course, you will always have the flexibility to complete the course in a proper timeline. You can complete all your assignments online anytime and anywhere. Therefore, in between other work and a full-time job, you can fit into the online TEFL course.

It Allows you to Stay Ahead

The demand for ESL teachers and instructors is increasing rapidly. Educational institutes are always looking to fill vacancies quickly to cater to the learning needs of their students. By getting certified, you will be ready to hit the ground running.

The TEFL certification lets you snap up a top position quicker than others. Many TEFL certifications go beyond offering a qualification. They will provide you with lifelong employment support to help you secure teaching positions.

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Learn the Basics of ESL Teaching from a Reputable Platform

Unless the TEFL provider is internationally accredited, you can’t expect it to be recognized by the educational institutions you’re applying to. So, before enrolling in a TEFL certification course, try to assess the credibility of the platform. Therefore, your primary objective should be to get TEFL-certified from a reputable platform or training center.

An Online TEFL Certification Offers More Choice

By pursuing a TEFL certification online, you can access numerous choices. Focus on the quality, duration, and course content. In simple words, an online TEFL course ensures that you get the best value for your investment.

Aspirants should also keep track of how long does it take to get TEFL certificate to apply for ESL jobs abroad.

Practical Training and Real-World Experience: Enhancing the Certification Process

Numerous aspirants who get TEFL-certified get selected successfully without prior teaching experience. Yet, some schools and colleges require ESL aspirants to have teaching experience. You can expand and enrich your teaching experience with the following strategies.

Teach English Online to Get ESL Experience

If you want to gain adequate skills to manage an ESL classroom, teaching online is ideal. The domain of online English teaching has become popular in recent years. Many online English teaching assignments need no experience. Teaching online offers you the chance to gain valuable experience remotely. It also optimizes your likelihood of being hired by a reputable employer.

Apply for Volunteer Teaching Positions

If you are eager to make a change in the lives of the underserved, volunteer to teach English. By volunteering to teach English, you will benefit others. Moreover, it offers you the opportunity to gain experience in managing a classroom of non-native English speakers. Here are some ways in which you can gain experience as a volunteer teacher.

  • Local churches or community centers
  • Private and public K-12 schools
  • Immigrant service agencies
  • English language schools

Become a Private Tutor to get ESL Experience

Do you know that one-on-one tutoring will help you apply what you’ve learned in a TEFL certification course? To become a private tutor to teach English, you can post a job on an online marketplace. Furthermore, if you aren’t yet comfortable charging for your services, try to offer free tutoring.

If you are a beginner in the English language teaching domain, it is customary to be confused during your first class. It is always recommended to gain prior teaching experience to evolve as an ESL instructor. In simple words, it will help you to overcome fear. You can be more confident in your approach with a TEFL course comprising hands-on teaching practice. Therefore, with practical and hands-on teaching experience, you’ll have the confidence to manage the classroom. Another key highlight of teaching practice is that it lets you apply the concepts you’ve learned from the TEFL certification.

A TEFL certification helps you to maintain a lively and energetic atmosphere in the classroom. You must know how long does it take to get your TEFL to prepare and plan effectively. In the past, the option of pursuing your TEFL certification online didn’t exist. Nowadays, online learning is more prevalent than ever before. So, before enrolling in a TEFL course, always be aware of the timeframe to complete the certification.

Terms used:

ESL, TEFL

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