Researching the options for doing a TEFL course is an overwhelming experience. There are so many things to consider. One of the most common questions is: “Do I have to do a final TEFL exam?”
Most TEFL courses do not have a final exam. There is no official assessment process in the TEFL course industry, so each provider applies their own methods. Most courses have quizzes throughout, and many have a written assessment at the end. Assessments can usually be submitted more than once.
The problem is, all TEFL courses are different. With no standardised methods or global accreditation system, each provider chooses its own way to assess. Nevertheless, there are some common trends, which I’ll explain in this article.
If you’re thinking of becoming a TEFL teacher, I really recommend you take a look at my article Big Guide to Starting Out in TEFL: All you need to know. It takes you step-by-step through the whole process, from deciding if it’s right for you, all the way to getting your first job.
Will I have to do an exam in my TEFL course?
Any TEFL course worth its salt has a certain level of assessment. These come in the form of multiple-choice quizzes, projects, written assignments, and comprehension exercises.
However, very few courses have one big final exam.
Some require you to complete a summative assessment when you have finished the course, which often takes the form of a 500-1,000 word essay on something related to the course material.
Other courses have a practical teaching element, with assessment by a qualified instructor.
So although you may have to do various small tests throughout the course, at the end, you don’t have to stress about one exam which decides if you pass or not.
Another thing to ease your nerves is the fact that most courses let you repeat assessments until you pass. This means it’s hard to fail.
Unfortunately, the TEFL course industry isn’t really about providing excellent teacher training, it’s focused on getting people the certificates they paid for. Some companies, like i-to-i TEFL, even offer a refund if you don’t pass the course. They’re incentivised to ensure you get the certificate.
What exams do I have to do for different TEFL course providers?
We’re going to look at five of the biggest TEFL course companies and compare their assessment strategies.
First is International TEFL Academy. They offer some of the most demanding, expensive and prestigious courses available. Assessment takes the form of quizzes, exercises, and projects throughout the course, as well as requiring you to do real teaching practice to get your certificate.
Our second provider is International TEFL and TESOL Training, my personal recommendation. They have online courses and hybrid options (part online and part in-person). They assess students with quizzes at the end of each unit and a summative written task at the end.
Head to International TEFL and TESOL Training to get 15% off all courses – online, hybrid and in-person. If you do this, it also helps out the site!
Next up is i-to-i TEFL. They’re a good course provider for learning how to teach online. They follow the format of continuous multiple-choice quizzes and a few graded written assignments.
The fourth company is the OISE TEFL course – in partnership with Teach Away. Being linked to the University of Toronto gives it extra prestige, but it’s pricey. It features continuous assessment throughout the course in the form of tests and written assignments, and there is a larger exam at the end.
The last TEFL provider we’re going to look at is The TEFL Academy. They strike a good balance between quality and affordability. Short tests take place at the end of each unit, and for a few of the units, there are coursework tasks.
On the whole, you can see assessments aren’t too bad. Only the OISE TEFL course has a final exam, while many of the others have written tasks throughout or at the end.
Depending on the course you choose, some have practical teaching modules. These are typically assessed by a qualified instructor, who will give you helpful feedback.
If you can, opt for this. It may seem scar to do real teaching when you haven’t even got the certificate, but your first class has to be at some point. Why not do it with someone there to help you out?
How to pass TEFL course assessments and exams
Passing a TEFL certificate isn’t hard.
If you have relatively good English (including if it’s not your first language), and study properly, you’ll be able to ace any tests, coursework or writings they throw at you.
I recommend taking notes of everything. Use an app like Microsoft OneNote if you prefer not to handwrite. Having those notes available to study when online quizzes and tests come up can help you get the best grades.
And do your research on the course you’ve chosen. Often, someone has gone through the course and shared their experiences and strategies online. Find out what worked for them, and use it for yourself.
Conclusion
With no official TEFL exam, you may feel worried about what your course provider might throw at you.
But unlike many institutions, TEFL companies have a strong incentive for you to pass. It’s their business. If they have big, scary exams at the end of their courses, people will opt for a provider who offers gentler assessment methods.
Just beware of dodgy TEFL companies. If there is no assessment at all in the course, ask yourself why not. Even in this unregulated industry, there are some established standards, and if you’ve found a cheap course with no exams or coursework, you’re probably throwing your money down the drain.
Stick with a big name, do your research and you’ll have your certificate in no time!
To learn more about becoming a TEFL teacher, you should definitely read my other articles:
Big Guide to Starting Out in TEFL: All you need to know
Is TEFL Teaching Hard? A guide to whether TEFL is right for you
What Are EFL/ESL Classes Like For Teachers?
Is TEFL Legit? Guide to trustworthy certificates and jobs
Do You Need a Degree to Work as a TEFL Teacher?
How to Pick the Right TEFL Destination: 5 steps to success
What Type of TEFL Teaching is For You? Jobs explained
What is the Best TEFL Certificate? Guide to choosing right
TEFL vs. CELTA: What’s the difference? Which is best?
10 Steps to Passing Your TEFL: Study and assignment tips
Is There an Exam for TEFL Courses? What you need to pass
Which TEFL Course Provider to Choose? Why my pick is ITTT
Is it Hard to Get a TEFL Job? Tips on finding employment
