Want to earn a great living and explore a new culture in the process? Teaching English in Japan is a rewarding experience. Not only do you get to make a meaningful difference in the lives of your students, you also get to experience the rich history and traditions of Japan firsthand.
But how do you secure a great teaching job in Japan?
No matter where you want to teach—whether you want to establish yourself in the hustle and bustle of big-city Tokyo or prefer the relaxed beach-like vibe of a spot like Okinawa—you need to meet several standard qualifications.
Read on to discover everything you need to know about the best credentials for teaching English in Japan—and how to get them.
English teaching certifications
While there are countless English teaching jobs throughout Japan, there are just as many eager would-be teachers looking for a position that matches their skills and goals. Employers look closely at a candidate’s credentials and qualifications when deciding who to hire.
In general, the more specialized certifications you hold, the easier it is to find a great job teaching English in Japan. The best qualifications are the ones that will distinguish your résumé from other candidates, including the following:
TEFL: There’s a need for English teachers around the world, and TEFL is the most common qualification requested by employers. Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) is a qualification for teaching English to non-native speakers in their native country. Typical TEFL programs require over 100 hours of coursework, and the best are accredited by organizations like College of Teachers or the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training. For most English schools in Japan, TEFL is the bare minimum when it comes to qualifications—you need to have it.
TESOL: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) is a certification that’s very similar to TEFL; however, it’s slightly different in that it pertains to where you’re allowed to teach. TESOL generally pertains to teaching English to foreign learners where English is already the primary language. If you’re teaching inJapan, TESOL is less relevant than TEFL; however, it’s a good résumé booster nonetheless.
CELTA/DELTA: Two subsets of TEFL certification are Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA) and Diploma in English Language Teaching to Adults (DELTA). As their name implies, these courses are focused on teaching non-native speakers the English language. Both programs are often taken as a 4-week, 120-hour intensive course. Keep in mind these are British qualifications, so not all Japanese institutions may be familiar with them.
TKT: Accredited by Cambridge University, the Teaching Knowledge Test (TKT) is considered the first step toward CELTA/DELTA. It’s easy to take the course online, and some students don’t even need to complete any coursework to pass the test. While this certification is not well-known outside most language-learning communities, it’s another nice qualification to add to your resume—one that doesn’t require a huge time investment.
TYLEC: The market for English classes in Japan is dominated by childhood education, so there’s no shortage of jobs if you’re eager to teach English to kids. Trinity College’s Teaching Young Learners Extension Certificate (TYLEC) is designed to certify English language teachers to instruct children and adolescents from age 7-16. TYLEC equips teachers with specialized skills and knowledge to effectively reach young minds, and it’s a qualification many Japanese English-language schools are looking for.
CertOT: Prefer online teaching to the in-person experience? There’s a growing need for online English language teachers, and CertOT helps you get qualified. This flexible, online self-study course from Trinity College equips you with the tools you need to successfully teach English online—to students in Japan or anywhere else.
PGCE: A Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is another certification with roots in the United Kingdom; however, it’s one some Japanese schools will request. This one- or two-year degree program enables you to teach English within an institutional setting, such as a university or other post-secondary school. You might see this certification appear in job posts regarding staff positions at Japanese institutions of higher learning.
These aren’t the only English teaching credentials out there; however, they are among the most-recognized and reputable in the eyes of potential employers. Having any one of them—particularly TEFL—is enough to get you an interview as a native English-speaking teacher of the language. Having multiple, such as TEFL and TYLEC or TEFL and CertOT, is a great combination that will distinguish you among candidates for a job.
Credentials matter depending on who you teach
Do you dream of teaching English to a group of smiling young children in Japan? Giving private lessons to a middle-aged businessman? Working with teenagers to help them master conversational English? Who you instruct will dictate the best credentials for teaching English in Japan.
TEFL is the baseline standard for teaching anyone of any age in Japan.
CELTA/DELTA is a certification specific to adults (over the age of 18).
TYLEC is a certification for teaching English that’s specific to kids (ages 7-16).
CertOT isn’t specific to an age group but rather a medium (online instruction).
Keep these certifications in mind as you begin to plan your teaching career in Japan. Getting the right certification is the first step in showing that you’re qualified for the position of your dreams, teaching the types of students you feel best-equipped (and most fulfilled) teaching.
Qualifications for teaching English in Japan
While some of the certifications described above are essential and some are nice-to-have, any person who aspires to teach English in Japan must meet certain criteria or requirements. Whether you want to teach adults or children, in an informal language school or a prestigious university, minimum qualifications include:
Hold citizenship from a recognized English-speaking country;
Have a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university;
Pass a criminal background check;
Pass a health exam and drug test;
Meet the age requirement (<60 years).
Note that while TEFL isn’t listed as a baseline criterion here, it might as well be. 99% of schools won’t consider you for employment unless you have it. The only reason it’s not specifically listed is because there are some smaller institutions that don’t require it and there’s always an opportunity to tutor English privately without this certification.
The JLPT has five levels
Most English teachers in Japan don’t need to know the ins and outs of the Japanese language, but it helps to have at least a working understanding of Japanese, whether you’re teaching adults or children. The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is required for some positions. In general, the higher the level of education—like at the university level—the greater JLPT certification you’ll need to get the job.
Here’s a breakdown of each level, starting with the most basic to the most advanced:
N5: The most basic JLPT level, N5 requires a person to understand basic Japanese. People who pass the JLPT N5 can read and understand simple sentences written in hiragana, katakana and basic kanji. They can also listen and comprehend conversations about everyday topics, even if those conversations must be spoken slowly.
N4: N4 certification is a step above N5 in terms of comprehension. People who hold this certification can read and comprehend material on everyday topics, written in basic vocabulary and kanji. In terms of verbal comprehension, N4 holders can understand basic everyday conversations, but still at a slow pace.
N3: People who hold N3 JLPT certification have greater understanding of written materials, and they’re often able to read slightly difficult passages and content. They can comprehend basic conversations at near-natural speed, grasping both the content and the relationships of the people involved.
N2: JLPT N2 certification requires learners to understand Japanese in both written and verbal situations in a wider variety of circumstances. They can clearly read articles in magazines and newspapers, and they have a better understanding of the intent of the writer. They’re also able to comprehend verbal materials spoken at natural speed.
N1: Learners who reach N1 certification have attained the highest level of Japanese language understanding among non-native learners. They can read and understand material with deeper content and meaning, and can listen to and speak Japanese fluently.
JLPT Certification becomes more important as you pursue institutionalized teaching careers. For example, if you want to teach through the JET program, you’ll likely need JLPT N3 or higher to qualify for many positions. As a rule of thumb, proficiency in conversational Japanese is recommended.
If you want to set your application apart from the competition, it’s a smart idea to get JLPT certification. The great thing is, you can take the test right in your home country. Start studying and sign up to take the JLPT today, and gain the upper hand above other job seekers.
How to begin a teaching career in Japan
Ready to further your career, make a difference in the lives of others and learn a lot about a new culture in the process? Teaching English in Japan offers a wealth of benefits and rewards—beyond just the financial ones. Japan’s one of the best places in the world to start your teaching career!
But, how exactly do you start? You can secure a teaching position in Japan before your feet even hit Japanese soil. There are several resources available for native English speakers looking to score a rewarding job teaching English in Japan, and some positions even come with perks like visa sponsorship, relocation assistance and more.
Some of the best resources for expats looking for jobs in Japan include:
Not sure which credentials and accreditations you need to get the job of your dreams? Pay close attention as you browse job boards, to see which credentials appear most in the minimum requirements. Take these as cues about which accreditation to pursue based on the type of job you’re looking for.
Beyond hunting for a job on job boards and communication hubs, you can also apply directly to some of the more reputable English-focused schools in Japan, including Gaba, Nova, ECC and AEON.
The Japanese Exchange & Teaching (JET) Program
One of the more direct paths to becoming a certified English teacher in Japan is to apply to the Japanese Exchange & Teaching (JET) Program. As its name implies, the program is designed to enable American citizens to live and work in Japan, teaching English to students of varying levels.
This program is highly reputable, as it’s sponsored by the Japanese government. Being accepted to the JET program is a high honor, and candidates need to distinguish themselves among other teachers to secure one of a limited number of spots. To qualify, candidates must have:
Conversational Japanese language proficiency (JLPT N3 or equivalent)
Be a U.S. Citizen by the date of application
Have a Bachelor’s Degree before the designated date of departure
Have not participated in the JET program in the last 3 years (or for a total of 5 years)
Have not lived in Japan for a total of 6 years in the past 10 years prior to departure
Pass a background check and a drug test
Possess TEFL/TESOL Certification
There’s also an abundance of paperwork necessary to prove your qualifications for the JET program—everything from college transcripts, to medical documentation, to letters of reference and even an essay explaining your desire to teach in Japan!
If you’re one of the lucky few accepted into the JET program, you’ll sign a one-year contract to live and teach in Japan, renewable for up to five consecutive years. 90% of program participants become Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs), working alongside Japanese teachers of English (JTEs) in the classroom.
Applying Through Interac
The JET program isn’t the placement program for getting a job teaching English in Japan. A private company called Interac operates similarly, albeit less competitively. The application process is similar and many of the requirements are the same; however, Interac accepts more teachers than JET and the compensation isn’t quite as lucrative. As a result, many would-be teachers choose to apply to Interac if they don’t quite make the cut for JET.
Interac is also different in that it hires year-round, and strives to fill positions for a variety of schools. That said, most positions fill up in advance of the fall and spring semesters in Japan, so it’s good to get your application in well in advance of the upcoming school term.
Does certification affect teaching salary?
In many skilled vocations, different levels of certification unlock higher earning potentials. This is partially true for English teaching credentials in Japan. While certifications and accreditations themselves won’t entitle you to a higher wage, they can absolutely unlock earning pathways that improve your salary.
For example, an English teacher who possess their TEFL can earn JPY 250,000 per month teaching at a private English school. However, with JLPT N3, that same teacher might qualify for the JET program, with a starting salary of JPY 280,000 per month. Likewise, someone with their TYLEC might find an easier path into teaching at a Japanese primary school, where their salary might reach JPY 290,000 within the first two years.
Certification itself doesn’t affect teaching salary—meaning positions in Japan aren’t required to pay minimums based on accreditation. It does, however, open doors to new opportunities.
Online teaching opportunities for English speakers
Like much of the developed world, Japan has begun to extend its educational opportunities to students online. While online classes aren’t the norm in Japan, there are still plenty of options for students to learn English from native speakers virtually. In particular, many private language schools provide a virtual curriculum, and they’re always looking for native English speakers.
If you gain employment at a school with an online curriculum or virtual classes, CertOT Certification will come in handy! Having this certification on your résumé will bump you to the top of the pile quickly, as it shows your ability to effectively teach through a virtual medium.
Online teaching is also a great way to get your foot in the door before moving to Japan. Many soon-to-be expats apply to become virtual teachers with reputable schools. Some of these institutions include:
The downside to online teaching? Every online school is different and has different specifications, restrictions, expectations, compensation, etc. Your experience may differ greatly depending on the school you sign up with or your credentials. It’s best to get your feet wet with one before applying to multiple platforms.
There are students waiting for you!
Demand for English teachers in Japan is high, and there are plenty of opportunities when it comes to credentialing that will help you secure a position. Whether you want to teach kids or adults, small groups or larger classrooms, in a big city or a smaller town—the perfect job is just an application away.
If you’re ready to get started, the path is laid out in front of you. Pursue accreditation, consider your JLPT proficiency and start hunting for a job before you even step foot on Japanese soil. By the time you touch down, you’ll have an eager group of students just waiting to learn English!
