How Long Does It Take to Get TEFL Certified?

When you're planning to teach English abroad or online, one of the first things you’ll wonder is: how long is this going to take? Whether you're squeezing lessons into a busy schedule or sprinting toward a departure date, knowing how much time to set aside is essential.

The truth is, TEFL certification is flexible. Some people cruise through a course in just a few weeks; others take their time over a few months. It depends on how the course is structured, how much time you can realistically commit, and what kind of teaching jobs you're aiming for. Not all TEFL courses are created equal—and not all timelines will fit every lifestyle.

What Determines the Time It Takes?

Let’s start with the basics. Most TEFL courses are named after the number of estimated study hours they include. So a “120-hour TEFL course” should take around 120 hours to complete. But that doesn’t mean 120 hours from now you’ll be certified. It’s about study time, not calendar time.

Here’s what really affects how long it takes:

• Full-time vs. part-time study: If you're studying a few hours a day, you could finish in 3–4 weeks. If you’re fitting it in after work or on weekends, expect closer to 2–3 months.
• Course format: Online courses let you set your own pace, while in-person or hybrid courses have fixed schedules.
• Your personal rhythm: Some people like to binge-study; others need breaks to absorb the material.

And then there’s access time—that’s how long the course platform gives you to complete the material. Most decent providers offer 6–12 months. That’s not how long the course takes, it’s just the window you have to finish.

So while the number of course hours is a helpful guide, the actual timeline depends on your learning style, goals, and how much time you can carve out each week.

Typical Duration of Popular Course Types

120-Hour Online TEFL Course

This is the gold standard for entry-level teaching jobs—and by far the most popular format. While “120 hours” refers to estimated study time, most people finish in about 4 to 12 weeks, depending on how consistently they study. If you can commit 8 to 10 hours per week, you’re looking at roughly 1.5 to 3 months.

Most 120-hour courses are self-paced, which means you can study evenings, weekends, or during that extra-long airport layover. It’s flexible, affordable, and widely accepted by employers around the world.

Level 5 TEFL Courses

Level 5 TEFL courses (typically 180 to 300+ hours) are more in-depth and are often marketed as “CELTA-equivalent” or suitable for competitive teaching environments. These courses include more rigorous assessments and cover teaching theory in greater detail.

Expect to spend 10 to 20 weeks or longer, especially if you’re fitting study around a full-time job. They’re a smart choice if you're aiming for international schools, the Middle East, or high-paying online platforms that ask for stronger credentials.

Combined or In-Person Courses

Some providers offer a blend of in-person training (often a weekend or week-long intensive) and online coursework. The classroom component gives you real-time teaching practice, which some employers value.

The live training can be wrapped up quickly, but you’ll still need to complete the online modules, which can take a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on the course. This is a great option if you want some hands-on prep but still need flexibility.

Fast-Track Options: Is It Realistic?

If you're motivated and have the time, it's entirely possible to finish a TEFL course in under a month—especially the 120-hour versions. This might be the right move if you’re chasing an urgent job opportunity or planning to teach during a gap year or summer break.

Fast-tracking works best when:

• You’re treating the course like a full-time job (30+ hours/week).
• You already have a teaching background and just need certification.
• You’re on a tight departure deadline and can commit short-term focus.

But be cautious of providers promising a “120-hour TEFL in one weekend” or instant certificates. If the content feels thin or rushed, it likely won’t be respected by employers. Real TEFL courses include quizzes, assignments, tutor feedback, and reflection time. Anything that skips that is just a certificate, not a qualification.

The goal isn’t just to finish—it’s to actually learn how to teach.

How Course Structure Affects Time Commitment

Not all TEFL courses are created equal—even if they advertise the same number of hours. A well-structured 120-hour TEFL course usually includes modules like:

• Teaching methodology: How to plan lessons, manage classrooms, and teach the four language skills.
• Grammar essentials: From parts of speech to tense usage—especially useful if you’re a bit rusty.
• Assessment and feedback: How to check progress and help students improve.
• Classroom management: Handling mixed levels, large classes, and student behavior.
• Optional specializations: Like teaching online, young learners, or large classes.

Where most of your time goes:

• Assignments that require planning lessons, analyzing language, or reflecting on teaching practices.
• Interactive modules with quizzes and feedback loops.
• Optional teaching practice (in some courses) which requires scheduling and submitting recordings or reflections.

Some cheaper or low-quality courses may just be slideshows with a “next” button. Others include real tutor feedback, interactive scenarios, and meaningful evaluations. Naturally, better design often means a bit more time—but also more real preparation for teaching.

Choosing a Study Schedule That Fits Your Life

TEFL is one of the few qualifications that truly flexes around your lifestyle. Whether you're working full-time, traveling, or between commitments, you can shape a study plan that works.

If You're Working Full-Time

You can make steady progress with just 5–7 hours per week. That might look like:

• 1 hour per weekday evening
• 2–3 hours on weekends
• Completion time: ~10–12 weeks

If You’re on a Gap Month or Between Semesters

Use this window to go all-in. For example:

• 3 hours/day, 5 days/week
• Completion time: ~3–4 weeks

Staying on Track: Simple Tips

• Set a goal: “I’ll finish by [date]” gives structure.
• Break it down: Set weekly hour targets (e.g., 8–10 hours/week).
• Time-blocking: Schedule your TEFL time like you would a class or meeting.
• Reward progress: Celebrate milestones—halfway through? That’s a win.

The freedom of online study is amazing, but it also requires self-discipline. Build a rhythm that feels doable, and you'll be certified before you know it.

How Long You’re Allowed to Complete a Course

Most TEFL providers offer generous access windows—typically 6 to 12 months to complete your course. That gives you plenty of breathing room, even if you're working, traveling, or juggling other responsibilities.

But there’s a catch: extensions. Some budget or Groupon-style courses lure you in with a low price, then charge hefty fees if you don’t finish on time. Reputable providers are more transparent and may even offer free extensions or small one-time fees.

Fast vs Slow: Which Pace Is Better?

Fast Track Pros:

• Get certified quickly for a specific job or travel plan.
• Retain course content better with fewer gaps between modules.
• Faster route to income and job applications.

Slow and Steady Pros:

• Easier to balance with full-time work or parenting.
• More time to absorb grammar, teaching methods, and plan your next steps.
• Reduces burnout for long-term learners.

There's no “right” pace—just make sure your chosen provider offers enough flexibility to match your timeline.

How Long It Takes to Use Your TEFL (Getting a Job)

Getting certified is only half the journey. The next question is: how soon can you actually start teaching?

The Good News

• Many schools—especially online platforms or startup language centers—accept applicants still completing their course.
• You can begin applying during your final module, and some students line up interviews before they even finish.
• On average, most graduates find a job within 1 to 3 months of finishing their TEFL course.

Want to Speed Things Up?

• Polish your CV/resume for ESL teaching (not just your old work experience).
• Create a short demo video—even a 2-minute “Hello, this is how I teach greetings” clip can help.
• Specialize: Courses in teaching kids, business English, or exam prep can help you stand out.
• Use the right job boards: Focus on TEFL-specific platforms like Teast and recruiter networks.

The more prepared and visible you are, the faster you’ll land that first teaching gig—whether it’s abroad, online, or both.

What You Actually Learn in a Quality Course

TEFL certification isn’t just a box to tick—it’s real training designed to help you step into a classroom with confidence, whether physical or virtual.

Core Modules You’ll Usually Cover:

• Grammar & Language Systems: How to explain tenses, parts of speech, and sentence structure—even if you haven’t touched grammar since school.
• Teaching Methodology: Approaches like communicative language teaching, PPP, and TTT, plus how to adapt to different learner needs.
• Lesson Planning: Structuring effective, engaging lessons from warm-up to wrap-up.
• Classroom Management: How to handle mixed-level classes, maintain student focus, and manage time smoothly.

Optional Add-Ons (Often Worth It):

• Teaching English Online: Tools, platforms, and how to teach effectively via video.
• Young Learners: Age-appropriate strategies for kids, teens, and pre-teens.
• Exam Prep (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.): High-demand niche that opens more job opportunities.

Why take your time? Because the more you truly absorb during your course, the easier your first weeks of teaching will be. Cramming won’t help when you're standing in front of 15 teenagers—or teaching adults on Zoom with questions flying at you.

Summary: Your Ideal Timeline Based on Your Situation

There’s no one-size-fits-all path. Some people power through in a month. Others take it slow over half a year. The key is finding your rhythm—and choosing a course provider that lets you adjust pace as life happens.

At the end of the day, TEFL is flexible by design. You can make it work whether you're in between jobs, prepping for a move abroad, or fitting study into evenings after work. Just get started—and let the momentum carry you forward.

Explore Next:

• Best TEFL Courses for Beginners
• What’s the Difference Between Level 3 and Level 5 TEFL?
• Teach English Abroad
• Teach English Online