120-Hour Premier Online TEFL Course

Build practical teaching skills and prepare for opportunities across Japan. The TEFL Org’s 120-Hour Premier Online TEFL Course combines flexible online learning, dedicated tutor support and career resources. It is a strong starting point for fluent English speakers who want to develop classroom confidence before exploring Assistant Language Teacher, private conversation-school or online teaching roles.

Study from anywhere and begin when you are ready. The course is fully online and self-paced, allowing you to prepare around work, university or travel commitments. Asia Pathway then helps you connect your qualification with realistic teaching routes in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and communities throughout Japan.

Why choose this Japan pathway?

• Complete The TEFL Org’s best-selling 120-hour online course, designed for first-time teachers.
• Gain an internationally recognised qualification through a course approved under the DEAC Approved Quality Curriculum scheme.
• Learn through video content, quizzes, practical assignments and observed teaching examples.
• Receive support and assignment feedback from an experienced EFL tutor.
• Develop strategies for young learners, one-to-one lessons, Business English, online teaching and large classes.
• Gain lifetime access to The TEFL Org Jobs Centre after certification.
• Prepare for ALT, JET Programme and private eikaiwa opportunities in Japan.
• Receive personalised employment-readiness and destination guidance from Asia Pathway.

Program at a glance

Course: 120-Hour Premier Online TEFL Course

Provider: The TEFL Org

Delivery: 100% online and self-paced

Training time: 120 hours across five modules

Course access: Six months

Typical completion time: Approximately 10 to 12 weeks; learners with more study time may finish in around 4 to 6 weeks

Tutor support: Personal support from an experienced EFL tutor, with assignment marking targeted within 48 hours

Destination focus: Teaching opportunities in Japan

Start date: Flexible enrolment with immediate access and no fixed classroom start date

What you will study

50-hour English Language Teaching Methodology. Develop skills in lesson planning, classroom management, teaching vocabulary and language functions, correcting errors, giving feedback, phonology, receptive and productive skills, and teaching young learners, Business English and one-to-one lessons.

30-hour Grammar and Language Awareness. Strengthen your understanding of nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, tenses, conditionals and other language structures so you can explain English accurately and confidently.

20-hour Video Observation. Observe contrasting teaching situations and examine how experienced teachers manage lessons, present functional language, teach language skills and respond to challenging classroom behaviour.

10-hour Teaching Online. Learn the foundations of online English teaching, including lesson planning, lesson delivery, class management and practical next steps for finding remote work.

10-hour Teaching Large Classes. Explore classroom organisation, engagement and discipline strategies for larger groups—useful preparation for school environments in Japan.

A supportive and flexible learning experience

The course combines independent study with a personal tutor who can answer questions, mark assignments and provide constructive feedback. Learners receive six months of access and may purchase an extension from The TEFL Org if additional time is required.

Successful graduates also receive lifetime access to The TEFL Org Jobs Centre, together with career resources covering international and online teaching opportunities.

Certification and accreditation

Successful learners receive The TEFL Org’s 120-hour TEFL certificate. The course is approved under the Distance Education Accrediting Commission’s Approved Quality Curriculum scheme and provides the 120 hours of training commonly recognised as the international entry standard by TEFL employers.

The 120-hour certificate is not a Japanese government licence and does not include live, observed classroom practice. Candidates seeking more extensive training, an Ofqual-regulated qualification or deeper preparation for competitive roles can compare the 250-hour Level 5 Diploma with Asia Pathway.

Course entry requirements

• No previous teaching experience is required.
• No prior teaching qualification is required.
• Applicants should speak English fluently.
• Learners need sufficient English proficiency to understand the materials, complete written assignments and apply teaching terminology accurately.
• A suitable device and reliable internet connection are required.
• A bachelor’s degree is not required to enrol in the TEFL course, although most mainstream employer-sponsored teaching routes in Japan expect one.

Preparing to teach English in Japan

Japan offers several teaching environments. Assistant Language Teachers support foreign-language education in public schools, while private conversation schools—commonly called eikaiwa—teach children, teenagers, adults or business learners. Experienced and professionally licensed teachers may also explore international schools, and candidates with advanced academic qualifications may consider university teaching.

A TEFL certificate is not itself a statutory requirement for Japan’s working visa, but many employers prefer or request at least 120 hours of accredited training. The course strengthens teaching preparation and employability; it does not guarantee a job, visa, salary or placement.

Working visas and residence status

The appropriate Japanese status of residence depends on the employer and work setting. Public-school ALT positions commonly use the Instructor status, while private language-school and conversation-school roles commonly use Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services. The sponsoring employer normally begins the process by obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility.

Common documents and considerations can include:

• A valid passport and completed visa application.
• A job offer and employment contract from an eligible Japanese organisation.
• A Certificate of Eligibility obtained through the sponsoring organisation.
• Academic qualifications or qualifying professional experience appropriate to the status of residence.
• Evidence of English-language education or proficiency where requested.
• Background information and other documents required by the employer, programme, embassy or immigration authorities.

A bachelor’s degree is the most common route for entry-level international applicants. Some candidates may qualify through relevant professional experience or may already hold another residence status that permits work. Asia Pathway can review your circumstances before you commit to a course or job search.

The JET Programme and other ALT routes

JET Programme. This government-supported international exchange programme recruits Assistant Language Teachers for schools and local education authorities across Japan. Applicants must meet the programme’s nationality, health, adaptability and education criteria. A bachelor’s degree in any field—or the accepted teaching-training alternative for ALT applicants—is required by the designated arrival date.

TEFL certification and prior teaching experience are not mandatory for JET, but the official programme states that teaching qualifications and experience receive additional consideration. Japanese ability is not required for ALT applicants, although a willingness to learn and engage with the community is important.

Dispatch and direct-hire ALT roles. Private dispatch companies and some local boards of education recruit ALTs outside JET. Contract length, salary, school assignments, transport expectations, housing support and working conditions vary significantly, so applicants should review each offer carefully.

Private conversation schools

Eikaiwa schools focus strongly on spoken English and may teach learners ranging from young children to working adults. Full-time schedules often include afternoons, evenings or weekends. Employers commonly value clear communication, energy, reliability and the ability to deliver engaging, learner-focused lessons.

A 120-hour TEFL certificate can be especially useful for first-time teachers because it demonstrates preparation in lesson planning, classroom management and language instruction. Employer requirements remain individual, and some roles may request previous teaching experience or specific educational backgrounds.

Typical salary and employment benefits

Public-school ALT and private language-school positions commonly advertise monthly salaries of approximately JPY 220,000 to JPY 280,000, depending on the employer, location, responsibilities, qualifications and experience. Some packages may include commuting support, housing assistance, airfare support, health and pension enrolment, paid leave or completion-related benefits.

Living costs are generally higher in major cities such as Tokyo and Osaka. Salary, working hours, deductions, insurance, housing and benefits must always be confirmed in the individual employment contract.

What is included

• Six months of online course access.
• Five modules totalling 120 hours of TEFL training.
• Video content, quizzes and assessed assignments.
• Support from an experienced personal EFL tutor.
• Assignment feedback, with marking targeted within 48 hours.
• A digital certificate after successful completion.
• A hard-copy certificate available at no additional course charge, including applicable shipping.
• Lifetime access to The TEFL Org Jobs Centre.
• Access to career resources and international teaching vacancies.

Course fee

Standard course fee: USD 549.

Limited-time promotional pricing may be available from The TEFL Org. Contact Asia Pathway before enrolment to confirm the current USD fee and decide whether the 120-hour or 250-hour route better matches your goals.

Who is this program for?

• Fluent English speakers who are new to TEFL.
• Graduates preparing for ALT, JET Programme or eikaiwa applications.
• Candidates who want a flexible qualification before moving to Japan.
• Applicants who want practical teaching foundations without committing to a longer Level 5 course.
• Learners interested in teaching children, teenagers, adults or business clients.
• People who may want to teach English online while preparing for an overseas opportunity.

Plan your Japan teaching journey with Asia Pathway

Asia Pathway can help you compare TEFL qualifications, assess your likely Japan employment and visa pathway, understand JET, ALT and eikaiwa recruitment, prepare application documents and review the practical steps from certification to relocation. Contact our team for a personalised assessment before you enrol or accept a teaching contract.