How Long Does It Take to Receive a TEFL Certificate After Completing a 120-Hour Course?
After successfully completing a 120-hour TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) course, the average timeframe for receiving your certificate is typically between 1 to 2 weeks. However, the actual time can vary depending on the institution offering the course and its administrative processes. Some online courses may provide immediate access to the certificate upon completion, while others may take longer due to the need for administrative processing and verification.
Factors Influencing the Certification Timeframe
The issuing of a TEFL certificate is closely tied to the specific service provider. If you have written a theory exam, you need to allow extra time for the assessment. In some cases, if more than a month has passed, it is recommended to contact your service provider for an update.
Online Courses vs. Offline Courses
For one-off courses from a particular school, the institution should be able to provide an estimate. Online courses that simply allow you to download a PDF tend to be considerably quicker. For externally moderated certificates like the CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) from Cambridge in England, the process is more complex. In this case, the school you studied at must send documentation to Cambridge for verification. From there, the certificates are mailed to the center you studied at, which can take up to a month or two in the worst-case scenario.
Common Practices and Tips
The timeframe for receiving a TEFL certificate can vary widely, and this is due to the different procedures followed by various organizations. Some courses delay in issuing certificates, sometimes for as long as 10 days to 2 weeks. While this might seem unproductive, some schools use this delay as an opportunity to charge additional fees if you prefer a faster service. Some courses also charge extra for the actual mailing of the certificate. It is always best to ask the service provider for an estimated timeline.
According to various reports, the time it takes for a TEFL certificate can range from 4 to 6 weeks. However, it is possible to receive an officially recognized document that proves you have completed the course within 24 hours of its completion, provided that all assessments have been successfully passed. This quicker turnaround time is often available through some institutions that can provide immediate certificates upon completion.
In conclusion, while the typical timeframe for receiving a TEFL certificate is 1 to 2 weeks, it is essential to clarify the specific requirements and expected timeframes with your service provider before and after completion of the course. This will help ensure a smoother and more efficient process, allowing you to move forward with your teaching career without unnecessary delays.