Cambridge CELTA - Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

Cambridge CELTA

The World's Most Recognized Initial English Language Teaching Qualification

1. What is the Cambridge CELTA?

The Cambridge CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) is the industry-standard initial qualification for teaching English as a foreign language. Awarded by Cambridge University Press & Assessment and regulated at Ofqual Level 5 in the UK, CELTA provides practical hands-on training, classroom methodology, and language analysis required by top language schools, universities, and institutions globally.

Gold Standard TEFL Qualification: Requested by over 75% of English language teaching employers worldwide.
Real Teaching Practice: Includes 6 hours of assessed teaching practice with real adult language learners at different proficiency levels.
No Prior Experience Required: Designed both for complete beginners entering the profession and experienced teachers seeking formal certification.

2. Course Components & Assessment Framework

CELTA is a practical, continuous-assessment course with no final written exam. Candidates are evaluated across two primary criteria:

1. Teaching Practice (TP)

Hands-on classroom delivery:

6 Hours Assessed Practice: Teach genuine adult classes at minimum two distinct CEFR levels (e.g., A2 & B2).
Lesson Planning & Reflection: Construct detailed lesson plans with explicit stage aims, board plans, and post-lesson self-evaluations.
Trainer Feedback: Receive oral and written feedback from experienced Cambridge-accredited tutors.

2. Written Assignments

4 practical written tasks (750–1,000 words each):

Focus on Learners: Analyzing learner backgrounds, needs, and language errors.
Language Related Tasks: Analyzing grammar, vocabulary, and phonology for teaching.
Language Skills Tasks: Designing tasks for receptive or productive skills.
Lessons from the Classroom: Reflecting on personal teaching progress.

3. Flexible Course Delivery Formats

CELTA can be taken in several study modes to fit your personal and professional schedule:

Full-Time (4 Weeks) Intensive Mode: 4 weeks of full-time study, daily input sessions, and teaching practice. Highly immersive.
Part-Time (10–12 Weeks) Extensive Mode: Blended learning over several months, ideal for working professionals.
100% Online or Blended Digital Delivery: Live virtual classroom teaching practice via platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams.

4. Entry Requirements & Progression

Check the prerequisites before applying for an interview:

Age & Education Minimum age 18 (typically 20+); standard educational background meeting university entry criteria.
Language Proficiency Target English level of CEFR C1 or C2 (IELTS 7.5–8.0+ or native speaker equivalent).
Next Step Progression After 1–2 years of active teaching, progress to the advanced Cambridge DELTA Qualification or follow our DELTA Training Plan.