What is a 120-hour TEFL course?
A 120-hour TEFL course is the standard entry-level English teaching certificate. It represents about 120 hours of study covering methodology, the four skills, grammar and vocabulary teaching, lesson planning and classroom management. Most language schools, online platforms and employers abroad treat 120 hours as the minimum acceptable TEFL qualification.
What this means in practice
APTTI's 120-hour TEFL/TESOL Certificate has 10 modules, and each ends with multiple-choice questions. You can extend it to a 200-hour Diploma later.
Why 120 hours became the benchmark
Over time, recruiters and visa-sponsoring employers settled on 120 hours as enough to cover the essentials of English teaching. Courses below this are often seen as introductions; courses above it add depth or specialisation.
120 hours vs 200 hours and beyond
- 120 hours: core methodology; the usual minimum for jobs
- 150–180 hours: often add teaching practice or a specialism
- 200 hours or more: diploma-level depth, case studies and research
- 280–360 hours: PG Diplomas adding Young Learners and/or Business English specialisations
- 540 hours: APTTI's High-End TEFL/TESOL course
What to check before you enrol
Look at the module list, how you are assessed, what tutor support you get, and who issues and verifies the certificate. Ask how and when the certificate is delivered.
Is 120 hours really 120 hours of study?
Course hours are a guide to the total learning time, including reading, videos, quizzes and assignments. Some learners need less time and others more, depending on their English and teaching experience. What matters to employers is that the course covers the full syllabus expected at 120-hour level and that you can show the skills in a demo lesson.
Practical next steps
- Confirm the course really totals 120 hours or more.
- Check the module list against the jobs you want.
- Ask how assignments are marked.
- Ask about tutor support channels.
- Check certificate delivery time and verification.
What to keep in mind
Hours are a guide, not a guarantee. Employers also look at your degree, your spoken English and any teaching experience.
Common follow-up questions
Is a 120-hour TEFL enough to get a job?
For many language schools and online platforms, yes. Some countries and schools also want a degree or teaching experience.
How many modules does APTTI's 120-hour TEFL have?
APTTI's 120-hour TEFL/TESOL Certificate has 10 modules.
Can I upgrade from 120 hours to a diploma later?
Yes. APTTI's 200-hour Diploma, 280- and 360-hour PG Diplomas and 540-hour High-End course build on the Certificate.
Related course
Online TEFL / TESOL Course
The 120-hour TEFL/TESOL Certificate most employers ask for, stackable to a 200-hour Diploma, PG Diplomas with one or two specialisations, and a 540-hour High-End course.
₹12,000 + GST · USD 199 international
View course