If you want to teach English online, work from home, or teach abroad, one of the first things you’ll hear about is a TEFL certificate. It can feel confusing at first — Do you really need one? Which one should you choose? Should you pay someone to do it for you?
Let’s break it down simply and honestly.
What Is a TEFL Certificate?
TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language.
A TEFL certificate is a qualification that teaches you:
- How to teach English to non-native speakers
- Basic teaching methods and lesson planning
- Classroom management (online or in-person)
- Grammar basics explained in a simple way
Most online ESL companies ask for a minimum of 120 hours TEFL certification, especially if you don’t have a teaching degree.
Why Is a TEFL Certificate Important?
Here’s the honest truth: many companies won’t even look at your application without one.
A TEFL certificate:
- Makes you eligible for more teaching platforms
- Increases your chances of getting hired faster
- Shows parents and students that you’re trained
- Helps you feel more confident when teaching
Even if you are fluent in English, teaching English is a skill — and TEFL gives you the basics you need.
How Long Does a TEFL Certificate Take?
This depends on the provider and your pace:
- Fast learners: 1–2 weeks
- Average pace: 3–4 weeks
- Part-time / busy schedule: 1–2 months
Most online TEFL courses are self-paced, meaning you can study in the evenings or on weekends.
Free vs Paid TEFL Certificates
Free Option: Teacher Record
If you are just starting out and don’t have money yet, Teacher Record is a solid free TEFL option.
✔ Free ✔ Accepted by some platforms ✔ Great for beginners
👉 This is how I personally started teaching English online. I used a free TEFL certificate and still got hired.
Get started by clicking this link :www.teacherecord.com
Paid Option: The TEFL Academy (Recommended)
If you want something more recognised and long-term, I recommend The TEFL Academy.
✔ Internationally recognised ✔ 120-hour accredited certificate ✔ Accepted by most ESL companies ✔ Great support and course structure
👉 If you’re serious about teaching English as income, this is a strong investment.
Receive a 5% discount by using this link : https://tefluniversal.com/ref/Ntsako1234/
Please Don’t Pay Someone to Do the TEFL for You
This is important.
❌ Do NOT pay someone to complete your TEFL certificate for you.
Here’s why:
- You won’t understand lesson planning or grammar basics
- You’ll struggle during demo lessons
- Students will feel the lack of confidence
- Some companies may ask TEFL-related questions in interviews
Your TEFL certificate is not just a document — it’s training.
If you plan to teach real people, you need to understand the content yourself.