What’s included
- 120 hours of accredited TEFL/TESOL training
- A dedicated personal tutor from start to finish
- Personal marking and written feedback on every assignment
- Free digital certificate on completion (ACTDEC & ISO accredited)
- Access to our interactive online learning platform
- Study at your own pace, 100% online
- Access to our online teacher resource library
- Optional hard-copy ACTDEC certificate available
- 14-day money-back guarantee
Course overview
Best choice to get started quickly on your English teaching career.
The industry-standard 120-hour Level 3 course: 28 interactive modules on classroom management, the four skills, grammar, vocabulary and finding work. You write two lesson plans and an essay, with five reflection points. Most students finish in 6–12 weeks; you have 180 days of access.
This course is for you if you want to:
- qualify with the 120-hour TESOL certificate most schools and platforms ask for
- teach English online or in a classroom
- study when it suits you, on a computer or tablet
Open to native and non-native speakers over 17 with good written and spoken English. A TESOL certificate alone may not unlock every job - some employers also ask for a degree or a specific nationality.
After you enrol you can add more study time, a printed certificate, or an upgrade to the 150-hour Level 4 course. It also pairs with any specialist TESOL course.
What is the difference between the 120, 150 and 250 hour courses?
| Course | Level | Hours | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 120-hour TEFL / TESOL This course | Level 3 | 120 | First certificate. The hours most schools and platforms ask for. |
| 150-hour Advanced TEFL / TESOL | Level 4 | 150 | The 120-hour core plus extra grammar, phonology and online teaching. |
| 250-hour Level 5 TEFL / TESOL | Level 5 | 250 | Our deepest qualification: phonetics, IELTS teaching, inclusion. |
Not sure? Take the 2-minute course quiz.
Gain the credentials and confidence to teach English worldwide with our Premier 120-Hour TESOL Course. Fully accredited, the online program provides expert tutor support, practical lessons in grammar, methodology, and lesson planning - all designed for flexible study on your schedule
Interactive: PC/Mac/tablet compatible. Work on our interactive platform. Good internet access required.
KEY FEATURES
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120 hours of accredited TESOL training with videos and interactive content
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Expert personal tutor support throughout your studies
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180 days online course access from the day you register
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Includes Teaching English Online modules for maximum flexibility
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CV/Resume support plus full access to our TESOL jobs board
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Free 120-Hour Global English TESOL certificate (PDF) on completion
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Access to student forum & online teaching resources
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Study anytime from computer, tablet, or mobile device
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Option to upgrade to the Advanced 150-Hour Level 4 TESOL course
IDEAL IF:
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You want an accredited 120-Hour TESOL qualification that’s up-to-date and flexible
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You’re looking for a certificate from an internationally recognised TESOL provider
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You’d like to start teaching English abroad or online quickly with confidence
How it works
This course is for your first teaching job abroad or online. Already qualified, or want observed teaching practice? See our specialist TESOL courses.
- Enrol onlinePay securely by card and get instant access.
- Study the modulesWork through the 120 hours at your own pace, on a computer or tablet.
- Submit work for feedbackSend assignments to your tutor and use the comments to improve.
- Download your certificateFinish the course, collect your TEFL/TESOL certificate, and start applying.
The interactive course runs in your browser on a computer or tablet: shorter modules, assignments marked by your tutor, and a student forum.
Course syllabus
What you’ll study
28 interactive modules, two lesson plans, one essay, and five reflection points — in teaching order, grouped so you can scan fast.
Classroom managementM1–M6 · Essay · CR1
| Module | Topic | What you’ll cover |
|---|---|---|
| M1 | Introduction to TESOLWhat is ELT, the industry, and qualities of a good teacher. | What is ELT, the industry, and qualities of a good teacher. |
| M2 | Reasons for learning EnglishWants and needs of adult, young learner, classroom and online students. | Wants and needs of adult, young learner, classroom and online students. |
| M3 | Classroom management 1Traditional vs communicative classrooms, layouts, needs analysis. | Traditional vs communicative classrooms, layouts, needs analysis. |
| M4 | Classroom management 2Engagement activities, group and pair work, motivation and discipline. | Engagement activities, group and pair work, motivation and discipline. |
| M5 | Classroom management 3Classroom sensitivity and consolidating learning through homework. | Classroom sensitivity and consolidating learning through homework. |
| M6 | Classroom management 4Spoken and written correction — classroom and online. | Spoken and written correction — classroom and online. |
| Essay | Classroom management essay AssessedSummary essay of the main classroom management features so far. | Summary essay of the main classroom management features so far. |
| CR1 | Reflection · Classroom management ReflectStop-and-reflect on classroom management. | Stop-and-reflect on classroom management. |
SkillsM7–M13 · LP1 · CR2
| Module | Topic | What you’ll cover |
|---|---|---|
| M7 | LevelsTeaching at different levels and judging learner level. | Teaching at different levels and judging learner level. |
| M8 | MaterialsSelecting materials for classroom and online teaching. | Selecting materials for classroom and online teaching. |
| M9 | Lesson planningEffective classroom and online lesson plans, with a sample. | Effective classroom and online lesson plans, with a sample. |
| M10 | Skills · ReadingReading-focused lessons: pre-teaching, CCQs, practice stages. | Reading-focused lessons: pre-teaching, CCQs, practice stages. |
| M11 | Skills · WritingDeveloping written English with semi-controlled and free tasks. | Developing written English with semi-controlled and free tasks. |
| M12 | Skills · ListeningListening lesson stages, materials, songs and activities. | Listening lesson stages, materials, songs and activities. |
| M13 | Skills · SpeakingFluency, themed conversation, and pronunciation focus. | Fluency, themed conversation, and pronunciation focus. |
| LP1 | Skills lesson plan Lesson planCreate a lesson plan for a reading or speaking lesson. | Create a lesson plan for a reading or speaking lesson. |
| CR2 | Reflection · Skills ReflectReflective learning on teaching the four skills. | Reflective learning on teaching the four skills. |
GrammarM14–M22 · LP2 · CR3
| Module | Topic | What you’ll cover |
|---|---|---|
| M14 | Language awarenessHow English is structured so you can teach it clearly. | How English is structured so you can teach it clearly. |
| M15 | Getting started with grammarVerbs, nouns, adjectives, adverbs and the building blocks. | Verbs, nouns, adjectives, adverbs and the building blocks. |
| M16–M22 | Core grammar arcPresent, past, auxiliaries, future, passives, perfect, conditionals — with teaching ideas. | Present, past, auxiliaries, future, passives, perfect, conditionals — with teaching ideas. |
| LP2 | Grammar lesson plan Lesson planPlan a revision lesson on past simple and present perfect. | Plan a revision lesson on past simple and present perfect. |
| CR3 | Reflection · Grammar ReflectReflective learning on teaching grammar. | Reflective learning on teaching grammar. |
Vocab & functionsM23–M25 · CR4
| Module | Topic | What you’ll cover |
|---|---|---|
| M23 | Teaching vocabularyLexis, semantic storage, antonyms/synonyms, sample plan. | Lexis, semantic storage, antonyms/synonyms, sample plan. |
| M24 | Functional English & modalsRequests, offers, permission, suggestions, obligation, advice. | Requests, offers, permission, suggestions, obligation, advice. |
| M25 | Language structure & acquisitionSLA theory, morphology, syntax, semantics, etymology. | SLA theory, morphology, syntax, semantics, etymology. |
| CR4 | Reflection · Functions & vocab ReflectReflect on functions, vocabulary, and how languages are learned. | Reflect on functions, vocabulary, and how languages are learned. |
Assessment & careerM26–M28 · CR5 · Conclusion
| Module | Topic | What you’ll cover |
|---|---|---|
| M26 | Assessment and testingPerformance-based tools, assessment theory, exam English. | Performance-based tools, assessment theory, exam English. |
| M27 | Classroom confidencePLNs, readiness, and feeling comfortable in the room. | PLNs, readiness, and feeling comfortable in the room. |
| M28 | The world of EFLJobs worldwide, CV help, interviews, online teaching pros/cons. | Jobs worldwide, CV help, interviews, online teaching pros/cons. |
| CR5 | Reflection · Getting started ReflectReflect on assessment, the EFL world, and classroom confidence. | Reflect on assessment, the EFL world, and classroom confidence. |
| CC | Course conclusionReview and steps towards certification. | Review and steps towards certification. |
Certificates
The Global English TESOL PDF certificate is awarded upon successful completion (included in the course fee).
All GE TESOL PDF certificates include a student certificate number, as well as logos of the accrediting bodies ACTDEC and ISO.
A printed, embossed version is also available for an extra fee from our TEFL shop page.
An optional ACTDEC Level 3 certificate is also available upon successful course completion.
Click on a certificate image below to view a sample certificate (note that the samples don't show student certificate numbers).
Ready to start? Select Enrol now to begin.
Frequently asked questions
Is this 120-hour Level 3 course accredited?
Yes. Global English has been an accredited TEFL/TESOL training provider since 1997. Every certificate carries a unique student certificate number and the logos of our accrediting bodies, ACTDEC and ISO. An optional hard-copy ACTDEC certificate is also available on successful completion.
How long does the course take, and how long do I have to complete it?
The 120-hour course is fully self-paced and studied entirely online, so you can work as quickly or as gradually as you like. Most students finish in a few weeks of part-time study, and you have several months of access. If you need more time, low-cost time extensions are available.
Do I need a degree or teaching experience to enrol?
No. You do not need a degree or any previous teaching experience to start. You simply need a good standard of written English and a computer with internet access. The course is designed for complete beginners as well as practising teachers looking to gain a formal qualification.
Is there a real tutor, or is everything automated?
Both, and deliberately so. The quick knowledge checks as you work through each module mark themselves the moment you answer, so you find out straight away whether something has landed. The work that actually shows your teaching ability – the written tasks, the reflections and the final lesson plan – goes to a real, qualified personal tutor who reads it and writes you individual feedback. A machine can tell you that you picked the right answer; only a tutor can tell you whether your lesson would work with a real class.
How is the course assessed?
Assessment is continuous and coursework-based. You complete written assignments and practical tasks that you submit online for your personal tutor to mark. There is no final exam and no fixed exam date – you progress at your own pace.
What certificate will I receive, and is it recognised?
On successful completion you receive a Global English digital (PDF) certificate free of charge, showing your unique student certificate number and the ACTDEC and ISO accreditation logos. TEFL/TESOL certification from Global English is recognised by language schools, recruiters and online teaching platforms worldwide. A prestigious hard-copy ACTDEC certificate can be ordered as an optional extra.
Will this qualification help me get a teaching job?
A recognised TEFL/TESOL qualification is the standard entry requirement for teaching English abroad and online. A 120-hour certificate meets or exceeds what most employers and online platforms ask for, and helps your application stand out in competitive markets.
How do I pay, and is there a guarantee?
You can enrol securely online and start straight away. We accept payment by card (Visa and Mastercard) through Stripe, as well as valid discount and Groupon voucher codes. Every online course is covered by our 14-day money-back guarantee, so you can begin completely risk-free.
What do I need to study this course?
A reliable internet connection and a PC, Mac or tablet. The course runs in your browser on our online learning platform, and your place is saved as you go, so you can stop mid-module and pick up later on a different device. There is nothing to install and nothing to post back to us. This course is studied online only – there is no downloadable offline version of it.
How long does a 120-hour TEFL course take?
Most students finish the 120-hour course in a few weeks of part-time study. Access is several months, and low-cost extensions are available if life gets in the way.
Is this the same as an Ofqual Level 5 diploma or a CELTA?
No. This is an ACTDEC-accredited TESOL course marked by a personal tutor. ACTDEC is the UK specialist accreditor for distance TESOL. Ofqual regulates a different kind of diploma. CELTA is a Cambridge classroom qualification. We do not describe this certificate as either of those.
What our students say
★★★★★
The course allowed me to work at my own pace and the help that was available along the way was valuable. The tutor that was assigned to me was very responsive and answered all of my questions, ususlly within an hour or so of me asking them!
★★★★★
Excellent course, really helped with interview preparation and getting a job in Japan.
Left by verified Global English graduates of this course, published with their permission.
The tutors and staff are genuinely excellent - knowledgeable, responsive, and encouraging at every step.
I feel that my teaching has improved greatly through this course and feel ready to progress in my teaching.
Their timely feedback and support were invaluable. They were always available to answer my questions.
Read Global English reviews TEFL Course Review
"I have been working as a tutor for a couple of years now, but I've still learnt many new things from Global English. This course provides insight into so many technical stuff and how to be a better teacher. There are lots of resources which you can use in your future classrooms. The tutors have been extremely helpful. They are very responsive and gave the point, insightful feedback, which helps a lot. I had a great time throughout the course and will definitely recommend others to try it."
Nilanjan Dias
"This course was excellent value and really useful. The quality of course content and prompt feedback is second to none. The instructors are all excellent, very experienced and very supportive.
I have taught for over 30 years, and found both the short and more in-depth courses top quality, and simple to access and use. Global English have developed, increased and improved their range of courses over many years, and are experts in their field.
Whether you are new to teaching, or more experienced, look no further than a Global English course."
Rosemary Edney
"I like that there is a lot of personal work involved, but equally some confidence boosting questions throughout the course which keep you on the right track."
Jordan O'Connor
"I appreciated the interaction and feedback from Global English. Overall the course is set up well and builds step by step in the material making progress easy."
Janice Gerrie
"Awesome experience! Efficient and professional! Great tutoring and service. William was friendly and super to work with... I was apprehensive about who to choose, but Global English has been amazing! Thank you."
L Harris
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Read more than a hundred reviews of our courses on the independent TEFL Course Review here >> or on Trustpilot here >>
We're so sure you'll love our courses, we offer a 14 day money-back guarantee on all our online courses. Enrol today and start your TEFL journey...