For aspiring English teachers looking to work abroad or teach online, obtaining a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate has become an essential credential. Among the numerous certification providers available, Premier TEFL Academy has emerged as a popular choice for those seeking an accessible and affordable entry point into the profession. While it offers several compelling advantages, prospective students should also understand its limitations compared to more intensive certification programs.
Affordability and Value
Premier TEFL Academy’s 120-hour Advanced International TEFL Course currently costs £99, reduced from an original price of £365, making it one of the most budget-friendly options in the market. By comparison, CELTA certification programs typically cost between $2,945 and $2,995 in the United States, and can range from $1,500 to $2,700 at various authorized centers worldwide.
For many prospective teachers—particularly recent graduates or career changers working with tight budgets—this dramatic price difference can be the deciding factor in whether they pursue TEFL certification at all. The academy frequently offers promotional discounts, with some courses discounted by as much as 65-78% during major sales events.
Convenience and Flexibility
The fully online, self-paced format provides unmatched convenience for busy individuals. Students receive six months of study time access from their enrollment date, and motivated learners can complete their 120-hour certification in as little as three to six weeks.
This flexibility allows students to fit coursework around existing work schedules, family commitments, or travel plans without needing to coordinate with fixed class schedules or take time off work. The course can be completed entirely on a smartphone using the Premier TEFL app, offering unprecedented accessibility.
Accreditation and Recognition
Premier TEFL courses are accredited by the ODLQC (Open & Distance Learning Quality Council) and ACDL (Accreditation Council for Distance Learning). The academy is an approved training center with Highfield Qualifications, an Ofqual-regulated Awarding Organization, with approval center number 21338.
Their Level 5 TEFL course is approved by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) in the United States under the Approved Quality Curriculum (AQC) designation, and is recognized as equivalent to CELTA and Trinity CertTESOL. The academy offers courses ranging from 120 to 310 hours, with the 120-hour option meeting the minimum requirement set by most language schools internationally.
These accreditations mean that graduates can confidently apply to teaching positions across Asia, Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East, and many online teaching platforms also recognize Premier TEFL certifications as valid credentials.
Comprehensive Curriculum and Support
Premier TEFL courses have a 99% pass rate, and 95% of customers would recommend the program. The curriculum covers essential teaching methodology, including lesson planning, classroom management, grammar instruction, and teaching the four skills.
Students receive access to downloadable resources, video tutorials, and practice materials they can use in their future classrooms. The academy offers dedicated support through weekly drop-in live support sessions on Zoom and an online community forum. The courses include modules on teaching different age groups and proficiency levels, preparing teachers for diverse classroom environments.
Notable Limitations
However, Premier TEFL Academy does have significant drawbacks. The most critical limitation is the absence of mandatory in-person teaching practice or a formal practicum component with real students. While they offer an optional 10-hour live teaching practicum, this is not integrated into the standard course the way it is with CELTA programs, which require six to eight hours of observed teaching practice with actual students as a core requirement.
Unlike CELTA courses, where trainees can expect to be teaching in a real classroom within their first week with feedback from students, fellow classmates, and instructors, Premier TEFL’s online format means most graduates enter their first classroom without hands-on experience. This lack of practical application can leave new teachers feeling unprepared for the realities of classroom dynamics, spontaneous teaching challenges, and student management.
Additionally, while Premier TEFL certifications are widely accepted in many markets, they don’t carry the same prestige as Cambridge’s CELTA qualification. Approximately 75% of TEFL employers prefer CELTA certification to other TEFL certifications, and top-tier international schools and competitive teaching markets, particularly in Western Europe and at universities, often prefer or explicitly require CELTA or Trinity CertTESOL.
Employers who have worked with both CELTA and online TEFL graduates frequently note differences in classroom readiness and pedagogical depth, particularly in areas like lesson adaptation, error correction, and managing spontaneous classroom interactions.
The Bottom Line
Premier TEFL Academy serves an important role in making English teaching accessible to a broader audience. For those seeking to teach English online, work in less competitive markets like Asia or Latin America, gain an initial certification before pursuing more advanced training, or simply test the waters before committing to a more expensive certification, it offers excellent value.
The academy’s legitimate accreditations, comprehensive materials, and affordability make it a solid entry-level choice. However, teachers planning to make TEFL a long-term career, hoping to secure positions at prestigious institutions, or targeting competitive markets in Western Europe should consider whether they’ll eventually need to invest in CELTA or Trinity CertTESOL certification to remain competitive and advance in the field.