Is the TEFL Academy Legit? What You Need to Know

Wondering if The TEFL Academy is legit? Discover course details, pros & cons, and if it’s right for your TEFL journey abroad or online.

If you’re considering teaching English abroad or online, choosing the right TEFL course is crucial. The TEFL Academy (TTA) is one of the most prominent providers in the field. But is it legitimate? This comprehensive guide will help you make an informed decision.

What Is The TEFL Academy?

The TEFL Academy offers accredited TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) courses. They provide both online and combined (online plus in-person) options. Their courses are designed to equip you with the skills needed to teach English effectively.

Courses

The TEFL Academy offers two main courses:

Level 3 TEFL Certificate (120 hours)

Ideal for those seeking casual teaching roles, such as volunteering or teaching while traveling. This course is online-only and provides a foundational understanding of TEFL. It includes nine mandatory units, all assessed with exams, and two units with coursework-assessed assignments marked by trainers.

Students have six months of access to complete the course, with some completing it in as little as three to five weeks when studying full-time.

Level 5 TEFL Diploma (168 hours)

Suitable for those aiming for more formal teaching positions, including government programs and contracted roles. This course offers a more in-depth overview of TEFL and can help secure more formal jobs, which usually include accommodation, flight reimbursements, and help in gaining a work visa.

It can also be done as a combined course, where you get 10 hours of real teaching practice. Teaching practice can be a requirement of potential employers, so this is a great thing to have.

Both courses include additional resources like top-up courses, webinars, and a TEFL resource handbook. The TEFL Academy also offers a 10-hour classroom component in select locations for those who prefer a blended learning experience.

Additional Offerings

Beyond the core certification, The TEFL Academy provides added benefits that support your learning, flexibility, and job search success, such as tutor support, extra learning resources, and job assistance. These are covered in more detail below:

Flexibility and Accessibility

One of the advantages of The TEFL Academy is the flexibility it offers. You can study at your own pace, with six months of access to the online campus. This is beneficial for those balancing other commitments. The courses are designed to be completed online, allowing you to study from anywhere in the world.

Support and Resources

Students have access to qualified tutors who provide feedback and answer questions. The course includes various units with tests and assignments to assess your understanding. Additionally, students receive resources such as the TEFL Handbook and TEFL Resource Pack, as well as access to weekly webinars designed to support learning.

Job Assistance

The TEFL Academy offers support in finding TEFL jobs abroad. They provide resources and guidance to help you secure employment after completing the course. Their job board includes contracted roles that often come with benefits like accommodation and flight reimbursements.

Accreditation & Recognition

Their courses are accredited by Qualifi, a UK government-recognized awarding body, and regulated by Ofqual (a UK government department). Additionally, their courses are approved by the DEAC (U.S. Department of Education recognized) as meeting the criteria for Approved Quality Curriculum (AQC) status.

Student Reviews and Feedback

The TEFL Academy has received positive reviews from many students. For instance, on TEFL Course Review, they have an overall rating of 4.63 out of 5 stars based on 1,388 student reviews. They receive a similarly high score on Trustpilot (4.6+ stars) and GoOverseas (9.3/10).

However, it’s important to note that some individuals have reported negative experiences. Concerns have been raised about the recognition of the certificate for jobs in certain countries and the quality of support provided. This is why it’s important to make sure that the course fits your requirements before enrolling.

Considerations Before Enrolling

Before you enrol in any TEFL course, it’s important to consider the following:

• Accreditation: Ensure the course’s accreditation aligns with your career goals.
• Course Content: Review the syllabus to confirm it covers the necessary teaching methodologies.
• Support: Consider the level of tutor support and resources available.
• Job Placement: Evaluate the assistance provided in securing employment post-certification.
• Recognition: Research whether the TEFL certificate is recognized in the countries where you intend to teach and will allow you to successfully apply to the positions you are targeting.

Why Choose The TEFL Academy?

Deciding where to get TEFL certified is a big step. You want real value, proper recognition, and confidence that you’ll succeed. Below is a fair, transparent summary of what to expect from The TEFL Academy based on student feedback and third-party reviews, including those discussed in the following video:

✅ Pros – What Makes The TEFL Academy Stand Out?

1. Fully Accredited, Globally Respected
The TEFL Academy’s Level 5 course is regulated by Ofqual and awarded by Qualifi, both UK government-recognized. That means your certificate holds weight worldwide.

2. Value for Money
You get a professional-grade qualification for a fraction of the cost of CELTA or university-led programs. They frequently run discounts, making it one of the most affordable Level 5 courses on the market.

3. Learn On Your Schedule
Whether you’re a full-time parent or a university student, you can work through the online modules at your own pace, no travel or time off needed.

4. Real Classroom Practice (If You Want It)
You can choose a combined course that includes a 10-hour practical training day. It’s great for confidence and classroom experience.

5. Lifetime Job Support
You don’t just get a certificate, you get a long-term partner. Access their TEFL job board forever and get support writing your CV or preparing for interviews.

6. Boost Your Skills With Free Top-Up Courses
Want to specialize in teaching business English or young learners? TTA includes optional courses to help you stand out to employers.

7. Trusted by Thousands
Over 100,000 students from around the world have chosen TTA, according to their website. Their reviews on Trustpilot, GoOverseas, and TEFL Course Review speak volumes.

❌ Cons – What You Should Know (And How to Handle It)

1. Some Students Report Delayed Support
At peak times, responses may take longer. However, most learners say their queries were answered, and tutors are helpful once contacted.

2. Not All Employers Recognize All TEFLs Equally
Some prestigious schools in Europe or the Middle East may prefer CELTA. Still, many TEFL Academy graduates work in these regions — it’s about how you present your skills in your TEFL CV and at interview.

3. It’s Self-Paced – So You Need Discipline
Without a fixed class time, motivation must come from you. But if you’re focused, the flexibility is a huge plus.

4. You Still Have to Apply for Jobs Yourself
TTA gives you job boards, application tips, and resume help — but you’ll still need to secure your own position. No one can guarantee a job, and those that do are often too good to be true.

5. The Course Platform Isn’t Fancy
It’s clean, functional, and mobile-friendly, but not flashy. The content, however, is solid and well-structured.

✅ Summary Table: Is the TEFL Academy Right for You?

Feature	The TEFL Academy (TTA)
Accreditation	Ofqual regulated, Qualifi Level 5
Course Format	100% Online or Online + 10-hour practical
Price Range	$300–$600 (often discounted)
Support Provided	Tutor help, job board, resume guidance
Extras	Free top-up courses, digital certificate
Job Guarantee?	No, but strong job support included
Best For	Beginners, career changers, remote workers

Is The TEFL Academy Legit?

Yes, The TEFL Academy is a legitimate and widely respected TEFL course provider.

When researching TEFL courses, it’s right to ask questions. The market is filled with shady providers, short courses, and unaccredited platforms. But The TEFL Academy consistently stands out as one of the most trusted names in the field. Here’s why:

✅ Government-Regulated Accreditation

The TEFL Academy’s Level 5 course is regulated by Ofqual, the UK government’s qualifications body. The certificate is awarded by Qualifi, a recognized awarding organization. That means:

• Your course meets strict academic standards.
• Employers know it’s a real, verified qualification.
• You’ll have a TEFL certificate equivalent in level to a foundation degree or higher national diploma.

This is not just a random certificate, it’s backed by formal regulation.

✅ High Ratings on Trusted Platforms

The TEFL Academy has thousands of positive reviews on major independent websites:

• Trustpilot: 4.6+ stars (from 8,000+ reviews)
• GoOverseas: 9.3/10 overall rating
• TEFL Course Review: 4.63/5 stars (highly recommended by real users)

These reviews highlight the quality of the course content, tutor support, and job search help.

✅ International Presence

TTA operates in the UK, Ireland, Australia, South Africa, and the USA, and serves students worldwide. Their qualifications are accepted in Europe, Asia, Latin America, and even online-only teaching roles. You aren’t tied to one region.

✅ Recognized by Employers

Thousands of graduates from The TEFL Academy are working across the globe. Many schools in Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America accept their certificate, especially because it’s Level 5 accredited.

If a job requires a CELTA or DELTA, TTA may not qualify, but those are more advanced or in-person-only courses if you’re looking to pursue a career in TEFL. For most entry-level TEFL jobs, TTA’s certificate meets or exceeds requirements.

✅ Verified Business Operations

The TEFL Academy is registered, insured, and follows local education and consumer laws in the UK and other countries. They provide:

• Real contact information
• Transparent pricing
• A refund policy (within 14 days)
• Data protection compliance

You’re not dealing with a pop-up website or anonymous provider. They’ve been operating for over 10 years and have trained over 100,000 students by their numbers.

✅ They Don’t Promise the Impossible

TTA doesn’t guarantee job placement, and that can be a good thing. Providers who do promise this often work with limited or low-paying employers. Instead, The TEFL Academy gives you:

• A lifetime job board
• CV and cover letter help
• Interview prep
• Access to partner recruiters

That empowers you to apply for better roles and stay in control of your career.

🚨 What to Watch For

Even legitimate providers can receive negative feedback. Most negative reviews for The TEFL Academy mention:

• Slow email support during busy seasons
• Less interactivity in the course platform
• Needing self-motivation to finish the course

These aren’t scams, they’re common online learning issues. And they don’t take away from the legitimacy of the qualification itself.

Final Verdict

Yes, The TEFL Academy is legitimate, accredited, and trusted by thousands of teachers worldwide.

You get what you pay for, and with TTA, you get an Ofqual-regulated Level 5 TEFL certificate, real career support, and flexible study options. If you’re looking for a credible way to teach English online or abroad, this course is a strong choice.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re serious about teaching English abroad or online, now is a great time to enrol. The TEFL Academy often runs promotions, so you can get started at a reduced price.

🎓 Explore The TEFL Academy Courses & Enroll Here →

You’ll gain a recognized qualification, practical skills, and job search support, all from a provider trusted by thousands of teachers worldwide.