Most new TEFL teachers choose between a 120-hour TEFL course and a Level 5 TEFL diploma. The right option depends on your goals, budget, and the type of teaching jobs you want. They also fumble when it comes to the core qualification of teaching English, such as lesson planning, classroom management, etc.
Once the core qualification is in place, many teachers then look at specialist courses to build on their skills. These are designed to focus on specific areas. Areas such as teaching young learners, business English, or online teaching. Rather than replacing the core qualification, they work alongside it, helping teachers develop confidence and move into more specialised roles over time.
What is a core TEFL Qualification?
It is a set of standards, processes, and qualifications that must be met to teach English in a professional environment. It covers the essential skills needed to get started as a teacher. It includes lesson planning, classroom management, and teaching grammar and vocabulary. This is the foundation that most employers expect before hiring a new teacher.
Who needs one?
Anyone who wants to become an English teacher online or abroad. They will usually need a core qualification. This includes beginners, career changers, and even native speakers looking to work abroad or online. It provides the basic knowledge and confidence needed to step into a classroom or start teaching professionally.
Always understand the difference between “core” qualification and “special” or qualification
Keep in mind that a core qualification is the starting point. It gives a broad understanding of how to teach English in general.
Specialist courses, on the other hand, come after this. They focus on specific areas such as teaching children, business professionals, exam preparation, or online learners. While a core course helps someone become a teacher, specialist courses help them grow in a particular direction and stand out in more specific roles.
What Core Qualification does Premier TEFL offer?
Premier TEFL offers a top qualification to become a teacher around the world. You can start off with courses that are fit for beginners and then advance through the courses that are fit for professional teachers. Premier TEFL currently offers two main core qualification routes for new teachers: a 120-hour TEFL course and a Level 5 180-hour TEFL diploma.
120-Hour TEFL Diploma
For those just starting as a teacher, the 120-hour TEFL Course is a perfect fit. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the field of teaching English as a foreign language, and it is ideal for anyone looking to teach English overseas. Students are given an introduction to the skills and methods of language teaching, as well as developing practical teaching experience.
This course includes ten modules, covering topics such as using adaptable teaching techniques, English grammar, and creating lesson plans.
It also provides essential training on the basics of professional development, such as how to write Resumes and Cover Letters for international teaching positions. Upon successful completion, you will be awarded a certificate that can open doors to TEFL teaching jobs around the world.
The 180-Hour Core TEFL Diploma
For those seeking higher certifications, the Level 5 180-Hour TEFL Diploma is ideal. This in-depth course allows students to master the core components needed to become successful TEFL teachers, from planning and executing lessons to classroom management.
This course is perfect for individuals who are serious about pursuing a long-term career in teaching English as a foreign language. It’s ideal for those who want to enhance their teaching qualifications and stand out to employers. Whether you’re looking to teach abroad, work in private language schools, or teach online, the 180-Hour TEFL Diploma offers a solid foundation for anyone aiming to teach at a higher level or in more competitive roles.
With a blend of theoretical and practical classes, this course will provide you with the in-depth knowledge and experience needed to become a certified TEFL teacher.
120-hour vs Level 5 TEFL — quick comparison table
Choosing between a 120-hour TEFL course and a Level 5 TEFL qualification mostly comes down to depth, credibility, and long-term goals. While both can qualify you to teach English abroad, they signal different levels of training and commitment.
📊 Comparison table
| Feature | 120-Hour TEFL | Level 5 (180+ Hour) TEFL |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Beginners / quick entry into TEFL | Learners wanting a stronger, more competitive qualification |
| Course level | Typically Level 3 (basic qualification) | Level 5 (higher education equivalent) |
| Depth | Foundational | More advanced and comprehensive |
| Study hours | ~120 hours (industry minimum) | 180–300+ hours (more intensive) |
| Study focus | Core teaching basics (lesson planning, grammar) | Broader topics + deeper methodology + sometimes practical teaching |
| Recognition | Meets most job requirements globally | More respected in competitive markets |
| Outcome | Entry-level teaching readiness | Stronger job-readiness signal and confidence in the classroom |
| Career impact | Good for short-term teaching or travel | Better for long-term TEFL career or competitive roles |
| Flexibility | Faster and cheaper | Takes longer, more investment |
So, do specialist TEFL courses replace a core qualification?
No, specialist TEFL courses do not replace a core qualification. As we discussed earlier, instead, they build on the foundation provided by the core TEFL course. While core qualifications, such as these two courses, teach the essential skills and knowledge needed to teach English, specialist courses focus on specific areas of teaching, such as business English, teaching young learners, or teaching online. These courses complement the core qualification, allowing you to refine your expertise and specialize in specific areas of teaching.
Which TEFL qualification should you choose?
To help you out with choosing a position, you should—
Choose 120 hours if…
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You are new to teaching and need a solid foundation in the basics of teaching English.
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You are looking for a quick, entry-level qualification to start your teaching career.
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You want to teach abroad or online but don’t necessarily need a higher-level qualification.
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You prefer a more affordable and shorter course option that still covers essential teaching skills.
Choose 180 hours if…
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You’re serious about teaching English long-term and want to increase your job prospects in competitive markets.
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You plan to teach more advanced learners or work in more professional settings, such as private language schools or corporate environments.
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You already have some experience and want to gain a deeper understanding of teaching methods, lesson planning, and classroom management.
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You’re looking to enhance your CV and stand out to employers by holding a higher-level, internationally recognized qualification.
Variety of Other “Specialist Courses” from Premier TEFL
In addition to the 120 Hour Standard Course and the 180 Hour Level 5 qualification, Premier TEFL also offers a range of short specialist courses. These courses are designed to give you a more focused understanding of a particular area of English teaching and can be taken in addition to the 120-hour or 180-hour courses.
The Level 5 60-Hour specialist courses provide an in–depth look into various aspects of TEFL, allowing you to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to become an expert in your chosen field. Whether you want to focus on Business English, teaching English to Young Learners, or teaching English Online, you’ll find a comprehensive course that covers all the necessary topics. Each course includes videos, activities, and quizzes to test your understanding of the material. Plus, you’ll receive a certificate of completion at the end of the course, making it easier to find job opportunities.
Our 60 Hour Courses:
- Teaching Business English
- Teaching English Through Other Subjects (CLIL)
- Teaching Exam English
- Teaching English Online & One-to-one
The 30-hour specialist courses provide an excellent introduction to the world of TEFL. These courses are designed to give you a basic understanding of the topics covered in the 60-hour courses, as well as an understanding of TEFL teaching methods. This is perfect for those looking to gain some experience before taking on a full–time TEFL role. The courses are comprehensive, yet easy to follow, so you can get started right away.
- Become an IELTS Coach
- Teaching Business English
- Advanced Grammar for English Teachers
- Teaching English Online
- Teaching Young Learners
The core TEFL qualification is essential for anyone wanting to teach English abroad. Premier TEFL offers a range of courses and qualifications, from the 120 Hour Standard Course to the 180 Hour Level 5 qualification, as well as a range of short specialist courses. Specializing in a niche can earn you more money when teaching English, as it demonstrates to employers that you have a higher level of knowledge and understanding in that particular area.
Ready to start your TEFL career? Check out more blogs for information regarding teaching
- Internship vs teaching job: Which is better in 2026
- Tourist visas vs work visas – Compared
- Offline teaching vs online teaching—what suits you better
