The internationally accredited TEFL courses can be classified under a variety of qualification levels. TEFL Level 3, TEFL Level 5, and TEFL Level 7-8 are the different language levels or the level of English proficiency of a student. Thus, it is consequently significant to understand what each of these levels are before just jumping into a TEFL course for English teaching jobs abroad career.
What one level you should study?
Which level you’ll need to get the job you want?
What level is your TEFL qualification?
Hold tight for this quick and easy description of each level of TEFL qualification!
TEFL levels explained –
At first, you need to be aware that when you see TEFL Level 3, TEFL Level 5, and TEFL Level 7 that these are UK explicit levels based upon the UK qualifications background, which varies from levels 0-8.The CELTA and Trinity Cert TESOL have both been controlled in the UK by Ofqual at Level 5 on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).
Level 3
Level 3 TEFL Courses start from 120-320 hours and is equal to an A-Level qualification and in practice. This means that your certificate will be acknowledged by employers all over the world. This level is perfect for individuals who chiefly want to teach and travel in some of the less competitive places or for those who want to volunteer. Moreover, this is also great for persons who are looking for an entry into the TEFL industry and there are NO entry necessities other than being assured in English.
Level 5
Level 5 TEFL qualification is the same level as a CELTA or Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults. It is also high up on the framework, however, if you complete it, you’d be qualified to apply for more competitive positions around the world. As it is an advanced course, it would give you more in-depth training, subsequently, you’d feel even more equipped and prepared to step into the classroom. The CertTESOL is also another attributed level 5 qualification on Ofqual’s Regulated Qualifications Framework bestowed by the Trinity College of London. This includes a minimum of 130 hours of study time with an expected 70 hours of extra study required (200 hours total).
Level 7
Now, if we talk about level 7 TEFL courses, we will cover DELTA and DipTESOL.
DELTA program is an alike to a master’s degree and can take up to 7-12 weeks of intensive study and after completion, you’ll receive a diploma. To study the DELTA, you’ll need to have already taken a 120 + hour TEFL/TESOL certification online or the CELTA or corresponding, and have been teaching for at least a year. Therefore, DELTA is very high level and wide-ranging in nature, and it is apt for people looking to open their own English language school, get into management positions, or train other ESL/EFL teachers.
DipTESOL, or the Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, is a globally valued level 7 qualification from the Trinity College of London. This is an innovative level qualification equal to a master’s degree. You need to have had at least 2 years of academic teaching experience as well as a degree or requirement of the same level. With this program, you’ll acquire a diploma and this will permit you to grab roles like the director of studies, centre manager, teacher educator, or examiner.
So, what is the best TEFL certification course to do?
Well, it depends on your conditions. However, your choice of TEFL course will depend on some or all of these things:
- Budget
- Whether or not you need to work at the same time
- Country you’re based
- Whether you want to take the course in your home country or in the country where you want to teach
- Your career goals
TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language and is a qualification that enables you to grab various English teaching jobs abroad. It empowers you to teach English to people whose first language is not English.The most significant part of your TEFL course has to be its accreditation. So, with the apt course and the right selection of certification, you might just crack your dream teaching English abroad job successfully.
