Both TEFL certificates and CELTA are widely accepted for English teaching positions worldwide. CELTA carries slightly more prestige with international schools, but a high-quality in-person TEFL is equally valid for the vast majority of positions in Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.
| Factor | TEFL (120hrs, in-person) | CELTA |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | Independent TEFL providers | Cambridge Assessment English |
| Cost | £600–£1,500 | £1,200–£2,500 |
| Teaching Practice | Real classroom hours (20hrs+) | Real classroom hours (6hrs min) |
| Accepted for Vietnam | Yes | Yes |
| International School preference | Varies | Often preferred |
| Pass rate | ~90%+ (quality providers) | ~70–80% |
Choose TEFL if you want to teach at language centres or private schools in Asia, if you're on a budget, or if you want strong job placement support as part of the course. TEFL is accepted for Vietnam, Philippines, South Africa, and South Korea work permits.
Choose CELTA if you want to work at British Council centres or high-end international schools, or if the Cambridge brand name is important to you.