The CELTA

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CELTA stands for ‘Certificate of English Language Teaching to Adults’, and it is the most
highly recognised and regarded initial English teaching certification worldwide.

See locations and formats

Questions Answered About the CELTA

It’s awarded by the University of Cambridge’s English Language Assessment, meaning
you can rely on the CELTA’s quality and accreditation. Every year, more than 10,000
people the world over complete a CELTA course

Top 5 reasons to do the CELTA course:

✔ CELTA is the most frequently sought-after qualification for TEFL jobs worldwide.

✔ It is moderated by the University of Cambridge every time a course runs, not just on an
occasional basis.

✔ Tutors are highly qualified, experienced trainers in well-established CELTA teacher

education centres

✔ It is recognised as a Level 5 Qualification by the British Curriculum Authority, so it

follows an authorised syllabus

✔ The CELTA includes real-life teaching practice with actual English learners, in an
authentic classroom environment

CELTA Course Content:

There are five main units of learning in the CELTA:

1. Learners and teachers, and the teaching and learning context

2. Language analysis and awareness
3. Language skills: reading, listening, speaking and writing
4. Planning and resources for different contexts
5. Developing teaching skills and professionalism.

Is the CELTA a ‘TEFL’?

You’ll find a lot of information out there alluding to a ‘TEFL’ certificate or qualification,
which can often be confusing and misleading.

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TEFL is not the name of any one specific course; in fact, it’s a concept. It stands for
‘Teaching English as a Foreign Language’, and is often found written in many other
variations: TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), ESL (English as
a Second Language), EFL (English as a Foreign Language) and TESL (Teaching English
as a Second Language) among them.

Many other so-called ‘TEFL certificates’, whether achievable online or face-to-face, are
often not monitored or unaccredited by large, independent organisations. Then, once you
get out into the workforce, you’ll find that it’s not a globally recognised course.

The CELTA, however, is the TEFL qualification, and it’s what most employers are
looking for when they request it on their job advertisements.

What does the CELTA teach?

CELTA teaches an awareness of language and a knowledge of the description of
English, and how to apply these in professional practice
An initial understanding of the contexts within which people learn English, their
motivations and the roles of the teacher and the learner
Familiarity with the principles and practice of effective teaching to learners of
English
Basic skills for teaching students in the language classroom
Familiarity with appropriate resources and materials for use with learners of English
for teaching, testing and referencing

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 Opportunities for your own future development in the field (for example, job
searches, professional development etc.)

Will I get a job with a CELTA certificate?

The CELTA is the most sought-after TEFL certificate by employers worldwide. According
to a survey conducted by Cambridge English, 70% of job advertisements specifically
request the CELTA. They analysed 500 ads from 23 international job search websites,
across 56 countries, and found 350 references to CELTA. In the UK alone, 91 per cent of
employers wanted their teachers to have the CELTA!

Furthermore, a part of the course is solely dedicated to professional development and

finding work once you graduate. The schools often have jobs boards and contacts with
other institutions looking to hire CELTA-qualified teachers. Plus, you’ll also be eligible to
sign up for TEFLwork, an online jobs portal for qualified English teachers.

How is CELTA taught?

The CELTA is offered in the following formats:

Full-time CELTA

The full-time CELTA is our most popular course format, and is usually a four or five-week,
weekday, nine-to-five intensive course.

Part-time CELTA
The most common format is usually up to 12 weeks in duration (though this can be more),
with two afternoons a week and half a day on weekend morning.

100% Online CELTA

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This option allows you to complete the course online at any centre from anywhere in the
world, provided you have a stable internet connection and can attend any required
sessions.

Online Mixed/Online Mixed Mode CELTA

This option allows you to complete the majority of the course online, you have to visit the
centre to complete training practice.

How the CELTA course is assessed:

You are continuously assessed on your teaching practice and written assignments.

But, that’s not all. CELTA tutors also take into consideration amongst other things:

Responsible and professional attitude to learning

Planning and teaching of your lessons
Punctuality and organisation (you must attend 100% of the course)
Your response to feedback
Overall progress and professionalism in the field

Possible CELTA grades:

Pass A
Pass B
Pass
Fail

Applying for the CELTA is the easy part!

Once you have decided on a course with an idea of the format and when you would like
to take it, you can apply through our online application form.

To apply for a CELTA is completely free. Just make sure you have a spare ten minutes to
complete this!

The Pre-Interview Task

Once you have applied, a member of staff will send you a pre-interview task.

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This is a written task where your English proficiency and language awareness will be
assessed.

There could also be questions about your own thoughts and approaches to teaching.

Take your time and double-check for typos!

Interview with the Tutor

If you are successful with your pre-interview tasks, you will be invited for an interview
(either face-to-face or on Skype).

This is where CELTA tutor will get to understand you as a learner from where you are in
your ELT journey, your desire to learn and grow as an educator. The CELTA Tutor may
also go through your pre-interview task and English skills to ensure you are prepared for
the CELTA.
Apply for a course now
After completing your interview, you will be notified shortly afterwards about your CELTA
place. If you wish to find out if you are eligible for the course, take our short online
eligibility test.

What are the CELTA entry requirements?

CELTA entry requirements are:

You must be over 18

You must have the qualifications for higher education e.g. university
You should have a flair for English and strong language awareness
If you are non-native, your language level should be the equivalent to an IELTS 7.5
or a high C1
A degree is not necessary

Am I eligible to take the Cambridge CELTA?

Not sure? Then take our test.

CELTA Eligibility Test

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Apply for a course now

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5 steps to find the right course for you
Why do I need to choose a location for an online CELTA?
Though you can take the CELTA course online from anywhere in the world, the courses
are run by centres based in a physical location – so you need to choose a location for
your online CELTA course.

Why do I need to choose a location for an online DELTA?

Though you can take the DELTA course online from anywhere in the world, the courses
are run by centres based in a physical location – so you need to choose a location for
your online DELTA course.

1. Select a course

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