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In all honesty, the world of TEFL certification can be confusing.
From CELTA to DELTA, TELSO to TEFL, and every level in between, there are just too many “code names” and “level tags” associated with TEFL certifications.
For someone who’s just dipping their feet into the waters of TEFL courses, understanding the different levels of TEFL can be confusing.
Do different levels mean different certificates? Does a higher level mean a higher job salary? What exactly does each level tag mean?
These and many others are some of the questions that will be rumbling through your head.
Luckily for you, we’ve got just about the right amount of answers for you in this post.
TEFL: No level
This is the lowest level of certification in the TEFL world.
Incidentally, it’s also the cheapest course you’ll find around.
Unfortunately, you may struggle to find any TEFL job whatsoever with this kind of certificate.
Surprised?
Don’t be.
The reason is that a “No Level” TEFL qualification doesn’t qualify to be on the Ofqual framework of qualifications. And as such, most employers don’t reckon with it.
Note: Ofqual is a non-ministerial government department that regulates qualifications in England
TEFL: Level 3
A Level 3 TEFL certification is just a step above the “No Level” certification and, in most cases, takes about 120-320 hours to complete.
It is on par with an A-Level qualification, and it is generally recognized by most employers globally.
However, that is not to say it guarantees you a job.
In fact, your best bet for finding a job with a Level 3 TEFL certificate is to apply for entry-level jobs – that is, jobs where there are NO entry requirements other than being fluent in English!
TEFL: Level 5
Now to the biggest certificate level on the list.
A Level 5 TEFL qualification is the same level as a CELTA. And as you might expect, it’s pretty high up on the Ofqual framework, which means it’s globally recognized and reckoned with.
However, it usually costs more than the first two levels mentioned earlier, albeit less expensive than a CELTA.
A Level 5 TEFL qualification is perfect for anyone looking to apply for TEFL online or abroad jobs. It’s one of the highest levels of TEFL qualifications anyone can present, meaning you’ll be up there with most of your competitors.
With a Level 5 TEFL certification, you can apply for almost any TEFL job anywhere in the world, even in an English-speaking country.
CELTA
CELTA is another popular name in the TEFL industry.
But as we mentioned earlier, it’s on par with a Level 5 TEFL certificate.
Ideally, CELTA is perfect for those teachers who enjoy teaching adults, as all the training you’ll receive are adult education-based.
That said, you should know that an average CELTA course will set you back about $1000, if not more. But it gets worse.
In order to get a CELTA certificate, you might need to attend a full-time on-site training at one of the few accredited centers in the UK for a period of 4-6 weeks.
DELTA: Level 7
This is the highest of all TEFL certifications.
If you’ve got a Level 7 DELTA TEFL certificate, then you’ve definitely got the biggest TEFL weapon in your arsenal.
It is an equivalent of the regular Master’s degree and one which takes you above every regular TEFL professional.
With a Level 7 certificate, you’re fit to open your own language school or even apply to a teaching school where you contribute to the training of TEFL teachers.
Which one should I get?
Isn’t it obvious already?
What you need to teach English abroad and online is a Level 5 TEFL certificate.
And you can get it by completing one of the TEFL courses on the Premier TEFL website.
Where can you use your TEFL certificates?
- Take it abroad – If you’re a big fan of traveling, perhaps you may want to consider going abroad to shape young minds. There are lots of employers out there waiting to hire you to train their students. In most cases, all they’ll demand in addition to your Level 5 TEFL certificate is that you’re fluent in English, and sometimes maybe your college degree certificate. Before you go, though, ensure you do thorough research of the best country for your qualifications (college degree, age, TEFL certificate provider, etc.)
- Teach English online – Teaching English online is quite easier than going abroad. And for obvious reasons. Firstly, you don’t get to worry about leaving your comfort zone. Secondly, online language institutes are less strict with their requirements when it comes to hiring English teachers. Some of them wouldn’t mind whether or not you have a college degree or whether or not you’re a native English speaker.
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This content is sponsored by Uday Tank.
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