How VIPKid and QKids are Different (VIPKid vs. QKids)

When I started teaching online with VIPKid (arguably the largest online teaching platform), I was worried about bookings. I began to look into other companies I could work for and ways to make more income from teaching online.

My dad recommended QKids because he has a friend who worked for them! I decided to apply and give it a try. I like working for both companies and really enjoy being able to work in the different environments. They are definitely different! This post can help you decide which one is right for you… who knows – maybe both. Hopefully after this post you’ll know how VIPKid and Qkids are different.

Please note that there were some recent regulations passed in China and online teachings laws have changed. Both of these companies above serve students in China. Under the new private tutoring regulations, online lessons are limited to 30-minute sessions; there is a tutoring curfew of 9 p.m; and instruction is prohibited during weekends, holidays and school breaks. Companies that offer private instruction in core subjects will have to register as nonprofits and will no longer be able to raise investment capital through IPOs or advertise their programs. While these companies are still in business and hiring, things are changing daily.

I’ll be highlighting the differences in both platforms and what makes them unique. If you want to apply for both, my referral codes are just below here. I’d love to help you as you sign up and offer supports throughout the entire process. Please reach out if you have questions!

Qkids

VIPKid

Pre-Requirements

VIPKid

1. Must be eligible to work in US or Canada (do not have to be located there)

2. native English speaker

3. one year of experience with kids (tutoring, babysitting, teaching, coaching, having kids, camp counselor)

4. 4 year college degree necessary (can be any field)

5. computer, laptop, iPad with a stable internet connection (cannot apply with an iPad, but you can teach from one in the app, Chrome books do not work)

QKids

1. must be located in the US or Canada and be eligible to work there

2. be available a minimum of 6 hours each week

3. Bachelor’s degree required (this used to be associates degree, but the law is changing in China)

4. Prior teaching experience or equivalent in education, tutoring, mentoring, homeschooling

5. Technical requirements: a computer with stable internet connection and clear audio/video capacity (they will ask that you get an Ethernet cable when you apply)

Pay

VIPKid: $14-$22 per hour (2 lessons per hour, 25 minute lessons)

Making More – Pay is based on experience, demos, and education. You can make more by working during peak hours, for short notice bookings, and pay can increase when you sign your next contract.

Qkids: Pay -$16-$20 per hour (2 lessons per hour, 28 minute lessons)

Making More – Pay is based on experience, demos, and education. You earn $1 bonuses for your performance in classes with good parent reviews.

Certification

The info on how VIPKid and QKids are different in this area has changed even since I was hired two months ago. Recently, the Chinese government has changed the legal requirements for all online teaching platforms. The new requirements state that all online teachers/contractors must hold a valid teacher certificate or TESOL certificate + 4 year degree. With these new rules, you may want to be proactive and get your TESOL certificate (after November 1, all teachers must have one and companies are no longer hiring without it unless you have a valid teaching license).

There are many online TESOL programs available. I got mine through International Open Academy which offers a 120 hour and 90 hour course for just $19. Both Qkids and VIPKid recognize the 120 certificate as a TESOL certification. VIPKid has it’s own TESOL certificate as well which is really good to take if you want to get hired faster.

Hours

The new laws created by the Chinese government also mandate that students must be finished taking classes by 9:00 pm Beijing time. This means for me on Eastern Standard Time, I have to stop teaching at 9:00 am. Look up your time zone! This is true for both platforms as it is Chinese law.

VIPKid: available hours almost 24/7 including weekend (only hours where kids are sleeping are blocked 9:00 pm -8:00 am Beijing time).

QKids: morning and evening hours (6:00 pm – 8:40 pm Beijing time and 8:40 am – 11:20 am Bejing time during summer as well as weekends)

Application Process

VIPKid:

1. apply online (written questions and basic info)

2. demo lesson (recorded, live, smart)

3. get certified by doing mock classes with a mentor

4. submit contract info (degrees, TESOL, background check, info)

5. Sign Contract

Takes about 2 weeks

QKids:

1. apply online (basic info and a 5 minute video of you reading a children’s book)

2. training and screenshots of computer speed

3. two demos with a coach

4. submit background check, info, and profile

5. two to five live demos with students (you get paid for these!)

6. sign contract

Takes about 2 weeks

Scheduling/Booking Process

VIPKid does not schedule any classes for you. You are in charge of getting more bookings and putting yourself out there. This is definitely the hardest part about working for VIPKid. You have little control over whether you get bookings or not.

QKids schedules classes based on the availability that you give them. Once you submit your hours, they will schedule you within those hours. They will probably not fully book your schedule unless you request it.

Class Format, Prep, and Curriculum

VIPKid: 

1. broken into 7 main levels (you must get certified for each, starting with 2-3, 4-5, or both)

2. all classes one on one with a student

3. slides have some interactive features such as a pen and timer

4. you need lots of props and a white board

5. secondary reward system required

6. written feedback to parents after class

QKids:

1. broken into 11 levels (you can teach all once certified)

2. classes can have up to 4 students (same level of pay no matter how many students)

3. slides are very interactive with tons of features you will need to practice when you start

4. not necessary to have props or white board

5. no secondary rewards

6. short evaluation after class while students are still on the screen

Cancellation Policy

VIPKid:

1. no fines for cancellations if you give 24 hours notice, but counts as a cancellation

2. $10 fine if you are absent for a class without notice

3. $10 fine if you cancel a class with less than 2 hours notice

4. $2 fine for cancellations with more than 2, but less than 24 hours notice

5. More than 6 class cancellations in a 6 month period could result in termination of your contract

QKids:

1. cancel up to 5 hours before class

2. no fine even for last minute cancellations

3. More than 6 class cancellations in a 6 month period could result in termination of your contract

Now that you’ve got the inside scoop on how VIPKid and Qkids are different, I hope you’ll consider applying. Reach out if you have questions or want to know more! I’m happy to help.