How to Teach English Online with Certification: Best Courses for 2024
Looking for a remote job that offers flexibility, stability, and the ability to make a global impact? Teaching English online might be the game-changing career move you didn’t know existed.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to choose the best online certification course, why TEFL certificates matter, and where to find legitimate opportunities—all backed by expert research.
Why Teaching English Online is So Popular Right Now
More people than ever are turning to online teaching for flexible income streams and location independence. Whether you’re a stay-at-home parent, a digital nomad, or someone looking for a side hustle, a TEFL certification can help unlock remote teaching work via platforms like iTalki, Preply, or even private clients.
According to a recent analysis by Coursera and leading TEFL providers, graduates with 120+ hour certifications from accredited boards see far more job opportunities and higher starting pay than uncertified teachers.
“The time and money efficient course provides tons of useful materials and instructions that prepare you well for lecturing and facilitating activities.” — Verified reviewer, TEFL Course Review
Best Online Courses to Become a Certified English Teacher
You don’t need a teaching degree or classroom experience to get started. But you do need a respected certificate. Here are some of the best options in 2024 based on value, features, and student reviews.
1. Coursera – Teach English Now! (University of Arizona)
Great for beginners or those testing the waters, Coursera’s “Teach English Now!” series offers modular, self-paced learning taught by university instructors. You can audit the course for free or pay for certification.
Highlights:
- Flexible learning schedules
- Low upfront cost (Free–$49/month)
- Certificate issued by a respected university
Ideal if you’re unsure about committing to a full TEFL course but want to build foundational skills fast.
2. The TEFL Org – 120-Hour Accredited TEFL Course
Accredited and globally recognized, TEFL Org’s course gives you everything you need to start applying for real teaching jobs.
What You Get:
- 120 hours of training across online instruction, grammar, classroom management
- Tutor support
- Job hunting resources
Price: Around $300–$500
Time: Self-paced (finish in 1–2 months with effort)
3. Premier TEFL – Online TEFL + Practicum
Premier TEFL offers both app-based learning and live teaching sessions. This combo gives you theory and experience—great for employers who want to see classroom time on your resume.
Included:
- 120–168 hours of coursework + live teaching experience
- Mobile learning
- Letters of reference
- Job resources
Price: $200–$500
Duration: Up to 6 months
What to Look for in a TEFL Course
As someone who’s explored dozens of digital teaching platforms and programs, here’s what I can tell you from both research and real-world feedback:
- 120+ hours certification: This is the gold standard and minimum required for most legit platforms.
- Accredited provider: Not every “TEFL” is equal. Choose organizations with official recognition from bodies like Ofqual or TQUK in the UK, or ACCET in the U.S.
- Job support & live teaching: Courses that offer job placement help or allow you to teach real people (even via Zoom) hold more weight.
- Flexible learning: If you’re working another job, caring for kids, or traveling, self-paced learning can make or break your success.
In short: Invest in a certified course that fits your schedule and provides real support. Don’t cut corners here.
Expected Income for Online English Teachers
Once certified, you can start teaching on platforms like:
- iTalki
- Preply
- Cambly
- Amazing Talker
- VIPKid (limited to U.S./Canada teachers)
Typical pay ranges from $10 to $40 per hour, depending on your platform, experience level, and whether you’re teaching private clients. With just a few hours per week, many teachers recoup the cost of their TEFL certificate in under 3 months.
A verified Quora contributor emphasizes that teachers with real certifications can command higher rates and secure more consistent students.
Pros and Cons of Online Teaching Careers
✅ Pros
- Work from anywhere in the world
- Set your own hours and rates
- Low up-front investment
- Satisfying work helping others improve life opportunities
❌ Cons
- Income can fluctuate month-to-month
- Online teaching platforms can get saturated
- Some platforms expect you to hustle at the beginning
If you’re self-motivated, patient, and truly enjoy helping others, online English teaching can be both financially and personally rewarding.
Is Teaching English Online Right for You?
You’re a great candidate if you:
- Speak fluent English
- Value flexible work and travel opportunities
- Enjoy working 1-on-1 or in small groups
- Want an ethical career with global impact
You’re better off skipping it if:
- You need a guaranteed full-time salary immediately
- You don’t have time to build your student base
- You dislike speaking or presenting on camera
According to user reviews from Reddit and TEFL Course Review, success comes down to taking the right course, showing up consistently, and being willing to learn. One Reddit user put it best:
“Don’t expect to get rich overnight, but if you’re patient and put in the work, you’ll get out what you put in.”
Final Verdict
Getting certified to teach English online is one of the simplest ways to turn your language skills into a flexible, remote income stream. And with dozens of job platforms accessible after certification, the barrier to entry is low—as long as you choose the right course.
For beginners, we recommend starting with the Coursera offering for light commitment and foundational knowledge:
And when you’re ready to go pro, upgrade to a fully accredited 120-hour course from a provider like TEFL.org or Premier TEFL. You’ll be classroom-ready and job-hunting in no time.
Resources Cited
Ready to start your remote teaching journey?
Click below and jump into teaching with Coursera today:
Let 2024 be the year you take your skills global.