TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. It refers to teaching English in countries where English is not the primary language. For example, a TEFL-certified teacher from the U.S. might teach English in China, Spain, or Brazil. 

A TEFL certification qualifies you for English teaching jobs worldwide and online, making it the gold standard for aspiring English language teachers. 

A TEFL certification (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) is the industry-standard qualification for teaching English to non-native speakers worldwide and online. 

Earning a TEFL/TESOL certificate provides: 

• Essential training in teaching methodology, lesson planning, and classroom management. 

• Eligibility for English teaching jobs in schools, language institutes, and online platforms. 

• Recognition by employers globally, ensuring credibility in the TEFL job market. 

Types of TEFL Certification  

• Online TEFL certification – Flexible, self-paced, and tutor-led programs. 

• Blended TEFL certification – Combines online coursework with in-person teaching practice. 

Bridge offers accredited TEFL/TESOL courses, including the 120-hour Bridge Master TEFL Certificate and the 150-hour IDELTOnline™, designed to meet employer requirements and boost your teaching career. 

While TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) and TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) are often used interchangeably, they have slight distinctions: 

• TEFL refers to teaching English in countries where English is not the primary language (e.g., teaching English in China or Spain). 

• TESOL is a broader term that includes both TEFL and TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language). TESL applies to teaching English in countries where English is the primary language (e.g., teaching international students in the U.S. or Canada). 

When it comes to TEFL/TESOL certification, most employers accept both terms interchangeably, so either a TEFL or TESOL certificate will qualify you for teaching jobs worldwide and online. 

Want to learn more? Read: What is TESOL?

A TEFL certification opens doors to teaching opportunities worldwide and online. Whether you want to teach English abroad or teach English online, most employers require a TEFL/TESOL certificate of at least 120 hours. 

With a TEFL certificate, you can work in: 

Teach English Abroad 

• Language institutes – Teach students of all ages in private or public schools. 

• Business English programs – Help professionals improve their English for work. 

• K-12 schools – Teach young learners in private or government-sponsored programs. 

Teach English Online 

• Work for online teaching companies or global language platforms. 

• Offer private lessons as an independent teacher. 

• Specialize in niche areas like Business English or Exam Preparation. 

To qualify for these opportunities, we recommend earning a Bridge Professional TEFL/TESOL Certificate. These 120-hour+ accredited courses provide essential training in teaching methodology, lesson planning, and classroom management to help you succeed. 

Like any job, securing a TEFL position requires the right qualifications, preparation, and job search strategy. Fortunately, the demand for TEFL-certified teachers is high, offering teaching opportunities worldwide and online. 

What Do Employers Look For? 

Most TEFL jobs require: 

• A TEFL/TESOL certification of at least 120 hours. 

• Strong communication and classroom management skills. 

• Adaptability to different cultures and student needs. 

Where Are TEFL Jobs Available? 

• Teach English abroad – Schools, language institutes, and corporate training programs. 

• Teach English online – Online platforms, private tutoring, and freelance teaching. 

To meet these qualifications and increase job prospects, we recommend earning a Bridge Professional TEFL/TESOL Certificate. These 120-hour+ accredited courses provide the training and credentials needed to stand out in the global TEFL job market. 

Anyone who speaks English and has a passion for helping others learn the language can earn a TEFL certification online and become a TEFL/TESOL teacher. Common profiles of TEFL-certified teachers include:

• Recent high school graduates – Many take a gap year teaching abroad before starting university or entering the workforce.

• University graduates – Gain international experience, boost your resume, and explore career opportunities by teaching English abroad or online.

• Career changers – Professionals seeking a fresh start or more flexibility often transition into TEFL teaching. Employers welcome teachers with real-world experience.

• Retirees – Teaching English offers a fulfilling way to travel, engage with new cultures, and contribute to communities post-retirement. Read Wes's story about teaching in South America.

• Non-native English speakers – With their first-hand language learning experience, non-native English speakers make effective TEFL teachers in their home country or abroad.

• Digital nomads – Teaching English online provides location independence, flexible hours, and the ability to work remotely from anywhere with a stable internet connection. Meet Rachel, a TEFL-certified digital nomad traveling the world while teaching English online as a teacherpreneur.

A TEFL/TESOL course is open to all backgrounds and experience levels!

Read more success stories in our Bridge Voices alumni interview series.

Yes! A TEFL certificate is essential for anyone looking to teach English abroad or online. In today’s competitive job market, most employers require at least 120 hours of TEFL/TESOL certification to ensure teachers have the necessary training in: 

• Lesson planning and curriculum development 

• Classroom management techniques 

• Teaching grammar and language skills 

Why Get TEFL Certified? 

A TEFL/TESOL certification helps you: 

• Qualify for the best TEFL jobs worldwide and online 

• Gain essential teaching skills and confidence before entering the classroom 

• Stand out to employers as a trained, professional educator 

For those looking to specialize, you can also earn Specialized TEFL/TESOL Certificates in high-demand areas such as Teaching Business English, Young Learners, or Teaching English Online. 

To meet employer requirements, we recommend the Bridge Professional TEFL/TESOL Certificate, a 120-hour+ accredited course that provides comprehensive training for new teachers. 

Yes! A TEFL certification qualifies you to teach English online with schools, language platforms, or as an independent teacher.

Best TEFL Courses for Teaching Online 

New to Teaching English? 

Start with the Comprehensive Certification Bundle, which provides: 

• Initial TEFL/TESOL certification (120+ hours) to build foundational teaching skills

• Specialized Certification in Teaching English Online, covering virtual classroom tools and instructional strategies 

Already TEFL/TESOL Certified? 

Take Specialized Certification in Teaching English Online to: 

• Learn technology, tools, and methods for online teaching 

• Gain practical training to stand out for remote teaching jobs 

Bridge TEFL/TESOL programs are fully accredited and help you qualify for top online teaching jobs worldwide. 

Since TEFL/TESOL courses are not universally standardized, choosing an accredited TEFL certification ensures your qualification is recognized and accepted worldwide. 

Why TEFL Accreditation Matters 

• Confirms high-quality training that meets global academic and industry standards 

• Ensures employer recognition for jobs at schools, language institutes, and online platforms 

• Demonstrates credibility and professionalism as an English language teacher 

Bridge TEFL Accreditation 

Bridge TEFL courses are accredited by: 

• ACCET – Recognized by the U.S. Department of Education 

• Aqueduto – UK-based Association for Quality Education & Online Training 

These accreditations guarantee that Bridge TEFL/TESOL courses meet strict educational standards, making them fully verifiable and internationally respected. 

Learn more: Find out about TEFL course accreditation here

The best TEFL/TESOL course for you depends on your teaching experience, career goals, and certification requirements. If you’re new to teaching or don’t yet have a TEFL certification, we recommend starting with a Bridge Professional TEFL/TESOL Certificate. These courses provide essential teacher training, including lesson planning, classroom management, and teaching strategies, and meet requirements for thousands of English teaching jobs worldwide. 

Choose from two accredited TEFL certification levels: 

• 150-Hour Bridge International Diploma in English Language Teaching (IDELTOnline™) 

• A graduate-level, university-affiliated TEFL course 

• Led by a master’s level instructor with collaborative activities, discussion boards, and optional live sessions 

• Exceeds standard TEFL certification requirements and makes you a top candidate for competitive English teaching jobs 

• 120-Hour Bridge Master Certificate  

• A self-paced, tutor-led TEFL course that meets global job requirements 

• Recommended for undergraduate university credit by the American Council on Education 

• Delivered on a state-of-the-art learning platform with dynamic, interactive content 

Whether you choose an online TEFL certification or a graduate-level diploma, Bridge offers flexible, accredited training to help you achieve your teaching and career goals. 

Read more about choosing the best TEFL certification.

Bridge TEFL/TESOL courses are designed to be flexible, interactive, and tutor-supported. 

Self-Paced Online TEFL Courses 

Most Bridge TEFL/TESOL certification courses are self-paced, meaning you can start anytime and complete the coursework at your own pace within three months (though most students finish sooner). These courses include: 

• Practice exercises, quizzes, and written assignments 

• Discussion board participation with fellow trainees 

• Personal tutor feedback on assignments 

Instructor-Led IDELTOnline™ 

The International Diploma in English Language Teaching (IDELTOnline™) is a graduate-level, university-affiliated TEFL course. Unlike self-paced courses, IDELTOnline™ follows a structured 12-week schedule, where you: 

• Join a global cohort of classmates 

• Learn from a master’s level instructor

• Engage in collaborative activities and live sessions 

Learn more: Read about how TEFL courses work here

Bridge’s TEFL/TESOL certification courses are designed to be accessible to aspiring English teachers worldwide. To enroll, you must meet the following requirements: 

• Age Requirement: 18 years or older

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent 

• English Proficiency: Intermediate level (B1 CEFR or higher) 

If English is not your first language, you don’t need to prove proficiency, but a B1 CEFR level (equivalent to IELTS 5.0) is recommended for success in the course. 

The time required to complete a TEFL/TESOL certification depends on: 

• Course Format – Self-paced vs. instructor-led 

• Course Length – Total hours of certification 

• Your Schedule – Availability to study each week 

Self-Paced Online TEFL Courses 

Most Bridge TEFL certification courses are self-paced, allowing you to complete them at your convenience: 

• 40-Hour TEFL Certificate – Can be completed in 1-2 weeks 

• 120-Hour Master TEFL Certificate – Typically takes 4-6 weeks 

• All self-paced courses allow up to 3 months of access, but many students finish sooner. 

• Instructor-Led TEFL Courses 

For a structured learning experience, some courses follow a fixed schedule with set start and end dates: 

150-Hour IDELTOnline™ – A 12-week graduate-level training with weekly due dates, collaborative activities, and live instructor-led sessions. 

Yes, 120 hours is the standard for TEFL/TESOL certification and qualifies you for most teaching jobs abroad and online. However, some employers or countries may require additional training. 

Which Course Should You Choose? 

• 120-Hour Master TEFL Certificate – Meets global job requirements and is recommended for undergraduate-level university credits by the American Council on Education. 

• 150-Hour IDELTOnline™ – A graduate-level, instructor-led certification that boosts employability and qualifies you for more competitive teaching positions.

• Specialized TEFL Certificates & Micro-Credentials – Enhance your resume with additional training in high-demand areas such as Business English, Teaching Young Learners, or Teaching Online. 

How Many Hours Do Employers Require? 

• 120 Hours – Standard requirement for TEFL jobs worldwide 

• 150+ Hours – Preferred for higher-paying roles & competitive markets 

• Stackable Hours – With Bridge, every additional course updates your total TEFL hours on your certificate! 

Not sure how many hours you need? Learn more about TEFL certification hours.

TEFL/TESOL course prices vary based on course length, accreditation, tutor involvement, and format (self-paced vs. instructor-led). 

TEFL Certification Cost Breakdown

• $100 - $200 – Basic self-study courses (not recommended for most jobs) 

• $300 - $500 – Accredited, 100+ hour online TEFL courses (meets most job requirements) 

• $1,000 - $1,500 – University-affiliated, instructor-led programs (e.g., the graduate-level IDELTOnline™) 

Investing in a high-quality, accredited TEFL certification improves job opportunities and salary potential. 

Want a detailed breakdown? Learn more about TEFL certification costs.

With dedication and the right course, passing a TEFL certification is achievable for most learners! 

What Makes TEFL Courses Manageable? 

• Structured Learning – Courses are designed for step-by-step progress. 

• Tutor Support – Bridge courses include personalized guidance from expert tutors. 

• Self-Paced Flexibility – Learn at your own speed and review materials as needed. 

Tips for Success: 

• Stay consistent – Dedicate time weekly to complete coursework. 

• Engage with your tutor – Ask questions and apply feedback. 

• Practice what you learn – Use real-world teaching exercises and interactive content. 

No, your Bridge TEFL / TESOL certification never expires. Once you earn your certificate, it’s yours for life. 

Do Employers Care About Recency? 

While TEFL certificates don’t expire, some employers prefer candidates with recent training, especially if you haven’t taught in a while. 

How to Keep Your TEFL Skills Fresh? 

Stay competitive by upgrading your credentials with specialized TEFL courses. Bridge offers: 

• Teaching English Online – Master virtual classroom skills. 

• Teaching English to Young Learners and Teens – Prepare for high-demand jobs. 

• Business English Certification – Expand your career options. 

Learn more about Bridge TEFL certificates..

Bridge TEFL / TESOL certification courses cover a wide range of essential topics designed to equip you with practical teaching skills and core methodology. 

What Will You Learn? 

Each course includes training in areas such as: 

• Lesson Planning – Structuring effective lessons for different learner levels.

• Classroom Management – Strategies for engaging and managing students.

• Teaching Grammar & Vocabulary – Best practices for explaining language concepts. 

• Eliciting & Correcting Errors – Techniques to help students improve fluency. 

• Teaching Young Learners, Adults & Business Professionals – Adapting instruction to different audiences. 

• Technology in the Classroom – Integrating digital tools for online and in-person learning. 

Where Can You Find Course-Specific Details? 

Each TEFL / TESOL course has a detailed curriculum outlining module topics and learning objectives. To explore specific courses, check out the full list of Bridge online courses.

Yes! Many successful English teachers are multilingual and teach English as their second or even third language. Being a non-native English speaker can be an advantage—you have firsthand experience learning the language and can relate to your students' challenges.

Bridge TEFL / TESOL certification is open to fluent English speakers worldwide. Some employers may have specific language requirements, but many schools and online teaching platforms welcome skilled teachers regardless of their native language. 

For more details, check out Where Can I Teach English as a Non-Native Speaker?

No, there is no additional exam required to become an online English teacher. Once you complete your Bridge TEFL / TESOL certification course, you can start applying for jobs right away. Some employers may have their own screening process, such as demo lessons or interviews, but there are no standardized exams beyond your certification.