How long does it take to get a TEFL certificate?

For many people, TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) is a ticket to adventure, a life-changing experience that opens the door to new opportunities around the world.

But for those looking to take the giant leap, many questions arise. As one of the highly-ranked TEFL providers in Spain, at TEFL Iberia, we’re constantly asked about how long it takes to pass a TEFL course. So, we thought we’d clear up course length questions, together with a few other FAQs about the wonderful world of TEFL.  

How long does it take to complete a TEFL course?

The majority of TEFL courses are made up of between 120 and 160 study hours. These courses can last from four to 12 weeks. For anyone wanting to qualify to teach English as a foreign language in as short a time as possible, a four week, 160-hour course is perfect.

These courses are very intensive and instill you with the skills, experience and confidence you need to launch your career as a TEFL teacher. At TEFL Iberia, we offer the Trinity CertTESOL course – a fully accredited foundational course that is recognised across the globe. That means that, once you’ve qualified in just four weeks, you’ll be ready to find employment here in Barcelona or anywhere in the world.

Do I need a TEFL certificate to teach English?

In almost every situation, yes. There are some employers in some countries that won’t ask for TEFL certification, but these will be typically low-paid. The vast majority of employers will only hire English teachers with TEFL certification. That’s because a TEFL certificate demonstrates that you have the proper training to teach English at a necessary standard.

It’s not just for employers though. Getting TEFL certified is for your own benefit. Jumping into a career as a TEFL teacher without the necessary skills or experience is not a nice experience. Make sure you have the right tools and a good level of confidence to give yourself the right foundation to build on.

What to look for in a TEFL course

Is the TEFL course legit?

An authentic TEFL course should be fully accredited. This means it’s been given the seal of approval by an independent organisation. At TEFL Iberia, our TEFL courses in Spain are accredited by Trinity College London, the official provider of the Trinity CertTESOL qualification.

Aside from accreditations, consider the course length. As we said, it usually takes four to 12 weeks to get a TEFL certificate, which involves between 120 and 160 hours of study. Be wary of so-called “weekend courses”, which claim to offer TEFL certificates after 20 hours of total study. 

Does the provider offer regular TEFL courses?

The frequency of course start dates is a good barometer of course quality. Regular courses are a good indication that you'll be dealing with a professional, organised TEFL provider. 

Does the TEFL provider have good reviews?

Many TEFL providers make grand promises, but have they got the reputation to back it up? As Henry Ford said, “You can’t make a reputation on what you’re going to do.” Find out what they’ve actually done by delving into past reviews, from Google to TEFL review platforms including Go Abroad and Go Overseas to get the opinions of graduates.  

Are there any course extras?

From dedicated student visa programmes that help you get settled in the country to accommodation services that help you find your cosy home from home, a good TEFL school will go above and beyond to make your TEFL experience as smooth as possible.

How much does the TEFL certificate cost? 

Of course, it all comes down to affordability. Several factors influence TEFL fees, from course quality and length to the location of the school. At TEFL Iberia in Spain, we offer an intensive four-week TEFL course for as little as €1,650. A sound investment when you consider that, once you’ve passed, you’ll be able to teach English as a foreign language anywhere in the world!

What can I do after TEFL?

Once you’ve completed your TEFL course, the world’s your oyster!

Getting a TEFL certificate means you can teach English anywhere in the world. You’ll have many different options available to you, including working in a language academy, school or college, teaching business English, offering private tuition or even finding TEFL work online.

Of course, once you’ve completed a foundational TEFL course, you might decide to boost your skills, experience and confidence with an advanced English teaching course. At TEFL Iberia, we offer our students a Developing Teacher Course, which builds on the foundations to deepen your knowledge and teaching ability. 

What country is best for TEFL?

With English teachers in demand, a booming economy and a fantastic quality of life, Spain is perhaps the best country for TEFL teachers looking to move abroad.

You’ll find the best TEFL courses in Spain in major cities such as Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia and Seville. These cities will also give you the best chance of TEFL employment once you’ve graduated. 

As one of the leading TEFL course providers in Spain, at TEFL Iberia, we’ve helped hundreds of students become TEFL certified and launch a career teaching English in Spain. Our experienced team of professionals are passionate about enriching lives and giving people the platform to teach English as a foreign language. 

Want to find out more about getting a TEFL certificate? Contact us today or take a look at the various courses we offer.