TEFL vs CELTA: Which Qualification Should You Choose?

Choose CELTA or CertTESOL if you want the most widely recognised externally regulated qualification and can do a course with assessed teaching practice. Choose a generic TEFL certificate if you want a cheaper or more flexible start and your target employer accepts it. Always check the employer first.

What the two regulated qualifications are

Cambridge's CELTA totals 120 hours and is regulated by Ofqual at Level 5. It is assessed through written assignments and assessed teaching practice with real English language classes. Entry requires a high level of English, between CEFR C1 and C2, and an education level suitable for entry into higher education.

Trinity's CertTESOL is also regulated by Ofqual at Level 5. It has a minimum of 130 guided learning hours and a total qualification time of 200 hours. Trainees complete at least six hours of supervised teaching with real learners, observe experienced teachers and receive structured feedback. Assessment covers five units: teaching skills, language awareness and skills, the learner profile, a materials assignment and the unknown language.

These details come from the awarding bodies' own documents. Individual centres set their own timetables and fees, so ask each one.

What employers ask for

Many schools in Spain, Italy and Asia accept a good generic 120-hour certificate. Some, particularly better-paid language schools and international schools, ask for CELTA or CertTESOL. Guides for Thailand describe a 120-hour accredited TEFL as the baseline most schools expect and CELTA as the more demanding step up. For Vietnam, law-firm guidance describes certificates of at least 120 hours with a practicum for applicants whose degree is not in a relevant field. These are secondary descriptions, so ask the specific employer.

Neither CELTA nor CertTESOL is a visa on its own. For visas, the degree, nationality, police check and sponsor matter more, as covered in the paperwork checklist.

How to decide

1. List the three employers or schemes you most want to work for and what each asks for.
2. If any asks for CELTA or CertTESOL by name, choose that.
3. If none does, choose a course with assessed live practice, tutor feedback and a clear awarding body.
4. Compare total costs using the cost guide, including time off work for a full-time course.
5. Check the centre on the awarding body's own list of approved centres.

Strengths and limits of each option

• CELTA: well known to employers and assessed on real teaching. It is intensive, so a part-time or full-time schedule needs planning, and you need strong written English.
• CertTESOL: similar status and structure, assessed with a moderator, with a materials assignment and a language awareness component. Check the centre's schedule and fees.
• Generic TEFL: cheaper and usually more flexible. Quality varies widely, so assess it on hours, tutor feedback, assessed practice and employer acceptance.
• Short introductory courses: fine for testing interest but unlikely to meet employer requirements on their own.

Whichever you choose, keep a copy of the syllabus and your results, because some countries or schools ask for evidence of hours and practice.

Later, Cambridge's Delta is a separate diploma for teachers with at least one year of experience. It is not a starting point; see business English teaching for an example of where it may matter.