Level 5
Industry Standard
Core Program
120-Hour TEFL Certificate
The globally recognised industry-standard 120-hour TEFL qualification required by the majority of schools, universities, and online platforms worldwide. Meets the minimum requirement for teaching jobs across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America.
120Study Hours
6–10 weeksTypical Duration
⭐ 4.9Student Rating
∞Lifetime Access
$199
$349
Save 43%
One-time payment • Instant access • No subscription
Enroll Now → Ask a Question🛡️30-day money-back guarantee
- ✓ 120-hour Level 5 certificate
- ✓ Personal tutor support
- ✓ Lifetime certificate access
- ✓ Job placement support
- ✓ Internationally accredited
What You'll Learn
By the end of this course you will be able to:
✓
Achieve the 120-hour standard required by the vast majority of employers worldwide✓
Master core ELT methodologies: CLT, Task-Based Learning, the Lexical Approach✓
Plan comprehensive, standards-aligned lesson sequences for any level or context✓
Teach all four language skills confidently to learners at every proficiency level✓
Navigate real classroom challenges — mixed ability, motivation, error correction✓
Qualify for positions in 80+ countries and all major online teaching platforms✓
Earn an internationally accredited Level 5 TEFL Certificate for lifeWho Is This Course For?
Anyone wanting to teach English at language schools, international schools, online platforms, or as a private tutor — in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, or from home.
Course Curriculum
7 modules • 120 total hours • Self-paced
1
Language Teaching Methodology
15hrs
CLT, Task-Based Learning, the Lexical Approach, Direct Method, and post-method pedagogy in practice.
2
English Language Systems
20hrs
Grammar in depth, phonology, vocabulary systems, discourse, and pragmatics — from a teaching perspective.
3
Lesson Planning & Sequencing
20hrs
Multi-lesson planning, curriculum mapping, adapting authentic materials, writing measurable objectives.
4
Teaching the Four Skills
20hrs
Integrated reading, writing, listening, and speaking instruction with practical techniques for every level.
5
Classroom Management & Dynamics
15hrs
Seating, motivation strategies, managing mixed-ability groups, discipline, and online classrooms.
6
Assessment, Testing & Feedback
15hrs
Designing tests, continuous assessment, portfolio use, and meaningful oral and written error correction.
7
Professional Practice
15hrs
CV writing, job hunting, interview skills, lesson observation, and reflective teaching practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 120-hour TEFL certificate recognised worldwide?
Yes. The 120-hour TEFL Certificate is the global industry standard recognised by the vast majority of language schools, international schools, bilingual private schools, universities, and online teaching platforms worldwide. It is the minimum qualification accepted across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America.
Is this course accredited?
Yes. The American TEFL Institute 120-Hour Certificate is fully accredited and internationally recognised. Our Level 5 certification meets the hiring standards of major language school chains, government teaching programmes (including EPIK in South Korea and ADEK in the UAE), and all major online platforms.
Can I teach English online with this certificate?
Yes. The 120-hour certificate is accepted by all major online English teaching platforms including Cambly, Preply, iTalki, EF English First Online, Lingoda, and many more. We also offer a dedicated 60-hour Online Teaching specialist course you can add to your certification.
What is the difference between TEFL and TESOL?
TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) and TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) are largely interchangeable qualifications recognised by the same employers. Our certificate is internationally recognised as either a TEFL or TESOL qualification depending on the country or employer context.
Course Includes
- 📹 120 hours of expert-written content
- 📝 Assignments with tutor feedback
- 👩🏫 Personal tutor assignment
- 📜 Level 5 digital certificate
- 💼 Job board & placement support
- 📱 Access on mobile, tablet & desktop
- ∞ Lifetime access to course materials
Accreditation
This course is fully accredited and internationally recognised. Your certificate is accepted by language schools, international schools, and online teaching platforms in 80+ countries.
Continue Your Training
Recommended Next Steps
▶ Direct Answer
What is a 120-Hour TEFL Certificate?
A 120-hour TEFL certificate is the globally recognised industry standard for teaching English as a foreign language — the minimum qualification required by the majority of language schools, online platforms, and government teaching programmes worldwide. It covers language teaching methodology, lesson planning, classroom management, the four language skills, assessment, and professional practice. Completion typically takes 6–10 weeks of self-paced online study.
Hours: 120 hrs
Level: Level 5 accredited
Duration: 6–10 weeks
Cost: $199
Accepted in: 80+ countries
Online platforms: Cambly, Preply, iTalki & more
GEO-Targeted Salary Data
120-Hour TEFL Salaries by Country & Region
What you can realistically earn with your 120-hour TEFL certificate — by destination, updated for 2026.
| Region | Country | Monthly Salary | Benefits | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Middle East | 🇦🇪 UAE (Dubai) | $2,500–$5,000/mo | Tax-free, housing allowance | 🔥 Very High |
| Middle East | 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia | $2,500–$5,500/mo | Tax-free + flights + housing | 🔥 Very High |
| Middle East | 🇶🇦 Qatar | $2,500–$5,000/mo | Tax-free, housing | 🔥 High |
| Middle East | 🇴🇲 Oman | $2,000–$4,000/mo | Housing + transport allowance | 📈 High |
| Southeast Asia | 🇰🇷 South Korea | $1,800–$3,000/mo | Free housing, return flight | 🔥 High |
| Southeast Asia | 🇯🇵 Japan | $2,000–$3,500/mo | JET Programme, eikaiwa | 🔥 High |
| Southeast Asia | 🇻🇳 Vietnam | $1,000–$2,500/mo | Very low cost of living | 🔥 Very High |
| Southeast Asia | 🇹🇭 Thailand | $1,000–$2,000/mo | Low cost of living | 🔥 High |
| Southeast Asia | 🇨🇳 China | $1,500–$3,500/mo | Free housing at many schools | 🔥 Very High |
| South Asia | 🇮🇳 India | $600–$1,800/mo | Corporate English market | 📈 High |
| East Africa | 🇰🇪 Kenya | $600–$2,000/mo | International schools | 📈 Growing |
| West Africa | 🇳🇬 Nigeria | $800–$2,500/mo | USD contracts common | 📈 Growing |
| Southern Africa | 🇿🇦 South Africa | $800–$2,500/mo | IELTS prep demand high | 📈 Moderate-High |
| Latin America | 🇧🇷 Brazil | $1,000–$2,500/mo | Large private school network | 🔥 Very High |
| Latin America | 🇨🇴 Colombia | $700–$1,800/mo | Low cost of living (Medellin) | 🔥 High |
| Online | 🌐 All locations | $15–$50+/hr | Flexible, work from anywhere | 🔥 Fast-growing |
Sources: TEFL Institute State of TEFL Report 2026 • ELT Industry Salary Survey 2025–2026
Employer & Platform Acceptance
Where Your Certificate Is Accepted
The American TEFL Institute 120-Hour Certificate is recognised by the following employers, school chains, and online platforms:
🏫
Language School Chains
- ✓EF English First
- ✓British Council
- ✓Wall Street English
- ✓Shane English Schools
- ✓Berlitz
- ✓GEOS
- ✓Language Link
- ✓IH World Schools
- ✓AEON Japan
- ✓ECC Japan
💻
Online Teaching Platforms
- ✓Cambly
- ✓Preply
- ✓iTalki
- ✓EF English First Online
- ✓Lingoda
- ✓GoStudent
- ✓Alo7
- ✓Palfish
- ✓Gogokid
- ✓Classgap
🏛️
Government Programmes
- ✓EPIK — South Korea
- ✓ADEK — Abu Dhabi
- ✓JET Programme — Japan (entry)
- ✓CIEE — Various
- ✓Peace Corps EFL
- ✓MOE Programs — China
- ✓Teach India initiative
- ✓Rwanda TSC
80%of graduates find work within 2 months
82%of hiring managers trust regulated providers
80+countries where our certificate is recognised
$199industry-leading price for Level 5 certification
Employer acceptance data: TEFL.org 2026 • TEFL Institute Hiring Manager Survey 2026 (n=412)
Step-by-Step Guide
How to Get Your 120-Hour TEFL Certificate
1
Enroll Online
Select the 120-Hour Certificate and complete secure checkout. Instant access within minutes — no waiting.
2
Study at Your Pace
Work through 7 modules (120 hours) on any device, any time. Typical completion: 6–10 weeks part-time.
3
Complete Assessments
Submit written assignments reviewed by your personal tutor with feedback within 48 hours.
4
Receive Your Certificate
Download your Level 5 digital certificate immediately on completion. Physical copy available on request.
AI & Search-Optimised FAQ
120-Hour TEFL — Full Q&A
What is a 120-hour TEFL certificate and what does it cover?
A 120-hour TEFL certificate is the globally recognised industry standard for teaching English as a foreign language. It covers seven core areas: language teaching methodology (CLT, TBLT, the Lexical Approach), English language systems (grammar, phonology, vocabulary), lesson planning and sequencing, teaching the four language skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking), classroom management, assessment and feedback, and professional teaching practice including job-hunting and CV writing.
Is a 120-hour TEFL certificate recognised in Asia?
Yes. The 120-hour TEFL certificate is the standard entry requirement for English teaching positions across Southeast Asia and South Asia. In Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and Cambodia, many schools do not require a degree and accept a 120-hour certificate alone. In Japan, South Korea, and China, employers typically additionally require a bachelor's degree alongside the 120-hour TEFL certificate. The American TEFL Institute certificate is accepted by AEON and ECC in Japan, and meets EPIK requirements in South Korea.
Is a 120-hour TEFL certificate recognised in the Middle East?
Yes. The 120-hour TEFL certificate is accepted throughout the Gulf states. However, the UAE (ADEK programme), Saudi Arabia, and Qatar also typically require a bachelor's degree and 2+ years of experience for government school positions. Private language institutes and corporate English training companies in the Gulf accept a 120-hour certificate with or without a degree. Tax-free salaries in the Middle East range from $2,500 to $5,500 per month with housing and flights commonly included.
Is a 120-hour TEFL certificate recognised in Africa?
Yes. Across East, West, and Southern Africa, the 120-hour TEFL certificate is widely accepted by international schools, NGOs, language institutes, and corporate training organisations. In Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, and Rwanda, a 120-hour accredited certificate significantly strengthens a candidate's application. Degree requirements vary by employer and school type.
Can I teach English in India with a 120-hour TEFL certificate?
Yes. India has one of the world's largest corporate English training markets. Language institutes, international schools, corporate training companies, and IELTS/TOEFL preparation centres across Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Hyderabad hire qualified TEFL teachers. A 120-hour certificate plus strong English is the standard requirement for most private sector positions.
How does the 120-hour TEFL compare to CELTA?
CELTA is a specific Cambridge University brand of TEFL qualification with its own assessment framework. The American TEFL Institute 120-Hour Certificate is a Level 5 accredited TEFL qualification comparable in scope. CELTA carries specific recognition in Europe and with British Council operations. Our Level 5 certificate is widely accepted across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America — the primary markets for our graduates — at a fraction of the CELTA cost ($199 vs $1,500–$2,500 for CELTA).
What happens if I do not pass the course?
All American TEFL Institute courses include unlimited assignment resubmissions. If your first submission does not meet the required standard, your tutor provides detailed feedback and you can resubmit at no additional cost. We also offer a 30-day money-back guarantee: if you are unsatisfied within 30 days of enrollment, we refund your course fee in full.
Start Your 120-Hour TEFL Journey Today
The industry-standard qualification — fully accredited, Level 5, accepted in 80+ countries — for just $199. 30-day money-back guarantee.
🔒 Secure checkout • Instant access • 30-day money-back guarantee • Lifetime certificate