TEFL, TESOL, and CELTA: What is the Difference?

One of the most important decisions when starting a career teaching English is deciding whether to get a TEFL, TESOL, or CELTA. Before deciding on which English teaching certification is best, it is critical to understand the key differences and purposes of each.

TEFL vs. TESOL vs. CELTA: What is the difference?

What is a TEFL certification?

• Average Price of 120-Hour TEFL course online: $150-$1000
• Average Price of 120-Hour TEFL course in-person: $1,000-$5000

What is a TESOL certification?

• Average Price of 120-Hour TESOL course online: $150- $1000
• Average Price of 120-Hour TESOL course in-person: $1,000- $5,000

What is a CELTA certification?

• Average price of 120-Hour CELTA course online: $1,500- $3,000
• Average price of 120-Hour CELTA course in-person: $2,5000- $8,000

TEFL vs TESOL vs CELTA: Which is the best?

For teaching English abroad and online: TEFL

If you want to teach English abroad or online, getting an accredited 120-hour TEFL certificate is the best way to go. Teaching methodologies, lesson planning, and the fundamentals of managing a classroom of non-native learners are all covered in TEFL certification courses. Most, if not all, English teaching jobs in Asia and Latin America will accept your accredited 120 Hour TEFL certification.

For teaching English to adults abroad: CELTA

Those interested in teaching English to adults abroad will benefit from a CELTA certification rather than a TESOL or TEFL. Higher-paying teaching jobs in the Middle East prefer candidates with a CELTA and a few years of teaching experience over those with only a basic TEFL certificate. Non-European English teachers will also benefit from a CELTA if they are looking for English teaching jobs in Europe. If you’re serious about investing in your English teaching career and prefer teaching adults, a CELTA certification is for you.

For teaching English in An English-speaking country: TESOL

Even in English-speaking countries, there are large populations of people who do not speak English as their first language and wish to learn or improve their skills. People from all over the world flock to diverse nations such as the United States and England, from young children starting kindergarten to nurses with an already high level of English. A TESOL is most appropriate for any level or age group. One of the most significant advantages is that you can teach English in another country if you want to in the future.

TEFL vs CELTA or TEFL vs TESOL: Get certified today!

After deciding whether you want to teach English abroad or at home, in-person or online, what age, what level, and other factors contribute to what you hope to gain from the experience, deciding to pursue any of these TEFL certifications, whether online or in-person, is the first step toward becoming an English teacher abroad and helping to change the world!