What is a level 5 tefl equivalent to?
A TEFL level five qualification opens up opportunities to work and travel around the globe. However, what is the qualification and what is it equivalent to when employers are looking at CVs and listing requirements?
At Full Circle, we are leading providers of accredited TEFL qualifications and so perfectly placed to answer.
What Is a Level 5 TEFL Qualification?
TEFL, or teaching English as a foreign language, is a profession that is governed by accredited qualifications, with different levels relating to different levels of demonstrated proficiency in the craft.
Level 5 showcases a strong level of learning and the ability to teach, within the UK Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) it has equivalence to a foundation degree or diploma.
There are levels below level 5, level 4 is less common while level 3, hugely popular in its own right, is more of an entry-level qualification. Courses differ, so it’s essential to do proper research before enrolling.
How Does Level 5 Compare to Other TEFL Levels?
As a more detailed course placing greater demands on students, the Level 5 TEFL course includes all elements of Levels 3 and 4, but builds in deeper understanding and more advanced teaching methodologies. It’s ideal for career-seeking teachers who want more than basic certification.
It is a TEFL certificate that instils more confidence to teach English. Any student to have attained Level 5 will have covered far more of what teaching truly entails, including modules on business English and teaching other languages speakers.
It is not the only level of TEFL that can lead to employment, but it does create many more opportunities, opens up more of the globe and is also rewarded with significantly higher pay.
Whereas someone with Level 3 TEFL might be limited to a small number of countries to work in, and perhaps even have to work voluntarily, Level 5 makes most of the world available and within this the most sought-after TEFL roles. It’s also the level many employers worldwide require.
Traditionally, this extra learning has come with the significant burden of far more time in classroom learning, making the course significantly slower to complete and often requiring hands-on teaching practice.
However, with online platform providers such as our service at Full Circle, it is possible to learn at your own speed, potentially at pace, and so not be limited by the lecture schedule. Our course combines online self-study with tutor support to keep you on track.
Is a Level 5 TEFL Equivalent to a CELTA?
A level 5 TEFL qualification is similar in many ways to CELTA courses but there are also key differences. That said, most importantly, both enable those completing to teach English as a foreign language.
CELTA is a specific qualification offered by Cambridge and, while roughly equivalent in difficulty to a level 5 it does add in the need for observed teaching practice, something that is not required for TEFL level 5. This makes TEFL a far more accessible choice for those who wish to learn the skill while also having the demands of a busy life.
Level 5 TEFL has far more flexibility than CELTA qualifications, including the ability to be studied online. It is also lower cost and, we would suggest, better value for money.
Is Level 5 TEFL Course Equivalent to a Degree?
Those seeking TEFL jobs and teaching English abroad often wonder if a level 5 qualification is equivalent to a degree.
It is on the way to a full degree, but not the same – it is a level of English language teaching proficiency more inline with the first year of a degree, rather than the complete course. Regardless though, it is a TEFL certification that is sufficient to become a TEFL teacher.
What a level 5 pass enables someone to do is to then be teaching English, getting paid and further learning their craft. After completing a level 5 course and then working for a period of time, there is likely to be a level of proficiency far greater than had the student stayed in education learning theory rather than engaging in real life teaching.
And there is equivalence too in that high quality internationally recognized courses, be they blended learning course, in classroom or online, are much sought after by those seeking English teachers.
Who Should Take a Level 5 TEFL Course?
There are a number of groups for whom the Level 5 TEFL certificate is perfect, this varying from those wanting a job to fund travelling through to those who see TEFL as a long-term career.
Perhaps the largest group is aspiring TEFL teachers who have no experience – most of these will be from native English-speaking countries. The courses prepare the student for taking that first job and feeling confident as they deliver their first lesson.
However, another sizeable group is career changers, they will typically start the course as adult students. In the past, some have struggled to find the right course provider – it can be daunting being a career changer when everyone else seems to be embarking on their first role. However, online courses that are to the same level as classroom options have removed significant barriers to entry.
TEFL Level 5 is also wonderful for those who perhaps have A level qualification or other skills, but do not have a formal degree and have neither the time or finance to pursue that piece of paper.
And it is perhaps a given as you read this that you would want a TEFL qualification that grants access to the best roles in the most competitive locations such as Middle East, Europe and Japan. Level 5 does that.
How Long Does a Level 5 TEFL Course Take?
The old answer used to be months – the course might take 200 hours, but this would be split across multiple sessions in a physical learning environment. You learnt at the scheduled pace, not your own.
However, online learning has greatly reduced the overall time and also number of hours – knowledge sticks better with fewer gaps between each teaching session.
The Full Circle TEFL course can be completed inside six weeks – that means anyone reading this might only be a couple of months away from TEFL employment.
Choosing the Right Level 5 TEFL Course
When selecting a Level 5 TEFL course, look for accreditation, flexibility, and strong learner support. Full Circle TEFL ticks all those boxes. Our 200-hour online course is UK government-regulated, internationally recognised, and fully self-paced—ideal for fitting around busy lives. With 24/7 access, expert tutor support, and job placement assistance, we offer everything you need to qualify with confidence. Join thousands of learners worldwide and prepare to teach English wherever you want to go.
About Full Circle TEFL
Our vision since 2015 has been to help you get qualified at an affordable price and ensure we prepare you fully for Day 1 of your TEFL career. Our Experts have 20+ years of experience, so you’re in safe hands. We’re the fastest growing Accredited Global TEFL Provider, helping 70,000+ learners, since 2015, start earning in as little as 6 weeks.
- UK Government Regulated Diploma
- Foundation Degree and CELTA Level equivalent Qualification
- Start earning in 6 weeks
- Get access to the highest-paying jobs in the Middle East
- Start today for as little as £44.99 or $54.99