Are Online TEFL Courses Recognised Worldwide?

The big question every future TEFL teacher asks

Can an online course really qualify me to teach English abroad or online?

The answer is yes!

Many online TEFL courses are recognised and provide you with a qualification that allows you to teach English abroad or online.

But not all courses are created equal. There are specific standards that must be met and upheld to ensure you receive the best possible training.

So, are online TEFL courses recognised? Don’t worry — we’ll explain everything!

In this post, we’ll break down what you need to know about choosing an online TEFL course.

We’ll look at:

• what accreditation means,
• how to tell if a TEFL course is actually recognised, and
• what you should look for in a provider

so you can start your teaching journey with confidence.

 What does ‘recognised’ mean in the TEFL world?

Throughout this post, we will talk about courses being ‘recognised’, ‘accredited’, and ‘regulated’. You’ve probably come across these terms while doing your own research, but it’s not always clear what they mean or why they matter.

When looking for a course to study, the first step is to check if you’ll receive a recognised TEFL certification.

There are industry standards that all TEFL courses should meet.

These standards are set by external bodies and education authorities to ensure that aspiring EFL trainers receive high-quality, well-structured training that meets international teaching requirements across the board.

When a course meets the required criteria, it receives recognition from one of the external bodies, confirming its validity and credibility. This recognition is vital as it assures employers worldwide that your certification and training are from a trustworthy source.

In addition to being recognised, your TEFL certification should also be accredited.

But aren’t they the same thing?

Not quite.

Accreditation means that the certification you receive is legally recognised as a formal qualification. It will also be registered with the relevant education department or official authority, giving it a formal status rather than if it were only recognised.  

Read more: TEFL Accreditation Explained

Remember: all accredited courses are recognised, but not all recognised courses are accredited.

This means that even when a course may be recognised by an external party as meeting industry standards, it does not mean that it legally qualifies as a qualification.

Another term you may encounter is ‘regulated’.

Since the TEFL industry has boomed in recent years, many organisations now offer courses. But how can you be sure of their quality?

This is where regulation comes in.

TEFL training providers can have their courses assessed by external parties to check that they meet industry standards. These organisations ensure that the course reaches certain benchmarks and provides trainees with the knowledge they need to become effective teachers.

Without regulation, aspiring teachers are vulnerable to being scammed or risk enrolling in subpar courses. Both are unacceptable.

To sum it all up:

• Recognition means the course meets the industry standards and is respected by employers worldwide.
• Accreditation gives the course formal, legal status as a legitimate qualification.
• Regulation ensures that the course continues to meet the necessary standards of education with the help of regular monitoring.

Choosing a recognised TEFL certification helps you step closer to your dreams by securing a qualification that employers can trust.

 How TEFL accreditation works

In order to receive accreditation, an external body needs to evaluate the quality of each course.

This process involves reviewing the course’s curriculum, teaching methods, and assessment procedures.

Once the awarding body has deemed that the course is of a high quality and meets industry standards, it grants accreditation, formally recognising the course as a credible qualification.

Read more: What Do You Learn On A TEFL Course?

Unfortunately, not all accrediting bodies are legitimate.

Accreditation can only be granted by a government-regulated organisation, as only they have the authority to set and enforce industry standards.

When choosing a TEFL provider, always check that the courses they offer are accredited by an official body, such as Qualifi or DEAC (Distance Education Accrediting Commission).

Qualifi is able to award accreditation to courses since it’s regulated by Ofqual (The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulations), a government body responsible for maintaining the standards and quality of education across England. While the DEAC is recognised by the U.S. Department of Education.

The TEFL Academy’s Level 3 and 5 courses are all accredited by Qualifi and the DEAC. Our courses have undergone rigorous testing to guarantee that by studying through The TEFL Academy, you receive high-calibre training and an internationally recognised qualification.

But why should you enrol in an accredited TEFL course?

Simply put: Employers value teachers who have completed accredited courses.

They can trust that your training meets professional standards and that you have completed proper assessments. Plus, they can rest assured that you already possess all the knowledge and skills to make you an effective teacher.

With an accredited TEFL certification, you’ll have everything you need to impress employers and start teaching with confidence. What more could you ask for?

Read more: The TEFL Academy’s Accreditation & Quality Assurance

 Are online TEFL courses as good as in-person courses?

Yes, they are!

There is a common misconception that online TEFL courses are lower quality than in-person courses, but this is simply not the case!

In fact, online TEFL course recognition has risen exponentially in recent years, so many employers now value online certifications just as highly as any traditional in-person training.

Since more schools and language centres are embracing online learning themselves, it only makes sense that they’d also consider your online TEFL training to be just as credible as the education they provide.

As long as you studied through a reputable, accredited provider, your online qualification holds just as much weight as any other.

There are also many benefits to studying online.

Online TEFL courses are more affordable than in-person options, allowing you to pursue the career of your dreams without breaking the bank.

You also get more freedom and flexibility so you can study at your own pace, wherever and whenever it suits you. That means you can fit your studies around your lifestyle without being tied down to one location.

In case you need more convincing…

Online courses use updated digital teaching tools, which guarantee that you receive training that reflects the times we live in. Technology is a huge part of our daily lives, so why shouldn’t it be part of your teacher training too?

 Where are online TEFL courses recognised?

The short answer is everywhere!

With a recognised TEFL certification, you’ll have no shortage of opportunities, whether you want to travel the world or teach from the comfort of your own home.

Since online learning is growing in popularity, many of the top teaching platforms, like VIPKid, EF Education First, Cambly, and iTalki, accept teachers who hold a recognised TEFL certification from a reputable online provider.

Don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what Kelly Daigle, a TTA alum, has to say about her experience:

“In October 2017, I graduated with my TEFL certification from The TEFL Academy.  A month later, I set off on my 3-year-long nomadic adventure. During this time, I travelled to 50 countries in Asia and Europe. […] In April 2018, I also began teaching English online through VIPKID and Cambly.  I have now been teaching online for over 3 years, and have experience teaching my own private students, as well as working with many online ESL companies.”

 Read more: Online Teaching Platforms You Need To Know

How to make sure your TEFL course is legitimate

So, how do you know if a company is a legitimate TEFL provider?

Here are some simple steps to follow:

• Look for official accreditation or regulation (like Qualifi or DEAC).
• Check course length (a minimum of 120 hours is industry standard).
• Research provider reviews and alumni success stories.
• Ensure employers recognise it.
• Avoid “too cheap” or “instant certificate” offers.

Remember, if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

 Conclusion: Choosing a recognised TEFL course you can trust

Online TEFL courses are just as credible as any in-person course, as long as they are accredited and meet international training standards.

Before enrolling in any training, always check its credentials. Doing so will help you avoid sub-par courses, scams, or qualifications that aren’t recognised by employers.

With the right accreditation and recognition, your dreams and aspirations are just a course away.

Start your TEFL journey with a fully accredited online course recognised by schools and employers worldwide.

Author Bio

Written by

Kirsten Colquhoun

Kirsten Colquhoun is the Content Manager for The TEFL Academy. A graduate of Cambridge University and DELTA-qualified, she first started teaching kindergarten in Thailand in 2003. A South African, she has also taught in China, the UK, Spain, Qatar and South Africa, but these days she is a teacher trainer and freelance writer and editor. Read Kirsten Colquhoun's story →