Starting your English teaching journey can feel overwhelming. There are so many decisions to make before you even begin: Will I enjoy teaching? Which country should I choose? Should I work online? Do I prefer teaching younger learners or teenagers? Which provider is reliable? And should I take a 120-hour course or a Level 5 qualification?
If these questions feel a bit chaotic, you’re not alone. The 120-hour vs Level 5 debate is one of the most common, and this article will help you understand which option suits you best.
We’ll focus on that final question here. Many of the others are already covered on our blog. For now, let’s break things down so you can move confidently toward becoming a qualified English teacher.
How Long Does it Take to Become TEFL Certified? 
You’ll be pleased to hear that our courses are self-paced. This means that you have the flexibility to complete it as soon (or as slowly) as you want. Whether you have other social, academic, or occupational responsibilities, you can study whenever you want with our courses. So remember, no excuses!
That being said, the courses can be completed in as little as a couple of weeks to a couple of months. This depends entirely on the person’s schedule. Our courses offer 6 months of study time; however, they can be extended if needed. And remember, once you’re certified, you’re certified for life!
Are All TEFL Courses Valued the Same?
It’s important to recognize which providers are legitimate and accredited and which ones aren’t. Don’t be fooled by providers that offer courses for free. The chances are that these courses aren’t valued or recognized by employers. Certain red flags are;
- Free standalone courses (courses not offered with employment or internship)
- 120-hour Courses under $50
- The course provider has negative reviews or no reviews at all
- Lack of accreditation
However, you’re with Premier TEFL, so you’re in good hands. Our courses are accredited, and graduates receive internationally recognized certificates as a testament to their work.
Another thing you should know is the difference in levels of TEFL courses. There is a large spectrum, and degrees will vary in their reputation and standard. For example, there are notable differences between a level 5 TEFL and a 120-hour Course
What are the Differences Between a Level 5 vs a 120-hour Course?
It is well established that most teachers only need a 120-hour Course to find work. However, choosing between a level 5 course and a 120-hour course is a hard choice to make. It is essentially the bare minimum that a teacher should have. Along with a grasp of English, of course. While it may grant them the freedom to find work and travel around the world, TEFL teachers could be more ambitious and opt for a level 5 course.
Ofqual is a government department that regulates tests and exams in the UK. According to Ofqual’s framework, 120-hour courses rank as a level 3. This is the equivalent of an A-level or an apprenticeship. Pretty good, right?
A level 5, according to Ofqual, is the equivalent of a foundation degree, a diploma of higher education, or a higher national diploma. You could essentially gain a level 5 qualification within a few weeks through one of our self-paced Teaching English as a Foreign Language courses. The level 5 courses available at Premier TEFL are;
- 180-Hour Ofqual Regulated Level 5 Course
- 240-hour Ofqual-regulated Level 5 Course
- 250-Hour Level 5 Hybrid Course
- 300-Hour Ofqual Regulated Level 5 Course
- 310-Hour Level 5 Hybrid Master Course
Each of these courses offers 180 hours of Ofqual-regulated level 5 tuition. The courses that go beyond 180 hours offer additional TEFL pro courses such as Business English, IELTS exam classes, and teaching young learners courses. Additionally, those that are level 5 Hybrid courses offer real-life teaching practice.
If you are short of time, you can settle for the 180-hour Ofqual level 5 course. However, if you have more time on your hands and you’d like to invest more energy into studying, the 310-hour level 5 Hybrid course has it all for inquisitive teachers.
Who Is a Level 5 TEFL Course For?
If you are someone who thinks that teaching English as a Foreign Language will be a short-term experience, then there is nothing wrong with opting for the cheaper and more convenient 120-hour course. If you are busy or uncertain about how long you’d like to teach, it is an appropriate option. Additionally, you can always upskill should you want to progress your TEFL career in the future.
Many TEFL internship programs also offer the 120-hour course when aspiring TEFLers sign up. This makes it a very convenient option for those who want to become TEFL-certified and enter their placement seamlessly.
If you are a teacher who would like to spend a few years teaching abroad, a level 5 course would benefit you greatly. Firstly, your dedication to this industry will be reflected in the course you studied. It is a more reputable course than the traditional 120-hour course. Secondly, you’ll reap the benefits of a level 5 course from the very moment you begin teaching. So, what are these benefits?
What Are the Benefits of a Level 5 TEFL Course?
Now you know what a level 5 course is, but what matters is why and how it will benefit you. What is important is how having a level 5 course will maximize your experience as a TEFL teacher. So, what are the benefits of a level 5 course?
Increased Employability
The certificate from TEFL is somewhat of a passport itself. It allows you to navigate the world as a teacher, living in different cultures while being paid. With an upgraded Certificate, these opportunities for new locations in new countries will only continue to open.
Having a level 5 course will make you stand out among the bustling crowd. Admittedly, TEFL is oversaturated with teachers who only have the 120-hour course. Thankfully for them, the demand for English is high. But by investing a little more time, you could increase your employability by upgrading your level of qualification.
Maximize Salary Potential
This comes as a byproduct of the previous point. If you are more qualified and employable, you’re more desirable as a teacher. Therefore, your salary potential will be much higher. Because of this, you can view the level 5 course as an investment that will pay dividends once you’re out there teaching.
Increased Confidence in the Classroom
While I’m not saying that the 120-hour course won’t prepare you for the classroom, a level 5 course certainly will do so more effectively. With a level 5 course, you’ll receive a range of benefits that other courses do not offer. These vary from DELTA-qualified tutors, professionally assessed modules, a letter of enrolment, a UK Government qualification, and more.
With more support and more practice, you’ll become much more confident in your abilities to teach. By studying theoretical aspects of Teaching English as a Foreign Language, you’ll come to familiarize yourself with some of the traits of the TEFL classroom.
Gain First-Hand Teaching Experience with Hybrid Courses 
This one is for the level 5 Hybrid courses that are available on our websites. Studying and learning more from a theoretical aspect is extremely beneficial, but it can only take you so far. Would you rather hire someone with more theoretical experience or practical experience? With a hybrid course, you can obtain both.
Hybrid courses allow teachers to gain first-hand experience within the virtual classroom before they set foot in a real one. This can prove to be an invaluable experience, especially when they receive feedback from qualified instructors. First-time TEFL teachers will enter the classroom already with experience under their belt, making them ready to undertake any challenges in the classroom.
Are There Courses Which Are Higher Than Level 5?
There are, however, you don’t necessarily need to worry about them for now. Some courses, such as the DELTA are ranked as Ofqual level 7. Feeling dizzy yet?
This course is for teachers who have at least a year of experience teaching, and its purpose is to provide professional development for teachers who want to climb up the TEFL ladder. This means obtaining senior roles such as the head of the department or a teacher trainer.
So, Which One Will You Choose?
Level 5 Course vs 120-hour Course is a difficult choice to make, but if you’re struggling to make a decision, there are a few things to remember when weighing up your options. The 120-hour course is often than not enough to secure a placement and a job abroad. It is also cheaper and more flexible than other courses.
So, are you someone who thinks they’ll complete an internship and be done with TEFL? If so, maybe the 120-hour course is best for you. It is perfect for those who think they will have shorter commitments to TEFL.
However, are you open to completing more than one semester of TEFL teaching? Or, do you want to gain any competitive edge possible? If you truly want to reap even tastier fruits of your labour while working online or abroad, level 5 courses will help you do so.
By investing more time and effort into becoming a more highly qualified teacher, you will stand out among the crowd. Furthermore, you’ll enter your school on the first day with much more confidence. This means that you can truly embrace the experience with more ease.
But remember, while someone who becomes TEFL certified is certified for life, they can always upskill. This is important to remember because many Premier TEFL graduates may start with the 120-hour course and end up upskilling by undertaking a level 5 course to show off to employers. Level 5 courses are very relevant and beneficial, and because of this, they’ll always be available for those eager TEFLers to undertake.
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- How to get confident in front of Camera
- 9 Tips for Looking After Your Mental Health as a Teacher
- Top 10 Things To Do in Vietnam
