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A TEFL certification is a qualification that demonstrates an individual’s ability to teach English to non-native speakers of the language. This certification equips individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively teach English language learners in various settings, including language schools, private tutoring, and international schools.

TEFL courses typically cover topics such as English language teaching methodologies, lesson planning, classroom management, language assessment, and understanding learner needs.

The minimum required worldwide is to have at least the 120 Hour TEFL training.

You can choose between fully accredited TEFL courses, Government Regulated Level 5 TEFL courses or combined TEFL courses. View all our courses here.

Online TEFL courses are the most affordable & flexible way to launch your teaching career. This is a perfect way to study theoretical material at your own time & your own pace.

Before you choose your TEFL certificate, be aware to check if:

• It is fully accredited & recognised worldwide.
• You will gain at least 120 hours of training.
• You will have a tutor’s assistance.
• It is approved by an official body, such as Ofqual in the United Kingdom.
• Make sure to check TEFL provider reviews on Google or
• You will have job support after completion.

You can blend a comprehensive online TEFL self-study course (available in 120-hour, 180-hour, or 300-hour formats) with our highly recommended 10-hour Virtual TEFL Course, which includes teaching practice.

Our live Virtual TEFL Course is conducted live by experienced tutors. It allows you to learn essential classroom teaching skills, interact with fellow aspiring teachers, and get your TEFL questions answered.

The TEFL Institute of Ireland is a reputable provider of TEFL courses with worldwide recognition. As an Irish-based business, we offer top-notch training for individuals looking to become certified English language teachers. We are known for our high-quality courses, experienced instructors, and comprehensive curriculum, making us an excellent choice for anyone seeking TEFL certification in Ireland.

To take TEFL courses with us, visit our course overview or request a free callback to speak with our team. We will explain our course offerings, pricing, and enrolment process. We offer both online and hybrid training options, providing flexibility for students with diverse schedules and preferences. With our stellar reputation, boasting 4.9 reviews based on over 1500 opinions, we strive for a commitment to excellence. The TEFL Institute of Ireland stands out as one of the best choices for TEFL certification in Ireland.

We do not offer free TEFL courses; however, the TEFL Institute of Ireland provides funding options for unemployed individuals through the TESG (Training and Employment Support Grant) program, administered by the Department of Social Protection. This program aims to support unemployed individuals in acquiring new skills and qualifications to enhance their employability.

If you are unemployed and interested in pursuing a TEFL course, you may be eligible for funding assistance through the TESG program. The TEFL Institute of Ireland can guide the application process.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with The TEFL Institute of Ireland directly for more information on how to apply for funding assistance for TEFL courses through the TESG program.

For more information on the social welfare grant, please visit the Local Social Welfare Office website at this link.

This scheme is designed to provide quick access to short-term training or related interventions and obtain or renew certification or permits for individual job seekers who have identified work opportunities or where Case Officers have identified an immediate skills gap that represents an obstacle to accepting a job offer or accessing other activations.

A Level 5 TEFL Diploma refers to a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) qualification recognised at level 5 on a national qualifications framework.

In many countries, qualifications are categorised into levels on national frameworks to indicate their complexity, difficulty, and depth of learning. A Level 5 qualification typically signifies a level of study equivalent to that of the second year of undergraduate study in a university or college.

A Level 5 TEFL Diploma is considered to be a more advanced and comprehensive TEFL certification compared to basic TEFL certificates. It indicates that the holder has undergone extensive training and has acquired a deeper understanding of English language teaching methodologies, lesson planning, classroom management, assessment techniques, and other relevant areas.

Individuals who hold a Level 5 TEFL Diploma may be better equipped for more specialised teaching positions, such as teaching English for specific purposes (e.g., business English, academic English) or working in higher education institutions. Additionally, some employers may prefer or require candidates with a Level 5 TEFL Diploma for specific teaching positions, particularly in competitive job markets or for roles that involve teaching more advanced learners.

Ofqual regulates a Level 5 TEFL course offered by the TEFL Institute of Ireland, under its qualifications framework, and approves it through Highfield Qualifications in the UK. Another Level 5 teaching qualification is the CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). Our TEFL diploma is a level 5 award, meaning it is equivalent to an undergraduate degree or a CELTA qualification, which demonstrates to employers the hard work you have put into your qualifications. Once you’ve obtained a Level 5 TEFL qualification, you’ll have access to the most competitive jobs worldwide.

A regulated qualification means that it is officially recognised by the government and sits on the Ofqual Register of Regulated Qualifications.

DEAC stands for the Distance Education Accrediting Commission. It is a recognised accrediting agency by the United States Department of Education. DEAC evaluates and accredits distance education programs offered by various educational institutions, ensuring that they meet specific quality standards and criteria.

AQC stands for Approved Quality Curriculum. It is a status granted by DEAC to signify that a particular curriculum or course offered by an educational institution meets the rigorous quality standards set by DEAC. Essentially, AQC indicates that the curriculum has been thoroughly reviewed and approved by DEAC for its quality and adherence to educational standards.

TEFL – “Teaching English as a Foreign Language” certificate is the most commonly accepted certificate worldwide. This certificate enables you to teach English to non-native speakers worldwide. The primary qualifications for obtaining a TEFL are the ability to speak English at a native level and completing a course. You can complete a TEFL course either online or in a classroom. The different classes vary in duration, based on the number of hours required to complete them.

TESOL – “Teaching English as a Second Language” aka TESL. Similar to TESOL students, as a TESL teacher, you would likely be teaching English to students from your home country who have moved or live in an English-speaking country. In other words, they are continuously surrounded by the language and will be using it every day outside of the classroom, unlike TEFL students, who are likely learning in their home country.

CELTA stands for “Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults” and is a very prestigious certification. To receive a CELTA, you must complete a 120-hour course along with six hours of teaching real ESL students. The majority of the programs are held over one month and are full-time. However, you may be able to find some part-time courses that span three months. The CELTA program must adhere to strict regulations created by Cambridge University. Due to its intense nature and requirements, the cost also tends to be significantly higher, reaching up to €1700.

Confused about which TEFL course to enrol in? Don’t worry, as long as you can speak English at a fluent or near-fluent level, you are eligible to take one of the TEFL Institute of Ireland’s regulated TEFL courses.

Non-native speakers may sometimes find the Ofqual Regulated Level 5 TEFL course quite challenging, and we understand that it is essential for you to ensure you are comfortable with your English language abilities before choosing which course to take. As a guide, we recommend that non-native speakers have a minimum IELTS score of 6.5. If you are unsure, you should take our FREE online level test below

Complete the TEFL Institute of Ireland’s FREE English Level Test, which has been designed to assist you with making this critical decision.  If you have any doubts, request a call, and we can discuss which course would suit your needs.

The great news is that you don’t need a degree to take a TEFL course! This is a common worry. Anyone with fluent English can enrol in one of our courses to become a qualified and confident English teacher.
It’s good to know that a degree is a requirement in some countries to obtain a work permit, such as Japan and Korea. However, there are still many opportunities for those without a degree to be hired.
Even if you see an employer preference for degree holders, we still recommend applying, as they may not fill their full quota, and you may possess additional skills that will appeal to hiring managers.

Many people ask about the differences between our courses. For example, the 120-hour course is one of our fast-track courses. This is the minimum recognised worldwide.

• You have 10 modules to complete, usually taking 4 – 6 weeks
• Each module has a multiple-choice test at the end, and you need 80% to pass
• You’ll get your digital certificate on completion and can buy a hard copy from us if you’d like one with an embossed logo immediately

Looking at the 180-hour level 5 Ofqual-regulated TEFL course by comparison:

• Learners typically spend 10 – 12 weeks completing the 11 modules
• Since it’s a UK government-regulated level 5 course, the pass mark is 100%, and assessments are multiple-choice plus open-ended answers. Don’t worry, you can reattempt quizzes to achieve 100%. Our academic team will review your answers at the end of your 11 modules and may ask you to reattempt some questions (this is normal). Some questions may require providing Academic references.
• You’ll get your digital coursework completion certificate from us after module 11. Following a successful assessment from our academic team, we’ll be able to claim the licence for your Ofqual (government) certificate from our accreditation body, Highfield.

The Ofqual-regulated course range is certainly for those people who want to gain a higher-level, more recognised qualification.

Please read our blog to learn more about the Level 5 TEFL course here.

If you are looking for a professional, globally recognised, government-regulated TEFL qualification, you should consider the online level 5 TEFL course. The Government Regulated Level 5 TEFL course is equivalent to the CELTA and Trinity Cert TESOL. Ofqual government-regulated (UK) Level 5 Highfield qualification.

The course offers 180-hours of TEFL training, exceeding the minimum required, and is a higher standard course; therefore, it’s more competitive.

There is none. We typically recommend that individuals over 16 years old begin completing a TEFL course. If you are looking for jobs abroad, the minimum age requirement is 18 years or older.

The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation.

Regulation (Ofqual) regulates qualifications, examinations and assessments in England and vocational qualifications in Northern Ireland.

To learn more about Ofqual or to verify Highfield status, visit their website: Ofqual.

We would always recommend attending practical training. If you have the time to participate in one of our 10-hour classroom courses, we encourage you to do so. This will give you more confidence and put the theory from your online course into practice. Our experienced TEFL teachers run the day course, and you will learn the most essential skills for executing lessons, from how to warm up the class to using grammar clearly and concisely. This course is ideal for individuals who already hold a TEFL certification and wish to apply it in a practical setting. Some people prefer to start with a practical course and then complete a 120-hour all the way up to a 300-hour TEFL course afterwards.

You are never too old to gain new qualifications. Some employers may have age restrictions, but others do not. There are always options to teach English from home, with a private tutor, or an online tutor.

No, it is not necessary to know other languages. You will be able to find a job and work comfortably without needing to know the language spoken in that particular country. The real question is whether you should make an effort to learn a foreign language. Basic language skills are always a plus, and we recommend learning a few phrases before you move abroad.
Learn to say Hi, Thank you, Goodbye, and Sorry. If you can order a meal and pay for it without automatically handing over the most significant bill in your wallet (while looking adorably confused), you’ll survive.