{"id":25805,"date":"2020-05-21T21:31:51","date_gmt":"2020-05-21T21:31:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tefl.ie\/?page_id=25805"},"modified":"2026-03-13T13:34:39","modified_gmt":"2026-03-13T13:34:39","slug":"frequently-asked-questions","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/tefl.ie\/gb\/frequently-asked-questions\/","title":{"rendered":"FAQ’S"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-templates\/frequently-asked-questions.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"default","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-25805","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":{"banner_text":"wondering about tefl?","main_banner_image":51930,"tefl_faqs":[{"title":"What is a TEFL certification?","content":"The \u201cTeaching English as a Foreign Language\u201d (TEFL) certificate, is the most commonly accepted certificate worldwide. This certificate allows you to teach English to non-native speakers across the globe. The main qualifications to get a TEFL is to have the ability to speak English at a native-level and then complete a course. You can complete a TEFL course either online or in a classroom. The different courses vary based on the number of hours it takes to complete."},{"title":"What does Level 5 mean?","content":"A Level 5 TEFL course is one that is regulated by Ofqual according to their qualifications framework. Another Level 5 teaching qualification is the CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). Once qualified with a Level 5 TEFL qualification, you'll have access to the most competitive jobs worldwide."},{"title":"What does regulated mean?","content":"A regulated qualification means that it is officially recognised by the government and sits on the Ofqual Register of Regulated Qualifications."},{"title":"What is the difference between TEFL\/TESOL\/CELTA?","content":"TEFL - \u201cTeaching English as a Foreign Language\u201d certificate, is the most commonly accepted certificate worldwide. This certificate allows you to teach English to non-native speakers across the globe. The main qualifications to get a TEFL is to have the ability to speak English at a native level and then complete a course. You can complete a TEFL course either online or in a classroom. The different courses vary based on the number of hours required.\r\n\r\nTESOL - \u201cTeaching English as a Second Language\u201d, aka TESL. Like TESOL students, as a TESL teacher, you would likely teach English in your home country to students who have moved or live in an English-speaking country. In other words, they are continuously surrounded by the language and will use it daily outside of the classroom, unlike TEFL students who are likely learning in their home country. CELTA stands for \u201cCertificate in English Language Teaching to Adults\u201d and is a prestigious certification. To receive a CELTA, you must complete a 120-hour course and 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 courses that are part-time and are spread out over three months. The CELTA program must follow a strict regulations created by Cambridge University. Due to its intense nature and requirements, the cost also tends to be much higher and can be up to \u20ac1700!"},{"title":"How do I get a TEFL certificate?","content":"The minimum required worldwide is to have at least a 120 Hour TEFL training. You can choose between fully accredited TEFL courses, Government Regulated Level 5, 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. Combined TEFL courses offer both online & in-class studying. They are a fantastic opportunity to get two TEFL certificates (theoretical & practical). You will learn your theory from online material and then practice it with other teachers during the 10-hour practical session, accompanied and lectured by an experienced TEFL teacher. Before you choose your TEFL certificate, be aware to check if: It is fully accredited & recognised worldwide. You will gain at least 120 hours<\/a> of training. You will have a tutor\u2019s assistance. It is approved by an official body, such as Ofqual, in the United Kingdom. Make sure to check TEFL provider reviews on Google<\/a>, or You will have job support after completion."},{"title":"Which TEFL course to take?","content":"Confused about which TEFL course to enrol in? Don\u2019t worry; as long as you can speak English at a fluent or near-fluent level, then you are eligible to take one of the TEFL Institute of Ireland\u2019s regulated TEFL courses. Non-native speakers do sometimes find the Ofqual Regulated Level 5 TEFL course quite challenging, and we understand it is essential for you to be sure that 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 6.5 score. If you are unsure, you should take our FREE online level test below. Complete The TEFL Institute of Ireland\u2019s FREE English Level Test<\/a>, which has been designed to assist you with making this important decision. If you have any doubts, request a call, and we can discuss which course would suit your needs."},{"title":"Do I need a Bachelor\u2019s degree to take a TEFL course?","content":"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 required in some countries to get a work permit, such as Japan<\/a> and Korea<\/a>, but there are many opportunities for those without a degree to be hired. Even if you see an employer preference for degree holders, I still recommend applying. They may not get their full quota, and you may have many additional skills that will appeal to hiring managers."},{"title":"What\u2019s the difference between Accredited TEFL Courses vs Government Regulated Level 5 TEFL Courses?","content":"Lots of people ask about the difference between our courses. For example, the 120-hour Premier TEFL course<\/a> is what we would call one of our fast-track courses. This is the minimum recognised worldwide. \u2022 You have 10 modules to complete, usually taking 4 \u2013 6 weeks \u2022 Each module has a multiple-choice test at the end, and you need 80% to pass \u2022 You\u2019ll get your digital certificate on completion and can buy a hard copy from us if you\u2019d like one with an embossed logo immediately Looking at the 180-hour level 5 Ofqual-regulated TEFL Diploma<\/a> by comparison: \u2022 Learners spend typically 10 \u2013 12 weeks to complete the 11 modules \u2022 Since it\u2019s a UK government regulated level 5 course the pass mark is 100%, and assessments are multiple-choice plus open-ended answers. Don\u2019t worry. You can re-attempt quizzes in order to get 100%. Our academic team will review your answers at the end of your 11 modules and may ask for some questions to be reattempted (absolutely normal). Some questions may require providing Academic references. \u2022 You\u2019ll get your digital coursework completion certificate from us after module 11, and following a successful assessment from our academic team, we\u2019ll 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."},{"title":"What are the benefits of completing a Level 5 TEFL Course?","content":"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 Diploma<\/a> is the same level as CELTA and Trinity Cert TESOL. Ofqual government-regulated (UK) Level 5 Highfield qualification. The diploma has 180 hours of TEFL training<\/a>, more than the minimum required, and it's a higher standard course and, therefore, is more competitive."},{"title":"What\u2019s the age restriction to take TEFL course?","content":"There is none really, we usually say that if you are over 16yrs old, you can start completing a TEFL course. If you are looking for jobs abroad then the minimum age requirement is 18 yrs old or higher."},{"title":"What's Ofqual stand for?","content":"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"},{"title":"Are combined TEFL courses better than the online courses?","content":"We would always recommend attending practical training. If you have the time to attend one of our 10 hour classroom courses, then do! This will give you more confidence, and it will put the theory from your online course into practice. The day course is run by our experienced TEFL teachers, and you will learn the most important skills for executing lessons, from how to warm up the class to using grammar in a clear and concise manner. This course is perfect if you already have a TEFL cert and you would like to put it into practice. Some people prefer to start from the practical course and then do a 120-300hour TEFL course after."},{"title":"Are there any free TEFL courses for unemployed?","content":"We don\u2019t offer free courses, but we do help with getting funding from the Dept of Social Protection in Ireland. Our comprehensive courses train you to teach English as a foreign language at home and abroad. More information on the social welfare grant can be found by following this link: Local Social Welfare Office. This scheme is designed to fund quick access to short term training or related interventions, obtain\/renew certification\/permits for individual job seekers that have identified work opportunities or where Case Officers have identified an immediate skills gap that represents an obstacle to taking up a job offer or accessing other activation. We are happy to invoice an external organisation or company on your behalf. Please get in touch with us at hello@tefl.ie, and we can arrange this for you. Here at the TEFL Institute of Ireland, we firmly believe education should be affordable for everybody. Under this ethos, we offer a 10% subsidy to those who find themselves currently unemployed or in full-time education. Enrol in any of our fully accredited TEFL courses for less and open a new world of opportunities. To gain the TEFL subsidy, you should add the word FUNDING at the checkout. Please be aware that we randomly ask for proof of student or unemployed status. We accept documentation such as a copy of a student card or job seekers allowance."},{"title":"Am I too old to teach English abroad?","content":"You are never too old to gain new qualifications. Some employers might have age restrictions, but others won\u2019t. There are always options to teach English from home, private tutor, or online tutor."},{"title":"Do I need to speak another language to teach English abroad?","content":"No, it is not necessary to have knowledge of other languages. You can find a job and work comfortably without knowing the language spoken in that particular country. The real question is, should you try to learn a foreign language? The basic language is always a plus, and we would always recommend learning a few phrases before you move abroad. Learn to say Hi, Thank you, Goodbye, Sorry. If you can order a meal and pay for that meal without automatically handing over the biggest bill in your wallet (whilst looking adorably confused) you\u2019ll survive."},{"title":"Which course to take if I only would like to focus on teaching English online?","content":"If online teaching is your primary goal, we would always recommend at least the 120 hour TEFL training.<\/a> Our \u201cUltimate Online Teacher\u201d is a unique, specialised online teacher qualification that gives you the skillset and the confidence to hit the ground running. This package includes the minimum 120-hour training, 30-Hour Teaching English Online<\/a> and the 30-Hour Teaching Young Learners<\/a> to give you an edge in the competitive market. If you have already completed your 120-hour course<\/a>, then you don\u2019t want to miss these extra specialised courses to get you one step ahead of the crowd. These will allow you to give effective online lessons that are tailored to suit your students \u2013 meaning everybody\u2019s happy! And, of course, we recommend adding our 30-hour Teaching English Online course<\/a> to any other TEFL packages as it is a huge benefit, it focuses to prepare you (the teacher) for how to enter the online tutoring world."}],"restrict_seo_folder":"none","gb_page_title":"","gb_page_desc":"Got TEFL questions? Find answers on Ofqual-regulated courses, Level 5 certification, teaching abroad, online teaching and more.","it_page_title":"","it_page_desc":"","es_page_title":"","es_page_desc":"","text_translations":null},"yoast_head":"\nFAQ'S – TEFL Institute of Ireland<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Got TEFL questions? 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