You Arrange your placement, We Verify Your Teaching Experience
24-Hour English Teaching Practicum
GoOverseas Rated #1 Best TEFL Instruction 2025
Internationally Dual-Accredited by OTCAC & CPD-verified
UK Government Registered Learning Provider
Includes TEFL Certificates, Video, Text & Quizzes
Real Teaching Practice
(Minimum 6 hours)
Teaching observation
(Maximum 14 hours)
Reflective Practice
(Standard 4 hours)
Real Teaching Experience
Upgrade to a 144-Hour or 192-Hour TEFL Certificate with 20 hours of verified practical teaching experience (and 4 hours of reflection) included.
Stand out to employers worldwide with hands-on classroom practice, observation, and tutoring hours that demonstrate your teaching abilities.
✓ Just $75 when bundled with your course or add later for $79
✓ 24-48 hour certificate delivery after final reflection approval
✓ Internationally recognized practicum standards – we officially verify your practicum hours
✓ Premium verifiable certificate included (QR code + password protection)
✓ Expert instructor review of all teaching hours and reflections to validate learning
What is the TEFL Practicum?
The practicum is a 20-hour teaching practice component (and 4 hours of reflective practice, making 24 hours in total as an add-on) that transforms your TEFL certification from largely theoretical knowledge into proven teaching experience. We do our best in our 120-hour and 168-hour online TESOL courses to take your learning beyond theory (with model teaching videos and lesson flow scenarios, for example), but with this practical teaching add-on, it goes further: you are there in a real learning environment observing and teaching. You’ll work directly with real English language learners through teaching, tutoring, and classroom observation – it gives you the hands-on skills, experience, and built confidence that employers wish all of thier teachers had.
While practical teaching is often seen as a luxury and only some international schools and language academies require TEFL certification that includes practical teaching hours, our practicum meets and exceeds international standards, adding substantial value to your certification.
Certification Upgrade
With ‘Verified Practical Teaching’ on your TEFL certs, you’re even more attractive
Premium Certificates
Add onto Premium TEFL Courses for only $75 or bundle at discount
Confidence Boost
Take the theoretical into the practical and get your confidence to an all-time high
Teaching Practicum Bundle* with Online Courses
| Online Course | Add Practicum | Total Price | Final Certificate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 120-Hour TEFL Course ($59) | + $75 practicum | $134 total | 144-Hour TEFL Certificate with Verified Teaching Practice |
| 168-Hour TEFL Course ($69) | + $75 practicum | $144 total | 192-Hour TEFL Certificate with Verified Teaching Practice |
Bundle pricing only available when purchasing practicum at the same time as the online TEFL course ($79 as an add-on)*
20 Hours Total Teaching Practice
- Minimum 6 hours of active teaching or tutoring
- Up to 14 hours of classroom observation (optional)
- Work with non-native English speakers of any age or proficiency level with English as the key language of communication
4 Hours Comprehensive Reflection Practice
- Continuous reflection submissions throughout your practicum
- Practicum completion log with detailed hour tracking
- 500-word final reflection on your teaching experience
Premium Verifiable Certification
- QR code verification for instant employer authentication
- Password-protected digital security in our site
- Self-printable PDF certificate and transcript
- Upgraded to 144-hour or 192-hour TEFL certification with ‘Verified Practical Teaching’
- Premium course or bundle must have been purchased for verification purposes
Fast TEFL Certificate Processing
- 24-48 hour processing after final reflection approval
- Expert review of all submitted reflections and documentation (staging makes it faster)
- Validity checks conducted at random by qualified teachers throughout your practicum
How it Works
Step 1: Purchase practicum bundle
Buy with your TEFL course (save $4) OR add it after course completion ($79). You'll receive access to practicum guidelines, reflection templates, and hour-tracking log after 14 days. Complete (most of) the 120-hour online course and review our practicum handbook. You may start the practicum only after completing the 'lesson plan unit' of the 120-hour course component.
Is it refundable within our regular 14 days?
Of course it is! We're teachers, not rip-off merchants! As with all other products that we sell, there's a cooling-off period allowed (it's actually law!), but the law also protects our right to fair compensation.
Step 2: Find your teaching opportunity
You arrange your own practicum placement using our extensive support. We provide you with a detailed list of potentials from: Teaching/Tutoring:
Local ESL programs, community centers, or libraries*; Private tutoring (friends, family, neighbors, colleagues who are non-native speakers)**; Online tutoring platforms and language exchange programs; Volunteer ESL teaching at nonprofits, religious organizations, or schools; or
Paid ESL teaching positions (your hours still count).
*Audio/**video evidence may be required for this specification.
Step 3: Complete your 24 hours
Minimum Requirements:
-At least 6 hours of active teaching or tutoring with non-native English speakers.
-Up to 14 hours of observation (you can complete all 20 hours through teaching/tutoring if preferred)
English must be the subject being taught (not math, science, etc. taught in English)
-Work exclusively with non-native speakers (no blended classrooms with native speakers)
Flexible Timeline: Complete your practicum within 120 days of completing the 120-hour course component.
Step 4: Complete your reflections and log practice
Throughout your practicum, you'll submit reflections and documentation. This is non-negotiable.
Continuous Reflection Submissions:
Submit brief reflections after completing observation or teaching sessions. Document your experiences, challenges, and teaching insights as you progress.
Allows our qualified instructors to review and verify your work in real-time - submit via our digital log form or email your own document. You will be required to specify details of location, student numbers and level, as well as provide details for verification (though we randomise our checks).
Why Continuous Reflection?Faster final approval: We verify evidence throughout the process, not all at once at the end.
Quality assurance: Our teaching staff can flag any issues early and guide you.
Better learning: Reflecting regularly deepens your teaching insights.
Smoother timeline: Achieves 24-48 hour final certificate delivery because verification happens continuously.
Step 5: Receive certification with verified teaching practice
It will take up to 48 hours for us to process everything (checking your final reflection, etc.).
This fast timeline (compared to other TEFL companies) is possible because we verify evidence continuously throughout your practicum. If any discrepancies arise, we'll contact you promptly for clarification.
Certificate Issued:
Receive your 144-hour or 192-hour TEFL Certificate via email.
✓ QR code and password verification
✓ Self-printable premium certificates
✓ Practicum evidenced in print and online
✓ Our 144-hour and 192-hour certificate levels both exceed most internationally-recognized expectations for TEFL training and demonstrate practical teaching experience to employers worldwide.
Why Add The Practical Teaching Component?
Gain an advantage in job applications
- Stand out from other candidates with proven classroom experience
- Include practicum hours on your resume and in job interviews
- Demonstrate real-world teaching skills, not just (mainly) theoretical knowledge
Build your confidence
- Practice classroom management with real students before your first teaching job
- Apply teaching methodologies you learned in your TEFL course to live situations
- Gain exposure to different learning styles and student backgrounds
- Develop your personal teaching style in a supportive environment
Higher certification level
- Upgrade from 120 hours to 144 hours or 168 hours to 192 hours
- Higher hour certifications often qualify for better-paid positions
- Demonstrates commitment to professional development
Verified, legitimate credential
- Premium certificate with QR code verification ensures employers can authenticate your teaching hours
- Password-protected security prevents certificate fraud
- Qualified instructor review guarantees your practicum meets rigorous standards
24-Hour Practical Add-on
Already purchased one of our premium courses and want to add full practical experience to your certification?
Buy Now $79
144-Hour TEFL with Practical
Get TEFL certified with premium 120-hour TEFL and apply it to 20 hours of practical experience and 4 hours of reflections.
Buy Now $134
192-Hour TEFL with Practical
Get TEFL certified with premium 168-hour TEFL and apply it to 20 hours of practical experience and 4 hours of reflections.
Buy Now $144
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General questions about the practicum
What exactly is the TEFL practicum?
A practicum is a hands-on teaching component where you gain practical experience working with real English language learners. It includes teaching, tutoring, and/or observing ESL classes (followed by reflection). This transforms your TEFL certification from theory into proven teaching experience.
Why is the practicum preferred for some jobs?
Some international schools and strict language academies require TEFL certificates that include practical teaching hours because it demonstrates you have real classroom experience, not just theoretical knowledge. Our 24-hour practicum exceeds the 6-hour international minimum standard.
Do I have to do all 24 hours of teaching or can I observe?
You have some flexibility! You must complete at least 6 hours of active teaching or tutoring, and it will take you around 4 hours to complete meaningful reflections, but you can complete the remaining hours through observation (up to 14 hours maximum). Many students choose to complete all 20 hours through teaching/tutoring for maximum hands-on experience.
Can I complete my practicum online?
Yes! You can complete all practicum hours online through virtual tutoring, online ESL classes, or observing live online ESL lessons. Online and in-person hours are equally valid.
What's the difference between the 144-hour and 192-hour certificates?
Both include the same 24-hour practicum component. The difference is your base course: 120-hour course + 24-hour practicum = 140-hour certificate 168-hour course + 24-hour practicum = 192-hour certificate Both are internationally recognised. The 168-hour course includes additional specialized modules (e.g., young learners and adult learners).
Pricing & Enrolment
How much does the practicum cost?
- $75 when bundled with your TEFL course from the first point (best value)
- $79 if you add practicum after starting your course
- Premium verifiable certificate bundle is required but not included in the $75 and $79 prices quoted here. It’s included in the bundle cost of $134 and $144, but if buying the practicum as an ‘add-on’, you either need to have originally purchased one of our ‘premium’ TEFL courses or you’ll need to add that bundle to this.
Can I buy just the practicum without the premium certificate?
No. The practicum add-on must include premium verification because:
- Employers need to verify your teaching hours are legitimate, and this allows us to add additional information in the future (that may support its credibility/legitimacy)
- We need to protect the credibility of our practicum and ensure that anything associated with our practicums is credible and legitimate: verification solves all of these issues
What is included with the premium certificate bundle?
Firstly, practicum verification is essential for your credential to be recognized by employers.
The premium certificate bundle has 3 certificates (1 transcript with QR code that can be self-printed, 1 TEFL-TESOL certificate with foil stamp image and QR code, and 1 TEFL-TESOL certificate without the foil stamp image that can be self-printed). The QR code verification scans to our certificate verification area where you input password and family name to access the automated transcript. It’s a protected system that allows schools to instantly authenticate your teaching hours and practical experience. Our qualified staff verify your practicum evidence throughout the process to ensure legitimacy, so having this verification system makes logical sense in order to protect our (and your) credibility.
I already completed the 120-hour or 168-hour course. Can I still add the practicum?
Absolutely! You can add the practicum for $79. But kindly note that you’ll need to already have paid for the premium bundle or be ready to upgrade to that bundle ($10) to be able to meet the pre-requirements of the practicum enrolment. You’ll receive an upgraded 144-hour or 192-hour certificate once you complete all requirements of the practical component (with the online TEFL course).
Is there a payment plan available?
Please contact us to discuss payment plan options for the practicum add-on.
Finding a Practicum Experience
Do you assign me a practicum location?
No, you arrange your own practicum placement. However, we provide extensive support including:
- Curated list of practicum-friendly organizations worldwide
- Guide to finding ESL programs in your area
- Tips for online tutoring platforms
- Sample outreach emails and introduction letters
What if I can't find a practicum location?
There are many flexible options:
- Tutor friends, family, or colleagues who are non-native English speakers
- Advertise yourself as a free ESL tutor on community boards or online
- Join online tutoring platforms (many are free to join)
- Contact local libraries, community centers, churches, or nonprofits offering ESL classes
- Reach out to us – we can provide additional guidance and suggestions
Can I tutor family members or friends?
Yes! As long as English is not their first language and you’re teaching them English, it qualifies for practicum hours. We will require video and/or audio evidence and lesson plans, etc. in this case. We are required to be stricter in this case.
Can I get paid for my practicum hours?
Absolutely! Paid teaching or tutoring positions count toward your practicum as long as they meet all requirements (teaching English to non-native speakers).
Do I need to complete all 20 hours at the same location?
No, you can mix and match locations. For example, you could:
- Tutor 3 different students privately (6 hours total)
- Observe at 2 different ESL schools (10 hours total)
- Teach at a community center (4 hours)
What if the organisation asks for a letter from you?
We provide a Practicum Requirement Letter that you can share with organisations. If a customised letter is needed, contact us and we’ll create one for your specific situation. Remember, this is not anything new to most institutions: trainees need to start/learn somewhere.
Practicum Requirements
Who can I teach or tutor for my practicum?
You can work with non-native English speakers of any age, level, or background:
- Children, teenagers, or adults
- Beginner, intermediate, or advanced learners
- Individual students or classroom groups
- Students from any country or language background
The only requirement: English must not be their first language.
Does the class have to be only non-native English speakers?
Yes. You must work exclusively with non-native English speakers. Blended classrooms with native speakers do not count.
Can I teach subjects other than English?
No. The subject being taught must be English (grammar, vocabulary, speaking, writing, reading, etc.). Teaching math or science in English does not count.
Can I observe recorded ESL lessons?
No. Observations must be of live classes only. You can observe in-person or online, but the class must be happening in real-time. Our online courses already involve hours of model teaching videos: being there in person is different and provides atmosphere.
What counts as "teaching or tutoring"?
Any activity where you’re actively instructing English language learners:
- Leading a grammar lesson
- Facilitating conversation practice
- Teaching vocabulary or pronunciation
- Helping with homework or assignments
- Conducting speaking or writing exercises
- Providing exam preparation (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.)
What counts as "observation"?
Watching a professional ESL teacher lead a live class (in-person or online). You must be observing the teaching methods, classroom management, and student engagement.
Do lesson planning or preparation hours count?
No. Only time spent actively teaching, tutoring, or observing counts toward your 20 hours. Preparation, training, or orientation time does not count.
Timelines & Deadlines
When should I start my practicum?
We recommend finishing your 120-hour course first, but you can start anytime after the lesson planning unit, technically. We recommend securing your location or student(s) quite early.
How long do I have to complete the practicum?
How long does it take to complete 20 hours?
Most students complete practicum in 2-3 months. You can work at your own pace:
- Intensive: Complete in 2-3 weeks (e.g., tutoring 1 hour daily)
- Moderate: Complete in 1-2 months (e.g., teaching 2 hours per week)
- Flexible: Spread out over several months
When will I receive my certificate?
24-48 hours after your final reflection is uploaded. This fast turnaround is possible because we verify your evidence continuously throughout your practicum, not all at once at the end.
Submissions & Verifications
What do I need to submit for the practicum?
Three components:
- Continuous reflections – Submit brief reflections throughout your practicum (after observation or teaching sessions – up to 20 in total)
- Practicum completion log – Detailed tracking of all 20 hours with dates, locations, activities, and contact info
- 500-word final reflection – Comprehensive summary of your practicum experience, submitted after completing all hours
Why do I submit reflections continuously instead of all at once?
Continuous reflection allows us to:
- Verify your evidence in real-time throughout the practicum
- Provide guidance if any issues arise early on
- Ensure faster final approval (24-48 hours instead of weeks)
- Help you reflect more deeply on your teaching experiences
- Check practicum validity as you progress
How do you verify my practicum hours?
Our qualified teaching staff review all submissions and may:
- Contact organizations or students you worked with to confirm hours
- Review your reflections to ensure genuine engagement with English learners
- Request additional documentation if needed
- Verify that all hours meet international practicum standards
Will you contact the people I worked with?
We may contact them on an as-needed basis to verify hours or clarify information (by email or phone). This is standard practice to ensure practicum legitimacy.
What if I made a mistake in my practicum log?
Contact us immediately if you discover any errors. We’ll work with you to correct the information before final approval.
Can I submit my practicum before finishing my TEFL course?
Yes, but your certificate will be issued after both your TEFL course and practicum are complete and approved.
Submissions & Verifications
I'm already an ESL teacher. Can I apply my current teaching hours to the practicum?
If your teaching experience meets practicum requirements (teaching English to non-native speakers) and occurred within 6 months of enrolling in the practicum, you may apply up to 10 hours toward the practicum. You’ll document these hours in your practicum log and provide contact information for verification. However, there are limited scenarios where this course add-on will have meaningful use for you since references and student reviews will generally carry far more weight.
Can I use volunteer ESL teaching I did last year?
Only if it occurred within 6 months of your practicum enrollment. Experience older than 6 months cannot be applied.
I've been tutoring ESL students for years. Do I still need to do the practicum?
Only if you desperately want our 144-hour or 192-hour certification! Your c.v. will already be powerful enough without this add-on. Save your time and money!
Technical & Certificate Questions
What does the QR code verification do?
Employers scan the QR code on your certificate to instantly verify:
- Your name and certificate details
- Course completion date
- Practicum hours completed
- Certificate authenticity
This prevents certificate fraud and gives employers confidence in your credential.
How does password protection work?
Your certificate includes a unique password that employers can use to access detailed verification on our website. This adds an extra layer of security and professionalism.
Will I receive a physical certificate in the mail?
Your certificate is delivered digitally via email (within 24-48 hours). You can print it yourself. If you’d like a professionally printed and mailed certificate, please contact us about our hard copy service: an additional fee applies of $12 administration plus UPS secure courier fee, which usually works out at around $65 in total. Our self-print option is legitimate, high-quality, convenient, and allows you to print multiple copies: we’ve modernised the whole process AND saved you money!
Can I print my certificate?
Yes! Your premium certificate is a self-printable PDF. Print it on high-quality paper (250-300gsm, which is similar to thin card) for job applications or frame it for display.
Do employers recognize 144-hour and 192-hour certificates?
Yes! Both certificate levels are internationally recognised, because the 120-hour and 168-hour TEFL course components are accredited, while we, as professional, qualified teachers validate your teaching practice component: that’s a very potent blend of training and experience! Many employers specifically look for TEFL certificates with 120+ hours and practical teaching experience. Higher hour-counts often qualify you for better-paid positions.
Support & Assistance
Do employers recognize 144-hour and 192-hour certificates?
Contact us anytime (as always). We provide ongoing support throughout your practicum journey. Email us with questions about:
- Finding practicum locations
- Meeting requirements
- Submission guidelines
- Timeline extensions
- Any concerns or challenges
Can I get feedback on my reflections before final submission?
Reflections help teachers review what went well and what could be improved in the future. Our instructors read your reflections but seldom offer feedback on them (as these are more for self-guided discovery). Specific concerns that you’ve uncovered in your practice can be raised in the log that you write.
What if I'm having trouble completing my hours?
Contact us immediately. We can:
- Suggest alternative practicum options
- Provide additional location recommendations
- Grant timeline extensions if needed
- Troubleshoot any challenges you’re facing
Is there someone I can talk to before enrolling?
Absolutely! Contact us via email or on our contact page with any questions about the practicum before purchasing. We’re happy to discuss whether the practicum is right for your teaching goals. Do keep in mind that the practicum isn’t recommended for teachers with previous provable experience or those only wishing to teach online English as a temporary income booster.
Why Choose Our Practicum?
| Feature | Our Practicum | Industry Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Total Hours | 24 hours (with 4 hours reflection) | 6-20 hours |
| Teaching Minimum | 6 hours | 6 hours |
| Observation Maximum | 14 hours | Varies |
| Certificate Delivery | 24-48 hours | 7-10 business days |
| Verification | QR code + password | Standard PDF |
| Instructor Review | Qualified teachers | Varies |
| Continuous Support | Throughout practicum | Limited |
| Timeline | 120 days (180 extension) | 90-365 days |
| Pricing | $75-79 | $300-500+ |
Find A Practicum In The UK
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Find A Practicum Online or Internationally (Non-UK/Non-USA)
24-Hour Practical Add-on
Already purchased one of our premium courses and want to add full practical experience to your certification?
Buy Now $79
144-Hour TEFL with Practical
Get TEFL certified with premium 120-hour TEFL and apply it to 20 hours of practical experience and 4 hours of reflections.
Buy Now $134
192-Hour TEFL with Practical
Get TEFL certified with premium 168-hour TEFL and apply it to 20 hours of practical experience and 4 hours of reflections.
Buy Now $144
CPD Institute Accreditation
CPD-verified, an independent training course accreditor has now granted accredited status to TEFLmasters.
CPD-verified: 002991
Registered Learning Provider
The UK government recognizes TEFLmasters as an official UK learning provider. UKPRN: 10089401.
OTCAC Course Accreditation
Our 120-hour TEFL course has been awarded full accreditation by OTCAC, an independent, online education course accreditor. OTCAC: 20210112A