Prospective 2025 JET: TEFL Question

[aurorarivas]

Hello folks!

A quick query if you will, I’m going to be applying in September for 2025 & am looking to boost my application with a TEFL qualification.

After doing some research I have found the institution/organisation I’ll be doing this with but my query is: They have 2 qualifications a 120 Hour TEFL and a 200 hr level 5 diploma in TEFL - is it worth paying the extra £100/£150 for the level 5 diploma to make my application pop a little more or would it be unnecessary?

Any insight or advice is appreciated!

[odyssey]

Moneywise it is no doubt worth doing. However, I am not sure that most providers will let you do a diploma before a certificate (though some do, depending on your experience or other criteria).

My own feeling is you would be starting teaching with effectively no experience and it might be better to start with a Certificate, gain some experience and then do a Diploma where your experience would come in handy for the Diploma course itself.

Just my tuppence-worth.

[Ragnorrk]

The Level 5 TEFL diploma is generally more recognized and can make your application stand out more, especially for competitive positions or if you’re looking to work internationally. However, if you’re just starting out or targeting entry-level roles, the 120-hour TEFL course can still be quite effective.

[aurorarivas]

Moneywise it is no doubt worth doing. However, I am not sure that most providers will let you do a diploma before a certificate (though some do, depending on your experience or other criteriaslope).

My own feeling is you would be starting teaching with effectively no experience and it might be better to start with a Certificate, gain some experience and then do a Diploma where your experience would come in handy for the Diploma course itself.

Just my tuppence-worth.

You're right that many providers may prefer or require candidates to complete a certificate-level qualification first, before progressing to a diploma. Many thanks.