TEFL Levels Explained: What Level 3, 5, and “120 Hours” Actually Mean

If you've started exploring English teaching courses, you've probably seen a mix of confusing terms—“Level 5 TEFL,” “120-hour TEFL,” “Level 3 diploma,” and more. They sound official, but what do these levels and hours actually mean? And more importantly, do they matter when it comes to getting hired?

Some labels sound more prestigious than others. But behind the marketing, the actual differences can be surprisingly minor—or completely irrelevant depending on where you plan to teach. A “Level 5 TEFL” might impress someone in the UK, but in a rural school in Thailand or an online ESL company, they’ll likely just want to know you’ve done something legitimate.

Let’s clear up what these qualifications really are, how they’re regulated, and when (if ever) they matter.

What Are TEFL “Levels” and Where Do They Come From?

First, let’s be clear: the concept of Level 3 and Level 5 TEFL comes from the RQF—the Regulated Qualifications Framework in the UK. This system ranks qualifications by difficulty, starting from Level 1 (basic GCSE) up to Level 8 (PhD).

So when you see a “Level 5 TEFL course,” that means the course is considered equal in academic difficulty to a foundation degree or a CELTA. A “Level 3 TEFL” is a few steps lower, typically used as an entry point into ESL teaching or volunteering. These levels only apply to Ofqual-regulated courses from UK-registered providers.

Outside the UK? These level numbers don’t really mean anything unless your employer is familiar with the system—which most aren’t.

What Is a Level 3 TEFL Course?

Level 3 TEFL courses are considered introductory qualifications. They’re often:

• 60 to 120 hours in length
• Designed for volunteers, gap year teachers, or people testing the waters
• Lighter on grammar, methodology, and real classroom prep

These are fine if you're planning to volunteer abroad, join a teaching internship, or help out in a community project. But for paid positions—especially in private schools, academies, or online platforms—Level 3 might not be enough.

Bottom line: If you're serious about teaching, you're better off with a 120-hour course or Level 5 TEFL.

What Is a Level 5 TEFL Course?

Level 5 TEFL is often marketed as the “best” or “highest” TEFL course, but what does that really mean?

• It’s regulated under the UK’s RQF (same level as CELTA or foundation degree)
• Typically includes 150–300 hours of coursework
• Includes graded assignments, tutor feedback, and more theory
• Offers more structure than a typical online 120-hour TEFL course

Level 5 TEFL makes sense if you're in the UK, or applying to teach in Europe or the Middle East, where the "Level 5" label carries some weight. But it’s not a global gold standard, and most employers in Asia, Latin America, and online teaching have no idea what “Level 5” means.

So while it’s a decent alternative to CELTA (more affordable, more flexible), it’s not a game-changer globally. And for many teachers, it’s overkill.

What Is a “120-Hour TEFL Course”? (And Why It’s Not a Level)

Here’s where things get tricky: “120 hours” sounds official, but it’s not a level. It just refers to the duration of study, not its difficulty or academic rigor.

That said, a 120-hour TEFL course has become the industry standard. It’s what most schools ask for in job ads, and it’s the fastest way to meet basic TEFL hiring requirements.

Good 120-hour courses typically include:

• Lesson planning and classroom management
• English grammar fundamentals
• Activity design and student engagement
• Basic assessment skills

The best providers also include tutor support, interactive modules, and sometimes practical add-ons like teaching young learners or online ESL tools.

Because of its balance of quality, cost, and employer recognition, a high-quality 120-hour course is often the smartest choice—especially for first-time teachers.

Level 5 vs 120-Hour TEFL: What's the Real Difference?

Let’s break it down:

If you’re teaching in Thailand, Vietnam, Mexico, or online, the 120-hour TEFL will open the same doors—for less time and money.

But if you're applying for more competitive roles or want a course that feels more like academic training, the Level 5 might be a better fit.

Level 5 vs CELTA: Are They Really the Same?

Technically, yes: CELTA is also RQF Level 5. But that doesn’t mean they’re equal.

CELTA is a better-known qualification, especially in Europe. If your goal is to teach adults in high-end academies or universities, CELTA still has the edge. But for flexibility and affordability, a strong Level 5 TEFL is a decent alternative—as long as you know its limitations.

So Which One Should You Choose?

Here’s a quick guide based on where and how you want to teach:

Choose a 120-Hour TEFL Course if you:

• Want to teach online or in Asia/Latin America
• Need something budget-friendly and fast
• Are starting out and just want to get hired quickly

Choose a Level 5 TEFL Course if you:

• Plan to teach in Europe, the UK, or the Middle East
• Want extra structure, tutor feedback, or graded assignments
• Like the idea of a CELTA-lite course without the price tag

Skip Level 3 unless:

• You're volunteering or joining a short-term internship
• You’re just exploring TEFL and want a basic intro

Final Thoughts: Don’t Get Distracted by the Labels

TEFL marketing can make “Level 5” sound like a magic ticket—but it’s not. While it offers solid structure and credibility within the UK and some formal markets, most schools just want to see a certificate and know you can teach.

Unless you’re applying in Europe or the UK, a well-reviewed 120-hour TEFL course is more than enough. It’s flexible, widely accepted, and gets you in the door—fast.

In the end, what matters more than labels is what you actually learn, how confident you feel in the classroom, and whether your course supports your long-term goals.

👉 Suggested Links:

• Best Online TEFL Courses for Beginners
• TEFL vs CELTA: Which One Should You Choose?
• Teach English Abroad
• TEFL vs TESOL: What’s the Difference?