What TEFL certificate do schools accept?

The TEFL certificate most commonly accepted by schools is a 120-hour TEFL or TESOL certificate from a reputable course provider. A 120-hour course is widely considered the standard minimum for many English teaching jobs abroad and online. Schools usually want to see that your training covered core areas such as English grammar, lesson planning, classroom management, teaching methodologies, and how to teach different language skills like speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Many employers accept online TEFL certificates, especially for entry-level teaching roles and online English teaching positions. However, some schools, particularly more competitive private schools or language centers, may prefer applicants who have completed in-class training or a course that includes observed teaching practice. Requirements can also depend on the country, local regulations, the age group being taught, and the individual employer’s hiring standards. A TEFL certificate alone may not be the only requirement. Some schools may also ask for a bachelor’s degree, previous teaching experience, or specific documents depending on the location. ITTT offers online TEFL and TESOL certification courses, as well as in-class options, so trainees can choose the format that best fits their goals. Before enrolling, it is a good idea to check job ads in your target country or teaching market to see what employers commonly request.