Is an online TEFL certificate worth it?
Online TEFL courses come in a variety of formats and their popularity grows year after year. One of the most appealing aspects of this type of study is the ability to study on your own time from wherever you are in the world, as is the relatively low cost. However, before making a final decision on which type of course is best for you, make sure you know all the options out there.
Table of Contents
Are online TEFL courses as effective as in-person TEFL courses?
Who accredits ITTT's certificates for online TEFL courses?
Will I receive a full TEFL certificate if I take an online TEFL course?
How will I be evaluated while taking an online TEFL course?
How will I get the online TEFL course materials?
How fast can I complete an online TEFL course?
How long will it take for me to receive my online TEFL certification?
Do online TEFL certificates state 'online'?
Are online TEFL courses recognized by employers?
Are online TEFL courses as effective as in-person TEFL courses?
Our 120-hour online TEFL course and our in-person TEFL courses cover nearly identical topics. The one area where the two versions differ is observed teaching practice (OTP).
Our in-person courses include extensive time in a real classroom where you can hone your teaching skills under the supervision of experienced trainers. As a result, in-person courses are generally valued more highly by employers.
While we believe that a four-week residential course is the best preparation for teaching English abroad, our online courses are a great alternative for those who do not have the time or funds to complete a four-week stay.
Who accredits ITTT's certificates for online TEFL courses?
The Paris College of International Education (PCIE) has accredited our online courses. They have thoroughly vetted all of our online certification courses, and we have successfully met all of the criteria required for full accreditation.
Will I receive a full TEFL certificate if I take an online TEFL course?
Yes. You will receive an internationally recognized TEFL qualification when completing our 120-hour online certification course, which will open doors to thousands of potential jobs in countries all over the world. Short format, or introductory courses, however, do not result in full certification because the widely accepted international standard for TEFL certification requires trainees to complete a minimum of 100 hours of study. Any certificate with less than 100 hours of study is often not enough to take on teaching positions abroad or online.
How will I be evaluated while taking an online TEFL course?
The online courses are divided into units, each of which ends with a brief multiple-choice test. You do not need to achieve a specific score in each unit; however, you must achieve an average of 75% across all units to meet the pass rate requirement. After completing all the units, you will also need to submit an essay for evaluation. You will graduate from the course and receive your certification once you have completed all of the units and your essay has been graded.
How will I get the online TEFL course materials?
Our online training system provides access to all of the materials required to successfully complete the courses. The materials are available in PDF format and can be downloaded and printed if desired.
How fast can I complete an online TEFL course?
All of our online courses have a six-month maximum time limit (with the exception of the diploma course, which has a twelve-month limit). During the course period, you are free to study at your own pace. Most students complete the 120-hour course in 8 weeks on average. If you are in a rush, it can be completed in as little as ten days as a maximum of 2 units can be taken per day.
How long will it take for me to receive my online TEFL certification?
Upon successful completion of all aspects of the course, your certificate is sent to you via registered mail. Each certificate includes a cover letter as well as a unique ID number that employers can use to verify its authenticity. Your certificate will be mailed within five working days, and delivery should take two to three weeks. If you need your certificate quicker than this, we can send you a scanned PDF copy via email, and you can also opt for an express delivery option through DHL. This service takes three to four days and costs $50 regardless of the destination.
Do online TEFL certificates state 'online'?
No, our certificates do not state whether or not they were completed online. All of our courses result in a certificate that specifies the number of study hours but not the method of study.
Are online TEFL courses recognized by employers?
When it comes to the validity of an individual course, the main issue is not the method of study but the overall quality of the course itself. In many ways, whether you complete your TEFL training online or in person is not important. What matters most is the quality of the training that leads to the TEFL qualification. Essentially, the validity of a TEFL qualification is determined by the course standard and its accreditation rather than the method of study.
