Lucy's honest guide to TEFL qualifications, providers, and everything you need to know before you enrol.
"I did my CELTA in 1989, before the internet existed, so I had very little guidance. I want to make sure you have what I didn't — a clear, honest picture of what's worth your money and what isn't."
The CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) is Cambridge's qualification, and it's the gold standard of the industry. Four weeks intensive, significant assessed teaching practice, and internationally recognised. It's hard work and not cheap — typically £1,000–1,500 in the UK — but it dramatically increases your employability and your salary.
A TEFL certificate is a broader term. Online TEFL courses range from worthless 20-hour jobs sold for £29 to genuinely solid 120-hour courses with assessed teaching components. Lucy's recommendation: if you can't afford or access a CELTA, do a reputable 120-hour TEFL with observed teaching practice.
| Qualification | Duration | Cost (approx) | Lucy's rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| CELTA (Cambridge) | 4 weeks / 120 hrs | £1,000–1,500 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Essential |
| DELTA (Cambridge) | Variable | £1,500–3,000 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ For career teachers |
| TEFL 120hr + practicum | Self-paced | £150–400 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Good starting point |
| TESOL diploma | Variable | £500–1,500 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Country-dependent |
| Online TEFL 40–80hr | Self-paced | £50–150 | ⭐⭐ Minimum viable |
| Online TEFL under 40hr | 1–2 days | £20–50 | ⭐ Avoid — not worth the paper |