Meet David De’ Ath, founder, editor, and writer at Wonderful World English. With his extensive background as an English teacher, David provides valuable insights and practical tips on ESL for students and teachers alike.
Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certifications are a benchmark in almost every English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher’s resume.
These certificates can open doors to incredible opportunities in many countries around the world.
As the demand for English language learning continues to grow globally, obtaining a TEFL certification becomes an enticing prospect!
From the bustling cities of Asia to the historic cities of Europe and beyond, many language schools require applicants to hold a TEFL to be considered for a position.
TEFL courses can vary in cost and may be out of some people’s budget range.
Fortunately, some online platforms offer free TEFL certifications, making it more accessible for aspiring English teachers. The leading providers of free TEFL certificates include TEFL Hero and Teacher Record. These courses are perfect for anyone wanting to get a TEFL without breaking the bank.
I’ve been teaching English in China for several years and can attest to the many great opportunities that can come from holding a TEFL.
In this guide, we will explore the top free online TEFL certifications and look at how you can get a TEFL of your own.
Let’s jump in!
Top Free Online TEFL Certifications
Before we delve into the different top free online TEFL certificates, it’s important to note that a TEFL is typically only part of what a language school may be looking for.
Depending on the country and school, applicants may require more than just a TEFL certificate.
For example, most places also require a university degree to accompany a TEFL.
It’s crucial to research the place you want to teach before applying.
You can reach out to recruiters or schools, ask them what they require, and then work towards achieving this.
That being said, having a TEFL is still an excellent addition to anyone’s resume.
Now let’s explore the top free online TEFL certificates in detail:
1. TEFL Hero’s 40-Hour Free Online TEFL Certification
TEFL Hero offers a free 40-hour online TEFL course designed to provide a basic foundation for ESL teachers.
This course is open to anyone aged 16 years or older with a high-level English-speaking ability.
Below are some of the key takeaways of this certification:
Course Structure and Content:
This course is structured into four modules that encompass 32 lessons and five assessments.
It is self-paced, allowing students to progress at their convenience.
Upon completion, students will receive an instant certification sent as a PDF.
The course’s primary objective is to equip learners with the foundational knowledge required to start a career in English teaching.
It covers crucial aspects such as classroom management and lesson preparation.
Evaluation and Certification:
Students are evaluated through quizzes at the end of each section, with each quiz consisting of five multiple-choice questions.
A minimum score of 70% is required to pass these quizzes before students can progress to the next section.
At the end of the course, students must pass a 10-question multiple-choice examination with at least a 70% score to earn the certification.
Once completed, students receive a digital copy of their TEFL certificate immediately, which can be printed out from anywhere in the world.
The certificate will also remain accessible via the student’s account page on the TEFL Hero platform.
While the duration to complete the course varies as individuals learn at their own pace, most students can complete the course and examinations in a couple of weeks.
Limitations:
This TEFL certificate may not be accepted everywhere, as many countries and online ESL companies typically require at least a 120-hour TEFL certificate.
It’s best suited for individuals new to teaching or those looking to teach in countries without TEFL requirements.
Although the 40-hour TEFL course doesn’t guarantee job placements, it aims to provide a stepping stone for individuals keen on embarking on a new English teaching adventure.
For some insights into TEFL certificates and whether they are worth the time, check out the link below!
Related Article: Is TEFL Worth It? The Pros and Cons of TEFL Certificates
2. Teacher Record’s Free TEFL Course
Teacher Record’s Free TEFL Course is a 120-hour online certification designed to equip aspiring English teachers with the necessary skills and knowledge to teach English online and abroad.
This TEFL course is fully accredited and recognized by many language schools around the world.
Below is a detailed breakdown of this course:
Features:
The course is internationally recognized and entirely online, allowing applicants to study anytime and anywhere.
It also provides 12-month access to the online campus, and upon completion, the certification is permanently valid.
This course is entirely free of charge, offering a cost-effective way to earn a TEFL certification!
Entry Requirements:
The ability to communicate clearly and fluently in English is a must, although being a native-English speaker is not required.
The course also doesn’t require a university degree to enroll.
If you’re wondering how difficult TEFL certificates are to obtain, the link below is for you!
Related Article: How Hard Is It to Get a TEFL Certificate? – Answered
Course Content and Breakdown:
The course covers a wide range of topics essential for effective English teaching, including:
- Lesson planning.
- Teaching receptive skills like listening and reading.
- Productive skills, such as speaking and writing.
- Teaching English grammar.
- Classroom management tips.
- Teaching children.
Certification:
The TEFL certificate is issued instantly online after successfully completing the course.
Certificates can also be legalized, notarized, or apostilled for international visa applications, including for China.
Once the TEFL has been reviewed and approved by the Teacher Record’s team, individuals have the option to order a hard copy of the certificate.
Hard copies of the certificate can be ordered and shipped for $89.
Teacher Record’s free 120-hour TEFL course is a comprehensive and accessible option for individuals looking to kickstart their English teaching career without the financial burden of enrollment fees.
Did you know that TEFL holders tend to get paid higher salaries than non-TEFL holders?
Find out more in the article below!
Related Article: Do TEFL Teachers Get Paid More Than Non-TEFL Teachers?
3. Free TEFL Certifications on Discounted Platforms
Sometimes, platforms that typically charge for TEFL certifications may offer discounts or temporary free access to their courses.
It’s wise to keep an eye on various TEFL certification platforms for any promotional offers that may arise.
Also, it’s important to note that many schools can offer TEFL courses to applicants who meet the right criteria.
If you’re looking to teach English abroad, be sure to reach out to language schools and recruiters and see if they would be willing to sponsor your TEFL.
When I first came to China, my school provided its own TEFL course, so this can also be a great option for anyone wanting to get one.
You may be wondering what countries you can teach in with a TEFL.
Check out the guide below to find out!
Related Article: What Countries Can You Teach in With a TEFL?
Conclusion
Securing a TEFL certification can be a gateway to a world of teaching opportunities, but the cost can be a barrier for many.
Thankfully, several platforms offer free or discounted TEFL certifications, making this invaluable credential more accessible.
Whether it’s the faster and more modest TEFL Hero’s 40-hour free online TEFL certification or the lengthier and more opportune free 120-hour course offered by Teacher Record, grabbing one of these free certificates could be your springboard into the world of teaching English.
Aspiring English teachers can also find opportunities through discounts, sponsorships, scholarships, and special offers.
Keep an eye out and find cost-effective ways to get what you need and kickstart their educational journey across the globe!
We hope you have found value in this article.
Have a wonderful day!
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