Free • Online • Accredited
Free 40-Hour TEFL Course
An accredited entry-level TEFL course for anyone exploring English teaching — before committing to a 120-hour or 180-hour certification.
Rated 9.6/10 on GoAbroad
Accredited worldwide
Recognized by ACCREDITAT – the same accreditation body behind our 120hr and 180hr courses.
Instant Certification
Issued digitally on completion, printable anywhere in the world.
No experience needed
Open to anyone 16+. No prior teaching experience or qualifications required.
What this course covers
A real introduction to TEFL
Four modules covering the basics — the TEFL environment, grammar, speaking, and classroom management. Enough to understand what English teaching actually involves before deciding whether to go further.
Self-paced, with tutor support
Work through the course on your own schedule. Ask questions anytime and we’ll respond — no deadlines, no pressure.
Sign up for free
Enter your email to get access — no credit card, no commitment. You’ll get everything you need to begin the course.
Learn at your own pace
Four modules covering grammar, speaking, and classroom basics. Work through them in order, ask the tutor for help anytime.
Get certified — then decide what's next
Complete the course and earn your accredited TEFL certificate. Most teachers use the 40-hour as a starting point before moving on to a 120-hour or 180-hour certification for better job prospects.
What you'll learn
A beginner-friendly introduction to the core concepts of English language teaching.
Module 1: The TEFL Environment – Key Elements
We’ll explore what makes learning the English language unique, give you a working background of the TEFL environment, and break down key teaching methods.
Module 2: Grammar
We go back to the basics with this module, brushing up on our grammar skills. We review main parts of a sentence as well as types of sentences and provide you with the tools and activity ideas for teaching grammar to various age groups.
Module 3: Speaking
Here you’ll learn the fundamentals of spoken English and strategies for stimulating learner speaking. We provide you with resources and activities that you can utilize in your classroom using a 5-step framework for speaking lessons.
Module 4: Classroom Execution and Management
Here, you’ll get an overview on how to execute an effective lesson and manage your classroom like a well-oiled machine. You’ll get a grasp on how to set objectives and goals, manage your time, utilize and assess available content/resources, and how to reflect after completed lessons. We put all of these ideas together with an example lesson plan that you can use as a template moving forward.
Before you enroll
The 40-hour is a real, accredited TEFL certificate – but most employers require a full 120-hour course as their minimum standard.
Most teaching jobs require a 120hr certificate
Schools abroad and online platforms expect the same standard. The 40-hour gets you certified – the 120-hour gets you hired.
This course covers core concepts only
With 4 modules and 32 lessons, you’ll get a solid grounding in TEFL basics. It’s a reduced curriculum compared to our full certifications.
It's a starting point, not a finish line
The 40-hour is built for people exploring teaching English. When you decide to go further, upgrading to the 120-hour or 180-hour course is the natural next step.
Which TEFL course is right for you?
All three courses are accredited and self-paced. Here’s how they compare.
40hr TEFL Course
Free
A genuine introduction to TEFL — the right starting point if you’re exploring English teaching before committing to a full certification.
- Accredited certificate on completion
- Self-paced — study on your own schedule
- Tutor support included
- Lifetime access to course materials
- Retake quizzes until you pass
Most popular
120hr TEFL Course
$129
The standard certification for most teachers — fast, affordable, and everything you need to get hired.
- Accredited certificate on completion
- Self-paced — study on your own schedule
- Unlimited tutor support
- Lifetime access to course materials
- Retake quizzes until you pass
- Globally accepted by schools and online platforms
Best for online teachers
180hr TEFL Course
$199
Everything in the 120-hour course, plus dedicated training for the online classroom — platforms, tools, and techniques to set you apart.
- Everything in the 120hr course
- 60 hours of online teaching modules
- Teaching with platforms and digital tools
- Engaging and managing online learners
- Techniques to stand out as an online teacher
What's included in the free 40-hour course
Four modules, an accredited certificate, and tutor support — all free, with a clear path to the 120-hour course when you’re ready to go further.
40-hour accredited curriculum
4 modules and 32 lessons covering the TEFL environment, grammar, speaking, and classroom management. The curriculum is reviewed and updated regularly based on student feedback.
Quizzes and assignments
A short quiz at the end of each module, plus a final exam. You need 70% to pass and can retake as many times as you need.
Digital TEFL certificate
Issued immediately after you pass your final exam. Accredited by ACCREDITAT — a recognized credential, though most teaching jobs require a 120-hour certificate as their minimum standard.
Personal tutor support
Ask questions anytime during the course and we’ll respond — included at no extra cost.
Testimonials
Trusted by over 5,000 students
9.6
Score on GoAbroad
Completing my 40-hour TEFL course was more than just a learning experience — it was truly inspiring. The course content was clear, well structured, and thoughtfully designed for those of us beginning our journey in teaching. I felt guided every step of the way, and it has ignited an even deeper passion in me to teach and empower others through language.
António
The 40-hour TEFL course I just completed is value packed and simple. I can’t wait to implement what I have learnt in my teaching journey. I highly recommend.
Joy
TEFL Hero offers a free 40-hour online TEFL certification course that is fully accredited — covering 4 modules, 32 lessons, and 5 assessments, with lifetime access and an instant certificate on completion. Highly recommended.
Heba
Who is this course for?
This course is designed for beginners. If you already know you want a teaching job, the 120-hour or 180-hour course is the stronger option.
Curious about TEFL
You’ve heard about teaching English and want to know if it’s actually for you — before spending money on a full course. The 40-hour gives you a real, accredited introduction at no cost.
Exploring before committing
The 120-hour course is on your radar, but $129 isn’t in the budget right now. Start here, get a real feel for TEFL, and upgrade when you’re ready.
Building confidence before going further
You’ve started teaching or you’re about to, but want a stronger foundation first. The 40-hour course covers the
core skills
Teachers testing the waters
You’re not sure teaching English is the right path yet. Start for free, work through four modules at your own pace, and decide from there — no pressure, no deadline.
Ready to get started?
40hr TEFL Course
Free
A genuine introduction to TEFL — the right starting point if you’re exploring English teaching before committing to a full certification.
- Accredited certificate on completion
- Self-paced — study on your own schedule
- Tutor support included
- Lifetime access to course materials
- Retake quizzes until you pass
Need help? Start here
Answers to the most common questions about our 40hr TEFL course. Still not sure? We’re happy to help.
Is this course really free?
Yes — no credit card, no hidden fees. Sign up with your email and you’ll get full access to all four modules, tutor support, and your accredited certificate on completion.
Does this course guarantee me a job?
No — and for the 40-hour specifically, it’s worth being upfront: most schools and online platforms require a 120-hour certificate as their minimum standard. This course is a genuine accredited credential, but it won’t meet the requirements for most reputable teaching jobs. If getting hired is the goal, the 120-hour course is where you want to start.
What's the difference between this and the 120-hour course?
The 40-hour covers the core TEFL basics across 4 modules. The 120-hour goes significantly deeper — 11 modules, 85 lessons, and the qualification most employers actually require. If you’re serious about teaching English, the 120-hour course is the natural next step.
How long will this course take?
It’s completely self-paced — most students finish within a few days to a couple of weeks depending on how much time they set aside. There’s no deadline and no pressure to rush.
How long will I have access to this course?
You’ll have access for as long as the course is available. We recommend completing it at your own pace — there’s no deadline, but access terms may change in the future.
How will I be evaluated?
There’s a short quiz at the end of each module, plus a final exam. You need 70% to pass each quiz and can retake as many times as you need.
When will I receive my TEFL certificate?
As soon as you pass your final exam, your digital certificate is issued immediately. You can download and print it from anywhere.
Are there any requirements to take the course?
The only requirements are that you’re at least 16 years old and have a reasonable level of English reading, writing, and speaking ability. No prior teaching experience needed.
Get certified today
Start your free 40-hour TEFL course today. When you’re ready to go further, the 120-hour and 180-hour courses are waiting.