Is it a wise idea to get a TEFL certificate before I start looking for work?

Updated: 1st April 2025

The TEFL certificate is not currently a legal requirement in Thailand. However, many employers still want to see one. If two teachers go for a job interview; both have degrees and one has the TEFL certificate as well - guess who the job will probably go to. Having a TEFL certificate can do you no harm at all.

Having a TEFL cert will make you more employable to majority of employers. True it's not necessary but having one will open more doors for you.

Back to the Newbie Guide

Featured Jobs

59 minutes ago

฿825+ / hour

Online

14 hours ago

฿39,000+ / month

Bangkok

16 hours ago

฿34,000+ / month

Songkhla

1 day ago

฿48,000+ / month

Bangkok

1 day ago

฿52,500+ / month

Bangkok

1 day ago

฿45,000+ / month

Pathum Thani

View all jobs

TEFL Courses & Training

Get off to a good start...

Take your TEFL course
in Thailand!

Training Directory

Featured Teachers

Chasวินทา

American, 41 years old. Currently living in USA
Jobelie

Filipino, 25 years old. Currently living in Philippines
Ika

Filipino, 29 years old. Currently living in Thailand
Ryan

Indonesian, 35 years old. Currently living in Thailand
Ajishafe

Nigerian, 38 years old. Currently living in Nigeria
Carlos

American, 34 years old. Currently living in USA
Chasวินทา

American, 41 years old. Currently living in USA
Jobelie

Filipino, 25 years old. Currently living in Philippines

The Hot Spot

Will I find work in Thailand?

It's one of the most common questions we get e-mailed to us. So find out exactly where you stand.

The cost of living

How much money does a teacher need to earn in order to live in Thailand? We survey various teachers earning different salaries and with different lifestyles.