 What are TEFL course hours? If you have been researching TEFL certification, you will undoubtedly be aware that there are many different options on offer, with a wide range of training hours mentioned. Unfortunately, as there is little standardization within the TEFL world, individual course providers are at liberty to provide any format of training they see fit, which can often make it confusing for potential trainees. So within this environment, how do you know which course is right for you? The first thing to consider is, what do you want to achieve with your TEFL qualification? What are short format TEFL courses and who are they aimed at? One ever growing opportunity is to spend some time helping others in a developing part of the world by volunteering as an EFL teacher. In many areas, there is a huge demand for qualified teachers to provide English language instruction that will allow people to move out of poverty by entering tourism-based job markets. In order to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for these positions, a short format TEFL course is usually sufficient. At ITTT, we offer a 60-hour introductory TEFL course that is specifically designed for this purpose. What are standard length TEFL courses and who are they aimed at? Although there is no definitive length, the general consensus of employers worldwide is that a TEFL certificate of at least 100 hours is desirable for teaching jobs that offer a good salary. Our 120-hour TEFL certification is designed to cover all the most important areas of teaching theory which should enable you to confidently apply for jobs all over the world. If you want to widen your options even further, you can undertake an in-class TEFL certification course that also includes observed teaching practice. ITTT operates in-class courses in dozens of worldwide locations which provide a minimum of 120 hours face-to-face training on the theory of teaching as well as 6-10 hours of teaching practice with genuine language learners in an authentic classroom environment. What are advanced and specialized TEFL courses and who are they aimed at? If you have already completed a standard certification course and want to extend your qualifications, a diploma certificate is the logical next step. The addition of a diploma to your CV or resume is a sure-fire way to expand your job prospects and increase your salary and responsibilities. Our 250-hour TESOL diploma is a great choice for anyone looking to move their teaching career forward. Another way to move your career forward is to branch out into specialized areas of EFL teaching. The main two areas that have grown considerably in recent years are in the fields of teaching business English and teaching young learners. To break into these fields, you can complete one or both of our 50-hour specialized TEFL courses that are designed to build on the knowledge covered in the standard certification course. Can a TEFL course be completed quicker than advertised? It is worth noting that while most courses have a specific label that represents the typical hours of study required, this figure is by no means absolute. The amount of time it takes to complete a specific course is largely down to each individual student. If you are fully dedicated to your studies and determined to finish as quickly as possible, it is certainly possible to complete the training in considerably less time than stated in the course literature.