On this blog we'll explain common TEFL and TESOL acronyms and how to choose which TESOL or TEFL course is best.
TEFL or TESOL? What’s the difference and which is best?
These are questions we are often asked at Global English, but the good news is that the acronym itself doesn’t really matter. This is because to international employers worldwide TEFL and TESOL mean more or less the same thing. For the full definitions and background, see our in-depth explainer, TEFL vs TESOL: what's the difference? – this article is the shorter, practical version for people comparing actual courses, levels and prices.
What makes a real difference is an accredited certificate, the number of course hours and whether the TEFL/TESOL course is the best match for where you want to go.
But more of that later.
What do all the TEFL and TESOL acronyms mean?
Firstly here are some of the popular acronyms you may have heard of in the English teaching industry:
- TEFL: Teaching English as a Foreign Language (used more widely in Europe but interchangeable with TESOL).
- TESOL: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (used more widely in Asia and the Americas but interchangeable with TEFL).
- ELT: English Language Teaching (usually referring to the whole industry).
- ESL: English as a Second Language (English where it is taught in an English speaking country to foreign learners). As a result you may be involved in TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) if teaching English to recent immigrants to the UK or USA, for example.
- CELTA: Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults. A type of English teaching qualification; usually classroom based and conducted intensively. Validated by Cambridge (see the official CELTA page), it can be taken in centres worldwide, and the Trinity CertTESOL is its close equivalent. We have written about the relative merits of both approaches on our CELTA or Online TESOL blog.
Which course level do you need – and what does each cost?
Since the name on the certificate is interchangeable, the practical shopping question is the level. Our online TESOL courses are accredited by ACTDEC at Levels 3 to 5, and you can check how UK qualification levels work in general on the government's qualifications register. Here is how the three core courses compare:
| Course | Hours | Level | Best for | Price* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TESOL Premier | 120 | Level 3 | Meeting the standard minimum for most jobs abroad and online | £147.50 |
| TESOL Advanced | 150 | Level 4 | Standing out in competitive markets such as Western Europe | £197.50 |
| TESOL Professional | 250 | Level 5 | The most advanced online route, including business English and online teaching | £325 |
*Prices correct at the time of writing – see the individual course pages for current offers.
As a rule of thumb: if you simply need a recognised certificate for a high-demand destination, the 120-hour Level 3 course does the job. If you are heading somewhere competitive, or want to teach business English or online, the extra hours at Level 4 or 5 quickly pay for themselves.
What should you check before choosing a TEFL/TESOL course?
Since the terms TEFL or TESOL are interchangeable, here are 5 other things you may want to consider carefully before choosing your online course:
1) Is the final certificate awarded by an established accrediting body?
Employers like to see a course has been externally scrutinised by an independent body. At Global English TESOL, you can opt for a certificate awarded by the UK accrediting body, ACTDEC. Read more about why accreditation matters.
2) How long has the provider been in business?
Established in 1997, we were one of the first online TESOL providers in the UK; we’ve built up the contacts, a reputation for excellence and know-how over many years in the industry.
3) What are the comments like on independent review sites?
Check out a few here (blushes!)
4) Is there access to international jobs, links to established recruiters and careers advice?
At Global English TESOL, it’s lifetime access to jobs help and support.
5) Are there a range of courses and specialisms targeted towards your ideal locations?
A one-size fits all course does not suit every location. For example, The Global English 150-hour Advanced TESOL course, together with a 30-hour business specialism, is our most popular course combination for France, but we recommend different courses for Southern Europe or Asia etc. Check out the recommended courses on our destinations pages here for more.
Is a cheap TEFL course ever worth it?
Be careful with rock-bottom deal-site certificates. A course that costs less than a night out usually has no independent accreditation, no personal tutor and no job support – and employers know the difference. When you compare prices, compare like with like: hours, level, accreditation and tutor support. Our step-by-step guide to choosing the best online TEFL course for your career shows exactly what to look for, and our article on TESOL specialisations explains how a short add-on course can sharpen your CV for a specific market.
Accredited online TESOL courses with Global English TESOL
English is in huge demand worldwide, which means for people with the right TESOL/TEFL qualification, a career abroad is waiting. If it is time to take step into a new career and start a new life overseas, we’re with you all the way.
Enrol today or contact Louisa for advice on the best course for you.
Frequently asked questions
Is a TEFL or TESOL course best?
Neither is better by name – international employers treat TEFL and TESOL certificates as equivalent. The quality markers that actually matter are independent accreditation (such as ACTDEC), at least 120 course hours, tutor support and a course level that matches your target destination. Judge courses on those, not on the acronym.
Is a 120-hour TEFL/TESOL certificate enough to get hired?
Yes, for most entry-level English teaching jobs abroad and online, a 120-hour accredited certificate meets the standard minimum requirement. In more competitive markets, a 150-hour Level 4 or 250-hour Level 5 course, or a specialism such as business English, gives your application a clear edge over other candidates.
What does “accredited” mean for a TEFL course?
An accredited course has been independently examined by an external body against published standards – covering the syllabus, assessment and tutor support. Global English courses are accredited by ACTDEC, the UK Accreditation Council for TESOL Distance Education Courses, so employers can trust the certificate without knowing the provider personally.
How much does a TEFL or TESOL course cost?
Accredited online courses with real tutor support typically run from around £150 for a 120-hour Level 3 certificate up to around £325 for a 250-hour Level 5 diploma at current prices. Intensive classroom qualifications like CELTA or Trinity CertTESOL cost considerably more – usually over £1,000 including observed teaching practice.