25th June 2025
"Choosing the right TEFL or TESOL course can have a huge impact on your future teaching career both in Hong Kong and overseas." — CertTESOL Graduate
No pressure, right?
If you're knee-deep in ads for teaching certificates and still wondering which course actually helps you land a job, take a breath. This is the guide that every future English teacher wishes they had before hitting the "Apply" button.
CertTESOL: The All-Rounder That Packs a Punch
The Trinity College CertTESOL offered by English for Asia in Hong Kong and around the world, is a 130-hour course that includes six hours of teaching practice with real learners. It is officially approved by Hong Kong's Education Bureau (EDB), which makes it visa-friendly and school-approved. Schools know the Trinity and EfA names, and immigration offices love them too, so you’re unlikely to hit any bureaucratic speed bumps.
Aside from credibility, the CertTESOL builds confidence. You’ll walk away with a strong grasp of ESOL teaching and real classroom experience under your belt. Plus, with NET salaries in Hong Kong starting around HK$25,000 to HK$32,000 a month, you can literally earn back your course fee (about HK$26,000) with your first paycheck. Not bad, right?
As one graduate said, “When I attend interviews, I’m always proud to show them I have a Trinity CertTESOL.”
CELTA: A Comparable Option
The CELTA, also delivered around the world, is another name you might come across while researching teaching qualifications. It offers 120 hours of training with six hours of teaching practice and follows a similar structure. It isn’t currently available in Hong Kong.
While CELTA shares similarities with the CertTESOL, including real teaching experience and official recognition, it has some different focus points, such as a reduced emphasis on phonology. Both the CELTA and Trinity CertTESOL offer an immersive unknown language experience, where you get to experience how your future learners will feel when learning a new language. On the CELTA, the Unknown language experience is limited to one lesson, whereas the CertTESOL devotes four lessons to the experience, and the reflective journals go into more detail. It can be a valid alternative if course timing or location makes the CertTESOL less accessible. However, some providers don’t offer the same depth and local support that we include with our CertTESOL program.
Online TEFL: For Dipping Your Toes In
Then there’s the 120-hour online TEFL course. It is self-paced and has no teaching practice, but contains much of the same content found in our CertTESOL. If you're looking to start teaching online as soon as possible with minimal upfront cost (usually between HK$1,800 to HK$3,600), this course is a decent entry point.
You can begin working for platforms like EF from the comfort of your sofa. It's a great way to test the waters without committing to a full training course. Plus, English for Asia offers a great deal: 50 percent (TEFL course fee) credit toward a future CertTESOL. So, if you fall in love with teaching, you’re not starting from scratch when you decide to go pro.
English for Asia also offers shorter 40 and 60-hour TEFL Certificates for people wanting to get the foundations without the time commitment. The same 50% deal applies.
Still Can’t Decide? Ask Yourself These Questions:
- Want to teach in Hong Kong schools? CertTESOL is your go-to.
- Sticking to online work for now? A 120-hour TEFL will do nicely.
- In a rush to start? CertTESOL’s four-week full-time course is your fast track.
- Want to take your time or fit the course around work? The CertTESOL part-time course runs over 12 weeks and offers a lot of flexibility.
- Need feedback and real experience? You’ll need assessed teaching practice, which is included in CertTESOL and CELTA only.
- Watching your wallet? One Hong Kong salary can cover the cost of CertTESOL, no sweat.
Try Before You Buy
Still on the fence? No worries. Join a free CertTESOL taster workshop online, or take English for Asia's 20 hour TESOL Starter course. You’ll get to chat with trainers, ask questions, and see if it’s your cup of tea. Or, if you're itching to get started, begin an online TEFL course today. You can earn while you learn and apply that 50 percent (TEFL course fee) credit when you're ready to take it up a notch.
The Bottom Line
This isn’t just a certificate. It’s your ticket to a new job, a fresh skyline, and an exciting chapter. So pick the course that opens the doors you want to walk through.
Ready? Book that taster or reserve your seat.
Happy teaching, and even happier job hunting!