What’s included
- 250 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 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
The deepest Global English qualification - from beginner to a broader TESOL skill-set.
This Level 5, 250-hour course includes the 150-hour Advanced material plus phonetics, linguistics, inclusion (SEND), IELTS teaching, advanced assessment, online-class practice, and professional development. You choose the topic of a final extended essay. Most students finish in 10–20 weeks; you have 365 days of access.
This course is for you if you want to:
- impress with our most advanced TEFL/TESOL qualification
- develop a broader and deeper TESOL knowledge
- strengthen a long-term teaching CV
Open to anyone over 18 with a good level of English. No previous teaching experience required. 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 or a printed certificate. 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 | 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 This course | Level 5 | 250 | Our deepest qualification: phonetics, IELTS teaching, inclusion. |
Not sure? Take the 2-minute course quiz.
250 Hour Level 5 professional TEFL/TESOL online course aimed at prospective teachers who are career-minded and want a deeper understanding of English, teaching, and a superior qualification.
This course is the ultimate TEFL/TESOL certificate, we are recognised with schools globally and our students get jobs at the most prestigious English language schools.
Stand above the rest and Teach and Empower with the Global English Level 5 250 Hours accredited TEFL online course!
Interactive: PC/Mac/tablet compatible. Work on our interactive platform. Good internet access required.
KEY FEATURES
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250 hours of accredited TEFL/TESOL Level 5 course materials & video content
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Expert personal tutor support throughout your learning journey
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365 days of online course access from registration for flexible study
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Enhanced Teaching English Online modules plus extensive digital resources
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CV/Resume support with access to our dedicated TEFL/TESOL jobs board
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Free 250-Hour Global English TEFL/TESOL certificate (PDF) included upon completion
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Option to receive a prestigious ACTDEC Level 5 printed certificate for a small additional fee
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Study anytime on your computer, tablet, or mobile device
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Explore specialist teaching and language topics rarely covered in other TESOL courses
IDEAL IF:
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You want one of the most advanced online TEFL/TESOL qualifications available
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You’re looking to train with a fully accredited, internationally recognised provider
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You seek deeper expertise, confidence, and knowledge to enhance your teaching career
How it works
This course is for a long-term teaching career and stronger shortlists. 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 250 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
52 interactive modules, four lesson plans, two essays, and nine 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 TEFL/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 summary 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
| 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. |
Advanced practiceM29–M35 · CR6
| Module | Topic | What you’ll cover |
|---|---|---|
| M29 | Advanced class management 1Classroom configurations, group/pair/individual work, diversity. | Classroom configurations, group/pair/individual work, diversity. |
| M30 | Advanced class management 2Teaching beginners, mixed ability, differentiating aims. | Teaching beginners, mixed ability, differentiating aims. |
| M31 | Advanced assessment: methods and toolsWhat makes assessment valid and reliable; tools for all learners. | What makes assessment valid and reliable; tools for all learners. |
| M32 | Independent online teaching 1Platforms, materials, whiteboards, planning for groups or 1:1. | Platforms, materials, whiteboards, planning for groups or 1:1. |
| M33 | Independent online teaching 2Successful trial lessons and how to find new students. | Successful trial lessons and how to find new students. |
| M34 | Working for online companiesCompanies vs independent teaching; top platforms to work for. | Companies vs independent teaching; top platforms to work for. |
| M35 | Introduction to professional developmentHow teachers learn and grow; tools for self-evaluation. | How teachers learn and grow; tools for self-evaluation. |
| CR6 | Reflection · Level 4 review ReflectReflect on advanced management, online teaching and development. | Reflect on advanced management, online teaching and development. |
PhoneticsM36–M42 · LP3 · CR7
| Module | Topic | What you’ll cover |
|---|---|---|
| M36 | Introduction to phoneticsSpeech production, 26 letters and 45 sounds. | Speech production, 26 letters and 45 sounds. |
| M37 | How we articulate soundsVoiced/unvoiced consonants, minimal pairs, points of articulation. | Voiced/unvoiced consonants, minimal pairs, points of articulation. |
| M38 | VowelsVowel mapping, short and long vowels, quality and variation. | Vowel mapping, short and long vowels, quality and variation. |
| M39 | DiphthongsClosing and centring diphthongs in three categories. | Closing and centring diphthongs in three categories. |
| M40 | Sentence stress 1Elision, strong and weak forms, help for learners. | Elision, strong and weak forms, help for learners. |
| M41 | IntonationWhy intonation matters: pitch, tone and its functions. | Why intonation matters: pitch, tone and its functions. |
| M42 | Sentence stress 2Stress, rhythm, assimilation and liaison. | Stress, rhythm, assimilation and liaison. |
| LP3 | Phonetics lesson plan Lesson planPlan a lesson to help learners improve pronunciation. | Plan a lesson to help learners improve pronunciation. |
| CR7 | Reflection · Phonetics ReflectReflect on phonetics and pronunciation. | Reflect on phonetics and pronunciation. |
LinguisticsM43–M46 · CR8
| Module | Topic | What you’ll cover |
|---|---|---|
| M43 | Introduction to linguisticsWhat linguistics is, and the different types. | What linguistics is, and the different types. |
| M44 | History of linguisticsFrom generative theory to the communicative approach. | From generative theory to the communicative approach. |
| M45 | SociolinguisticsVariation, code switching, language and power, gender and taboo. | Variation, code switching, language and power, gender and taboo. |
| M46 | Applied linguisticsPragmatics, classroom vs real-world learning, digital residents. | Pragmatics, classroom vs real-world learning, digital residents. |
| CR8 | Reflection · Linguistics ReflectReflect on aspects of linguistics. | Reflect on aspects of linguistics. |
Professional practiceM47–M52 · CR9 · Conclusion
| Module | Topic | What you’ll cover |
|---|---|---|
| M47 | Inclusion in TESOLSEND in the room (ASD, ADHD, dyslexia) and practical support. | SEND in the room (ASD, ADHD, dyslexia) and practical support. |
| M48 | Advanced assessment 1Formative vs summative, washback, designing tests, peer assessment. | Formative vs summative, washback, designing tests, peer assessment. |
| M49 | Advanced assessment 2IELTS in depth: what it is and how to teach it well. | IELTS in depth: what it is and how to teach it well. |
| M50 | Professional online teachingZoom: chat, breakout rooms, screens, images and video. | Zoom: chat, breakout rooms, screens, images and video. |
| M51 | Professional development 2Reflective teaching, ethics in ELT, learner identity and AI. | Reflective teaching, ethics in ELT, learner identity and AI. |
| CR9 | Reflection · Level 5 review ReflectReflect on inclusion, assessment, online teaching and development. | Reflect on inclusion, assessment, online teaching and development. |
| Essay | Final assignment Assessed1,500-word summary essay on one Level 5 area. | 1,500-word summary essay on one Level 5 area. |
| CC | Course conclusionReview and steps towards certification. | Review and steps towards certification. |
Certificates
It is an enormous TEFL/TESOL world for those with the skills, confidence and a solid, TESOL certificate behind them. A Global English TEFL 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 the logo of our accrediting body, ACTDEC.
A printed, embossed version is also available for an extra fee from our TEFL shop page.
An optional ACTDEC Level 5 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 250-hour Level 5 course accredited?
Yes. Global English was established in 1997 and has been ACTDEC-accredited since 2004. Every certificate carries a unique student certificate number and the logo of our accrediting body, ACTDEC. 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 250-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 accreditation logo. Employers can check it online at global-english.com/verify/. 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 250-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 250-hour TEFL course take?
Most students finish the 250-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
★★★★★
I am very pleased with the Level 5 250-Hour TEFL/TESOL Professional Course. I completed the course with great pleasure, and I found it highly informative, well-structured, and professionally designed. The course helped me deepen my knowledge of teaching methodology and develop valuable practical skills for the classroom.
I am grateful for the opportunity to complete this course and would highly recommend it to teachers who want to expand their professional knowledge and improve their teaching skills.
★★★★★
Outstanding course design and content. I found it extremely engaging and it challenged my knowledge!
Left by verified Global English graduates of this course, published with their permission.
★★★★★
Years later, I returned to Global English and completed the Level 5 250-hour TEFL/TESOL Professional Course. By that time, I already had many years of teaching experience, so I was able to approach the course from a different perspective and connect what I was learning directly with my own classroom practice.
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
The information was given in small informative chunks. There was nothing extra/unnecessary to waste your time on. I loved working using a student dashboard, it's approachable, quick and convenient to use!
Yuliya Axanova
A well structured course with material of a very high standard, which was very clear and informative. Communication with Global English was always straightforward and any emails replied to promptly. The assignments were challenging and always marked and returned in very good time, with helpful comments and suggestions. All in all, a very enjoyable course and one from which I felt I benefited greatly. I look forward now to studying a further course with Global English, such as teaching business English, and to doing some teaching. Thank you to all concerned!
Petra Firkins
The quality of everything provided by Global English truly blew me away. All contact was personalised and always accurate(it was amazing just how much relevant information everyone at Global English knew about me, from personal interests to current goals/plans), and I would always finish reading everything from GE with a huge smile on my face. The course was brilliantly thorough and informative without overloading me with unnecessary information. The website is always being updated with news of careers and improvements. Everything was absolutely balanced to perfection and I wouldn't change a thing.
Tatiana Parshina
The module 5 was really interesting and useful. Once again an amazingly clear helpful, well thought out study booklet. I have used some ideas from it with my students. In particular my studies gave me inspiration as to how best to help a Cantonese year 8 deaf student! I used the online phonemic chart for him and the “shwa” exercises, too with most of my students. I then printed the chart and highlighted with a red pen any problem areas. When my headmistress needed feedback on the deaf pupil’s progress I had organs of speech chart /”shwa” exercises and annotated phonemic chart print out already in the pupils file to show her. She was amazed and delighted!
Rosemary Edney
I can't believe I'm almost there to be honest... Though I have to say I am so glad that I went for the advanced level. The information this level gives just takes you to a different level of teaching. It is so inspirational. I actually have 3 students already and my own teaching model. All this extra learning adds to the level of professionalism...and really adds a lot of weight to your credibility. And confidence of course when you are a newbie like me :-)
Lynn Taylor
Read more reviews of our courses on the independent TEFL Course Review site here >>
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