Thinking about signing up for a TEFL course? With so many providers promising "fully accredited" certificates and "guaranteed job placement," it can be hard to separate the trustworthy from the shady. Whether you're chasing the dream of teaching in Asia, tutoring online from a beach town, or simply planning your next big move, choosing the right TEFL course is one of the most important steps you’ll take. And in a market flooded with fast-track deals and flashy promises, it pays to know what’s real—and what’s not.
Why TEFL Course Scams Exist
TEFL has exploded in popularity over the last decade, and with good reason. It’s a relatively low-cost gateway to a lifestyle that blends income, adventure, and purpose. But that popularity comes with a downside: it attracts opportunists. Unlike universities or regulated industries, TEFL certification has no single global standard. That means almost anyone can set up a website, throw together some content, and start selling certificates.
And when thousands of new teachers are Googling “get certified fast” or “cheap TEFL course,” it’s easy for shady providers to slip into the spotlight. Many target people in career transitions or just starting out—folks who may not yet know what a legitimate course should look like. Add to that the emotional appeal of teaching abroad, and you’ve got a perfect storm for scams to thrive.
The problem isn’t just the waste of money—it’s the ripple effect. A fake or low-quality TEFL course can leave you unprepared in the classroom, rejected by employers, and without the skills or confidence you need to succeed abroad. That’s why spotting a scam early isn’t just smart—it’s essential.
The Danger of a Fake or Useless TEFL Certificate
A TEFL certificate isn’t just a piece of paper—it’s your passport to jobs, interviews, and first impressions. If you show up with one that isn’t recognized or respected, it’s game over before you even begin. Schools and platforms around the world have seen thousands of applications, and many can spot dodgy certificates instantly.
The consequences? Wasted time, wasted money, and missed opportunities. Some schools might reject your application outright. Others may not say anything—but silently pass you over in favor of candidates with trusted credentials.
It gets worse. Some scam TEFL sites aren’t just about bad education—they’re after your personal data. Hidden fees, upsells, and phishing schemes are common. You might pay $50 for a “120-hour TEFL,” only to be told you need to pay another $100 for your certificate... and another $50 for access to lessons... and another $80 for “legalization.”
Even if you do get a certificate at the end, a bad course leaves you underprepared. Poor grammar modules, outdated videos, no teaching practice, no feedback—it all adds up to a hollow learning experience. You’ll feel it the first time you step into a classroom or log onto a tutoring platform.
Accreditation: The First Thing to Check
The fastest way to weed out scams? Start with accreditation.
Real accreditation means an external organization—one that isn’t owned by the course provider—has reviewed and approved the course’s quality. It covers things like curriculum, tutor qualifications, assessments, and student support.
Look for names like Ofqual, TQUK, Qualifi, DEAC, ACCET, BAC, or Accreditat. These bodies are known across the education and vocational training world—not just in TEFL. They have strict review processes and list all their accredited providers publicly.
Here’s how to check:
- Go to the accrediting body’s website and look up the course provider. If they’re not listed, it’s not real.
- Search the accreditor on Google. Real ones have transparent processes, partner schools, and other recognitions.
- Be cautious of names that sound impressive but only show up on one website. Anyone can create a logo and a fancy acronym.
No accreditation—or fake accreditation—is the biggest red flag of all. Without it, you’re rolling the dice on whether your course will actually be worth anything.
Fake Accreditation Red Flags
Some scammy TEFL providers rely on smoke and mirrors to make themselves look legit. One of the easiest tricks? Fake accreditation. They slap on a made-up badge or invent an “official-sounding” board—hoping you won’t bother to check.
Here’s what to watch out for:
- "Accredited by XYZ TEFL Board" — Try Googling that board. If it doesn’t exist outside the course’s own website, it’s not real.
- Accreditors that only work with one or two TEFL providers — Real accreditation bodies usually approve a wide range of institutions.
- No independent site for the accreditor — If all roads lead back to the TEFL course’s own domain, it’s a closed loop—not third-party oversight.
- Self-accreditation — Phrases like “Certified by [Course Name] Institute” or “Endorsed by [Course Name] Academy” are just smoke. Providers cannot accredit themselves.
Bottom line: if the accrediting body sounds impressive but no one’s heard of it—and it doesn’t have its own track record—it’s probably fake. Accreditation should be a seal of trust, not a trick.
Website Quality and Transparency
A legitimate TEFL course provider usually invests in a professional, informative, and transparent website. If their site feels half-baked, outdated, or suspiciously vague, that’s often a reflection of the course quality too.
Here’s what to look for:
- Real tutor bios – Not just generic photos or stock images. Look for names, experience, and qualifications.
- Transparent pricing – You shouldn’t have to dig or email just to find out what the course costs.
- Clear course breakdown – What modules are covered? How are you assessed? Is there tutor support?
- Visible contact options – A real company should be reachable. Look for phone numbers, live chat, real office addresses, and active social media.
A scammy provider usually avoids details, hides behind vague language, and makes it hard to get in touch. Trust your gut: if it feels sketchy, it probably is.
Tutor Support: Real Teachers or Just a Dashboard?
A solid TEFL course doesn’t just give you videos and quizzes—it gives you real support from people who’ve actually taught English abroad or online. If all you get is a dashboard and automated messages, that’s a red flag.
Look for courses that offer:
- Access to qualified tutors with real TEFL experience—people who can answer your questions, review your work, and share practical tips.
- Feedback on assignments, not just a score but actual comments you can learn from.
- Ongoing support—especially helpful if you’re confused about grammar explanations, teaching strategies, or even job hunting after graduation.
If the course doesn’t mention tutor support, or if their "tutor" is just a chatbot or auto-responder, keep looking. Teaching is human work—you should be learning from real humans too.
Assessment and Course Structure
A TEFL course isn’t just a box to check. It’s meant to prepare you to stand in front of a class (or webcam) and teach. That means good structure, meaningful tasks, and actual assessment.
Watch out for:
- Courses that rely solely on multiple-choice quizzes—especially if they’re all at the end with no feedback in between.
- Lack of written tasks or lesson planning exercises—which are key to building practical skills.
- No tutor feedback—if you submit assignments and never hear back (or just get “Passed”), that’s not real assessment.
A quality course should guide you through modules step by step, include hands-on practice like planning a lesson, and offer tutor feedback that helps you improve. If it feels like the course is designed to rubber-stamp certificates, it probably is.
Reviews and Reputation
Before handing over your money, dig into what other students are saying—and don’t just skim star ratings. Real reviews can tell you whether a course actually delivers what it promises.
Check trusted sources like:
- Trustpilot
- Reddit (especially r/TEFL)
- Verified review platforms (e.g. Reviews.io)
What to look for:
- Did graduates find jobs? The best courses are praised not just for the content, but for what comes after.
- Was the material useful and up-to-date? Teaching ESL in 2025 isn’t the same as in 2010—you want current methods and tools.
- Was there actual support? Look for comments on tutor feedback, customer service, and responsiveness.
If a course has glowing reviews only on its own website, or if the reviews feel generic and copy-pasted, trust your instincts and keep searching.
Cost: What’s Too Cheap to Be Real?
Everyone loves a good deal—but when it comes to TEFL courses, rock-bottom prices usually mean rock-bottom value.
Legitimate, fully online 120-hour TEFL courses typically cost $200 to $500 USD, sometimes more for advanced Level 5 options. If you see a course for $20 or on Groupon for $12.99, ask yourself: How are they making money?
Here’s what to watch out for:
- Hidden fees: You may pay extra for the certificate, tutor feedback, final exam, job placement access, or course extensions.
- No real content: Sloppy slides, outdated videos, or recycled info that doesn’t actually teach you anything.
- Employer rejection: Many of these bargain certificates are instantly flagged as invalid or unknown by reputable schools and platforms.
Spending a little more upfront on a real course saves you from wasting time, money, and missed job opportunities down the line.
Practicum: Is It Required?
Live teaching practice, often called a "practicum," can be a great way to build confidence—but it’s not a dealbreaker. Most TEFL jobs, especially online and in entry-level schools abroad, don’t require it.
Instead, what matters more is how well the course prepares you to actually teach. Strong online TEFL courses include:
- Simulated classroom tasks
- Video observation
- Lesson planning practice
- Peer and tutor feedback
If you're aiming for premium programs (like CELTA) or teaching at international schools, a practicum may help. But for most new teachers, it's not essential—as long as the course gives you practical, real-world tools to step into a classroom with confidence.
Questions to Ask Before You Sign Up
Before enrolling in any TEFL course, take a few minutes to run through this checklist. A legit provider should have clear, transparent answers:
- Who accredits this provider? Can you verify the accreditor online?
- How long has the provider been operating? (New sites with no track record can be risky.)
- How is the course assessed? Multiple quizzes? Assignments? Tutor feedback?
- Do I get tutor support? And are the tutors actual teachers—not just admin staff?
- What’s the refund policy? Can you get your money back if it’s not a good fit?
- Are there hidden fees? Especially for things like certificates, job placement, or extending access.
If you can’t find clear answers—or worse, if the provider dodges these questions—it’s time to move on.
Final Thoughts: Choose Carefully, Teach Confidently
Getting certified to teach English is one of the best steps you can take toward a new career, lifestyle, or adventure abroad. But not all TEFL courses are created equal.
The best programs give you more than just a certificate—they prepare you to succeed in a real classroom. So before you hit “buy,” do your homework:
- Check for real accreditation
- Look into tutor support and assessment
- Read honest reviews from actual students
- Ask the right questions
A few extra hours of research now can save you weeks of frustration—and help you land the job you’ve been dreaming about.
👉 Suggested links:
Helping teachers find jobs they will love.