Level 3 Certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)

What is this qualification?

The programme is designed to equip fresh graduates, gap-year students, novice teachers and volunteers with the knowledge and skills needed to work under supervision and to operate confidently within defined contexts.

The qualification will enable learners to identify, select and use appropriate teaching procedures, techniques and tools to plan and deliver lessons and courses under the guidance/supervision of experienced teachers.

Qualifi publishes its full qualification overview for this qualification on its own page.

Who is this qualification for?

This Level 3 certificate suits new trainers, assessors, tutors and career changers who want a regulated route into teaching english as a foreign language (tefl). No prior teaching experience is required.

Level 3 is equivalent to A-levels / access to higher education.

• Study fully online with tutor support from Education Training, with no fixed timetable.
• Assessment by assignments, so you can evidence learning from your own workplace.
• Each level leads directly to the next: Level 3 Award, Level 4 Certificate, Level 5 Diploma.

Qualification structure and units

The qualification totals 18 credits. Unit details are published in the Qualifi specification.

Source: Qualifi qualification specification (PDF) · Ofqual qualification number 603/7201/1.

How you study

Standard study plan: 6 Months; extended plan: 9 Months.

At Education Training the qualification is delivered online: you receive the materials, assignment briefs and tutor support through the learning platform and submit work when you are ready. There are no fixed lecture times, so you can start in any month.

How you are assessed

Units are assessed through written assignments and, where the qualification requires it, observed teaching or assessment practice. Work is marked by the centre and externally verified by Qualifi. There are no examinations.

Entry requirements

• At least 18 years old.
• Be native English speakers educated to UK A level or equivalent, or highly proficient users of
  English (C1 or C2 on CEFL scale).

Qualifi publishes its full entry requirements for this qualification on its own page.

Fees and payment plans

A £10 enrolment fee is paid with the application. Fees include tuition, learning materials, assignment marking and the awarding-body certificate. Prices correct as of 23 October 2026.

Refund policy · Complaints procedure

What is included

Progression and career routes

Successful completion supports progression to the next level and to employment in teaching english as a foreign language (tefl) roles.

Related job profiles on the National Careers Service (pay, hours and entry routes are published there):

• TEFL teacher

Qualifi publishes its full progression routes for this qualification on its own page.

How this qualification compares

Figures below come from Education Training's own catalogue and enquiry records, not from estimates; each carries the date it was calculated.

Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) progression ladder (Levels 3–5) (as of 23 October 2026)

Level 3: Level 3 Certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) → Level 5: Level 5 Diploma in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)

Mandatory and optional units across Level 3 Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) qualifications (as of 23 October 2026)

the qualification: 9 mandatory, 0 optional

Credits and study hours by RQF level (as of 23 October 2026)

Level 2: median 37 credits, TQT hours, GLH; Level 3: median 18 credits, TQT hours, GLH; Level 4: median 33 credits, 780 TQT hours, 125 GLH; Level 5: median 120 credits, 815 TQT hours, 600 GLH; Level 6: median 120 credits, 1200 TQT hours, 480 GLH; Level 7: median 120 credits, 1200 TQT hours, 600 GLH

Regulated qualifications offered by Education Training, by level (as of 23 October 2026)

Level 2: 1 qualification; Level 3: 7 qualifications; Level 4: 14 qualifications; Level 5: 13 qualifications; Level 6: 3 qualifications; Level 7: 4 qualifications (42 in total)

Awarding body and regulation

This qualification is awarded by Qualifi, an awarding organisation regulated by Ofqual. Its qualification number is 603/7201/1 — view the entry on the Ofqual register. Education Training is an approved centre: we deliver and assess the qualification, Qualifi verifies our assessment decisions and issues the certificate. Read about Qualifi recognition.

Additional requirements

Learning outcomes

1. Understand how to design and plan lessons and activities that meet the needs of a diverse range of learners.
2. Understand how to convey the basic rules of English language in a foreign language classroom.
3. Identify, select and use appropriate methods for teaching English language skills to learners of English as a foreign language.
4. Identify practical tools to support you in your role as an EFL teacher.
5. Review own or other teachers’ lesson plans and resources and make recommendations for improvement that are appropriate in specific teaching situations.

How to apply

Pay the £10 enrolment fee when you submit your application (separate from the course fee).

1. Apply online
   Use Apply now to open the application form with this programme pre-selected. Tell us about your current role and qualifications; pay the £10 enrolment fee to complete enrolment when prompted.
2. Course activation
   Once you enrol, we email your course activation link within 24 hours.
3. Course fee
   Admissions email a secure link to pay the course fee in full or on an instalment plan (usually within one working day). There is no fixed intake date.

Progression path

1. Level 3 Certificate
2. →
3. Level 5 Diploma

Related pages

• Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools
• Level 3 Award in Education and Training
• Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement

Browse every Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) qualification or all Level 3 qualifications.