FAQ

We have listed some of the more frequently-asked questions below. If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Why TEFL in China?

In order to insure the quality of foreign EFL teachers working in China, foreign expert status is limited to those who have a bachelor’s degree and a minimum of two years of professional teaching experience or TEFL/TESL certification.

The TEFL in China training program is sponsored by the Foreign Talent Research Center, Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security (MOHRSS). The TEFL in China certification is officially recognized throughout China and it provides an excellent credential for entering the TEFL profession in China.

There are two paths to obtaining the TEFL in China certificate: (1) TEFL in China Online or (2) TEFL in China In-Class. More details about each path will be found in the “TEFL Courses” tab.

Do you really need TEFL in China certificate to teach English in China?

In the past it was relatively easy to obtain an English teacher’s position in China with little or no related educational background or work experience–being a native English speaker was enough. Today, the level of English education in China–both Chinese students’ and Chinese English teachers’ education and experience has increased. In order to keep up with the advancement of English in China, minimum qualifications for foreign teachers have been put into place. In most cases you will be required to at least have a bachelor’s degree and a minimum of two years of professional teaching experience or TEFL/TESL certification.

In an increasingly competitive environment, a TEFL in China certificate can be applied toward the basic requirements of employment. The TEFL in China certificate listed on your resume or CV would make a great difference between you and another native English speaker, and can increase your chances of working at a better school and/or receiving a higher salary.

What qualifications do I need to take this course?

You need at least a bachelor’s degree and be relatively fluent in English, both speaking and writing.

Can non-native speakers of English take the course?

Yes. All who meet the basic qualification are welcome to take this course. If you pass the course, we will issue you the certificate.

What kind of course should I apply for?

There are two paths to obtaining the TEFL in China certificate: (1) TEFL in China Online or (2) TEFL in China In-Class.

Before you choose a course, open the “TEFL Courses” tab and click on the “Introduction” under each course to learn more about each course.

Tuition: TEFL in China Online tuition fee is 2000RMB, and the TEFL in China In-Class tuition fee is 3000RMB.


How to apply for the TEFL in China Online course?

1. Open the “TEFL Courses” tab, click on “TEFL Online”, click on “Apply Now.”

2. To apply for a TEFL course you will need to:

  • Step 1 – register if you have not done so already.
  • Step 2 – choose your preferred agency–if you don’t know which agency you would like to apply to, just choose one.
  • Step 3 – fill in some basic personal information.

3.  Before you submit the online application form:

  • Read the Terms and Conditions.
  • Check your contact details are correct.
  • Be consistent in the names you use, make sure it is the same as your passport.
  • Then you will receive an automatic acknowledgement from the website when you submit your form.

4.  The agency will contact you later and guide you how to pay the tuition and how to take the training course. After you pay the tuition, the agency will active the account for you, then you can start the TEFL in China Online course.

How can I get the certificate if I choose the TEFL in China Online course?

After you finish the TEFL in China Online course, you need to wait about 2-4 weeks to get the result. If you passed the online course and the evaluation test, you can download the digital certificate from your trainee center. If you want to get the original certificate, please contact your agency.


What happens if I fail the TEFL in China Online course?

You need to focus and apply yourself once you start the TEFL in China Online course. Once you pay the tuition and the agency actives your account, the tuition cannot not be refunded. There will be no make-up exam if you fail the TEFL in China Online course. If you want to take the exam again, please contact the agency and pay the tuition to apply for a new account. We hope you prepare well and will be successful in the course.


How to apply for the TEFL in China In-Class course?

Remember that the TEFL in China In-Class course consists of two parts (1) the condensed online course and (2) the in-class course.

1. Open the “TEFL Courses” tab, click on “TEFL In-Class”, click on “Apply Now.”

2. To apply for a TEFL course you will need to:

  • Step 1 – register if you have not done so already.
  • Step 2 – choose your preferred agency–if you don’t know which agency you would like to apply to, just choose one.
  • Step 3 – fill in some basic personal information.


3. Before you submit the online application form:

  • Read the Terms and Conditions.
  • Check your contact details are correct.
  • Be consistent in the names you use, make sure it is the same as your passport.
  • Then you will receive an automatic acknowledgement from the website when you submit your form.


4. The agency will contact you later and guide you how to pay the tuition and how to take the training course. After you pay the tuition, the agency will active the account for you, then you can start the TEFL in China In-Class online portion of the course.


5.  If you want to learn more about accommodations and transportation for the TEFL In-Class course, please contact the agency you registered with for more information.

  • Tuition does not include accommodation. Nevertheless, the agency would be glad to help you place reservations at a hotel or guest house nearby the location in which the training course will be conducted. In many cases, the courses are offered in convention centers, adjoined to which are hotels with rooms available.


What happens if I fail the TEFL in China In-Class course?

You need to focus and work hard for both the online part of the course and the in-class part. The in-class part will include grades for attendance, participation and the score you earn on several quizzes, your final examination and micro-teaching. In the unlikely event that a personal crisis arises, your agency representative will help you overcome the difficulties and give you the opportunity of another assessment without any extra charge. If you fail with the second opportunity, a 500RMB surcharge will be applied for each additional assessment. As always, we hope for your success in the course.


What is your cancellation policy for the TEFL in China In-Class course?

If you have registered but are unable to attend the in-class course, we will try to allocate you an alternative date from our list. You need to inform us at least 30 days on paper or by email prior to the session for which you have initially registered. We regret that we cannot normally refund your deposit if you are unable to accept the alternative dates. If we cancel the course for which you have registered, then you will have the choice of an alternative date (no surcharge) or a full refund of any payments you have made.


What should I bring if I attend the TEFL in China In-Class course?

We will let you know before your arrival at the course but plan to bring your passport. Bring basic writing materials and a notepad. And most trainees find their computer or tablet useful. It is advisable to wear comfortable, casual clothes as some of the activities during the course may be a little physical.

How can I get the certificate if I choose the TEFL in China In-Class course?

After you have finished and passed the condensed online course & exam, the in-class course & exam and the evaluation test, your agency will post you an original TEFL in China certificate.


Can non-native speakers take the TEFL in China course?

The TEFL in China course is open to all native and non-native speakers who hold a bachelor degree or above.

After you help set up the account, how can I study the course?

Use the username and password you registered with and log into the TEFL website for the course and test.

What can I do if I have some problem when I am taking the course?

Please ensure the Internet is connected during the study and test period. If the browser and network are working and not the source of the problem , we will contact the IT department to check the problem.

How long will it take me to finish the TEFL in China course? What are the contents?

The duration of the TEFL in China course depends on the student's own arrangement. It usually takes 3-4 weeks to complete. Each unit has a quiz, and at the end of the course there is a final exam, which is divided into two parts: Part 1: multiple choice questions (50) and short essays (5) (90 minutes), and Part 2: a Lesson Plan (1 hour). You cannot take the final exam until you have completed the whole course but after that it is up to you as to when you start the exam. Note that both parts must be completed within 24 hours of your start time.

Can I use my mobile phone to log into the TEFL in China course?

It is suggested that you use a computer or table instead of a mobile phone. And to use  Internet Explorer or Chrome.

Is the digital certificate the same as the hard copy?

The digital TEFL in China certificate can be used to apply for a work visa visa. Some local province may want to see the original certificate (hard copy).

How long does it take to get the hard copy certificates after I sign up for TEFL in China?

The hard copy certificates are usually applied once a month. Usually, after students completed all the tests and obtained the digital certificate (TEFL certificate and evaluation certificate), we will help you to apply for the hard copy certificate and mail it to you.

Does the TEFL in China certificate need to be authenticated?

A big advantage of the TEFL in China certificate is that the certificate does not need to be authenticated. Other foreign TEFL or TESOL certificates need to be authenticated.

Can I take a make-up exam if I failed the exam? How much does it cost?

Yes, you can. You need to pay an additional 500RMB to take the TEFL course and final exam a second time.

I lost the TEFL in China certificate. Can I apply for a replacement?

I lost the TEFL in China certificate. Can I apply for a replacement?

You can apply for a lost TEFL in China replacement. Provide your passport and relevant study information. We will help you verify the information and apply for a new certificate. The replacement TEFL certificate will cost 300RMB.


Why do Chinese English teachers needs to secure a TEFL in China certificate?

TEFL in China as a training and certification helps English teachers improve their pedagogy as well as their language abilities, broaden their horizon and certify them through international criteria. As a whole, TEFL in China prepares teachers for better career opportunities.

I already hold a teacher certificate . Do I still need to take TEFL in China test ?

A teacher certificate in China and the TEFL in China certificate mean different things for employers. The former is an entry qualification into schools, while TEFL in China is a proof of professional ability as an English teacher.

Who are good Chinese candidates for TEFL in China?

TEFL in China encourages Chinese English teachers who work with international schools,public schools and training schools to take the TEFL in China test. What's more, university students and any other candidate with competent language ability and a wish to be an English teacher are welcome to sit for the test.