How Much Does TEFL/TESOL Certification Cost? Is It Worth It?

Employers hiring teachers of English as a foreign language typically require certification, among other qualifications. You know you need it, but how much does TEFL certification cost? Prices vary depending on several factors. Expect to pay about $100 for minimal online certification and $300 – $500 USD for online certification with enough hours (at least 120) to qualify for most TEFL/TESOL jobs. University-level online training and on-site TEFL/TESOL courses cost more, usually between $1,500 and $3,000 USD.

This breakdown shows how much a TEFL/TESOL course costs, depending on the type you choose. Compare what you pay with what you get in each option to decide which course is right for you.

If you’re new to teaching, you’ll want to get initial training and qualification with a TEFL certificate. You can explore our online TEFL courses to get started!

First things first: Is a TEFL/TESOL course worth it?

Almost all schools, whether based abroad or online, require English teachers to hold TEFL/TESOL certification, among other qualifications. TEFL/TESOL certification shows employers that you have the specialized skills to teach English as a foreign language, even if you already hold a U.S. teaching license in another subject.

TEFL/TESOL courses still vary in quality, and trainees come from different backgrounds and have different goals. Choose the course that best fits your background and teaching plans to get the most value from your certification.

Certification is also a one-time cost. A TEFL/TESOL certificate does not expire, so you pay no renewal fees to keep it valid. The course fee is small compared with what you can earn. A typical TEFL salary abroad ranges from about $600 to $4,000 USD per month, so a 120-hour online course usually costs less than one month of a new teacher’s pay.

Learn more about the advantages of getting TEFL/TESOL certification even if you’re already a teacher.

How much does online TEFL certification cost?

Most people who get TEFL/TESOL certified to teach English abroad or virtually earn their certificates online, and most language schools and online English teaching companies accept this type of certification. Online courses also cost less than in-person courses and offer far more flexibility and convenience.

The coronavirus pandemic also made in-person classes impossible for a period, and though many schools have reopened, the trend toward online TEFL certification has only grown stronger since 2020.

You’ll see a range of prices when you browse online TEFL/TESOL courses, from under $100 to as much as $3,000. The average 120-hour online TEFL/TESOL course with a tutor costs $300 – $500.

Compare online courses by their final price and what they include. Check whether the price covers feedback from a qualified tutor and prepares you to start your job search. Bridge’s 120-Hour Global TEFL Certificate, for example, includes academic tutors who review progress throughout the course, plus access to the Bridge Job Board.

What factors affect the cost of online TEFL/TESOL certification?

Several factors explain these variances in TEFL/TESOL course costs. The breakdown below clears up the pricing confusion and helps you decide which course is right for you.

The number of hours of certification

The number of TEFL/TESOL hours strongly affects course cost, and more hours generally cost more. Most teaching jobs require at least a 120-hour TEFL certificate, so shorter courses serve as introductions and cost less. These courses usually fall in the $100 – $300 range. TEFL/TESOL courses of 120 hours or more cost more, usually $300 – $500, and the price rises as the hours increase.

Some providers also sell bundles that combine a 120-hour course with a specialization, and a bundle usually costs less than the courses bought separately. Bridge’s Comprehensive TEFL Certification Bundle, for example, pairs the 120-Hour Global TEFL Certificate with Specialized Certification in Teaching English Online, so you can qualify for both classroom and online teaching jobs.

Amount of tutor involvement in the course

The amount of tutor involvement in a course also affects TEFL/TESOL certification cost.

• Some courses do not involve a tutor. You study independently and take self-check quizzes to assess your grade. These courses cost less as they do not offer contact with real tutors.
• Other courses include TEFL/TESOL tutor involvement, so they cost a bit more. Your personal tutor may give you feedback on assignments and answer your questions.
• Higher-level, instructor-led courses cost the most among online TEFL/TESOL options. These courses may not offer significantly more hours, but they are often university-level TEFL/TESOL courses aimed at career-minded teachers, and some let you earn credit toward an M.A. in TESOL.

Find out if getting a master’s degree in TESOL is worth it for you.

The TEFL/TESOL training center

TEFL/TESOL courses cost more at well-established, accredited training centers than at unaccredited providers that offer no verifiable credentials.

TEFL/TESOL course accreditation matters. Accreditation assures you, the consumer, that you are getting quality training, and it shows employers that you are well-trained and prepared to teach.

Check two things to find legitimate TEFL courses: who accredits the provider, and whether a government body recognizes that accreditor. Bridge holds ACCET institutional accreditation, recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, and the American Council on Education (ACE) recommends its professional certificates for university credit.

How much is an online TEFL/TESOL course vs. an in-person course?

Online tuition covers one side of the comparison. In-person (or “on-site”) TEFL/TESOL certification generally costs $1,500 – $3,000. Does that price make sense for you? Should you choose online or in-person TEFL/TESOL certification?

Tuition is only part of the cost of an in-person course. Most on-site courses run full-time for about four weeks, so you need to budget for travel and accommodation. You may also lose a month of income if you take time off work to attend. An online course lets you study from home while you keep your current job.

Some situations still call for an in-person TEFL/TESOL course, despite the convenience and affordability of online options.

• Some people learn better in the classroom, in a 100% hands-on environment.
• Others feel strongly about completing a teaching practicum as part of their TEFL/TESOL course, and on-site courses include this component (note that you can also add a teaching practicum to an online TEFL/TESOL course).
• Certain countries in the Middle East prefer on-site TEFL/TESOL certification. This high-paying region sometimes requires an in-person TEFL/TESOL course. If you plan to teach in the UAE or Qatar, especially if you do not have previous English teaching experience, ask your employer about requirements.

Nevertheless, online training is now the most common way to earn TEFL/TESOL certification, so employers worldwide have been more open to it than they were in the past. Online certification is widely considered equal to on-site certification, especially if you add a teaching practicum.

Can I pay in installments for a TEFL/TESOL course?

The answer depends on each TEFL/TESOL school’s policies, whether you choose online or on-site certification. Many schools still require online TEFL/TESOL course tuition upfront, at registration. However, several providers now offer payment plans that split tuition into monthly installments.

You can also “finance” a higher-hour TEFL/TESOL certification by starting with a course of minimal hours within your budget, then adding hours later when you can afford to.

Bridge offers courses at varied price ranges. You can start with the 120-Hour Global TEFL Certificate, then take a specialized certification or even a micro-credential, according to your needs and financial possibilities.

The IDELTOnline™, Bridge’s graduate-level course for teachers pursuing senior roles or an M.A. in TESOL, can be paid for in monthly installments across its 12 weeks.

On-site TEFL/TESOL courses usually require an initial deposit, with the balance of your course tuition due closer to the start date.

Can a host family pay for an au pair’s TEFL/TESOL course?

Yes, in many cases. The U.S. Department of State’s au pair program requires standard au pairs to complete at least six semester hours of academic credit, or the equivalent, at an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution. Host families contribute up to $500 toward this coursework. EduCare au pairs complete 12 semester hours, and their host families contribute up to $1,000.

A TEFL/TESOL course from an accredited U.S. institution can meet this requirement for au pair classes and give you a teaching credential you can use after your program year. Bridge’s 120-Hour Global TEFL Certificate and Comprehensive TEFL Certification Bundle both fall within the host family contribution. Your sponsor decides which courses count, so confirm your choice with them before you enroll.

See how Bridge courses help au pairs meet their education requirement.

Is the certificate itself included in the course?

Online courses will let you download and print your TEFL/TESOL certificate upon completion and submit it to schools when you apply. Some online TEFL/TESOL training centers also provide an online portal where schools can verify your TEFL/TESOL certificate by entering the unique number.

Bridge also includes a Credly digital credential with every course you complete. You can add the credential to your LinkedIn profile, and employers can verify it online in seconds. You earn a separate credential for each course, so your record grows each time you add training.

An original hard-copy certificate often costs extra, around $50 – $100, because training centers print it on certificate-quality paper, sign it, and mail it to graduates worldwide. You can usually also have the certificate notarized or authenticated internationally for an extra fee.

TEFL/TESOL certification can range from under $100 to $3,000 for university-level and in-person training. A 120-hour certification is likely the best option if you want to become an ESL teacher. It costs $300 – $500 and meets the certification requirements for most English teaching jobs abroad and online.

The right course depends on where you plan to teach and the roles you want later in your career. Compare what each course includes, such as tutor feedback and accreditation, rather than price alone. A course from an accredited provider prepares you for your first TEFL job and gives employers a credential they can verify.

Ready to start your TEFL journey? Take Bridge’s accredited 120-Hour Global TEFL Certificate and learn all you need to teach with confidence and stand out to employers.