English Teaching Qualifications
CELTA, DELTA and TEFL/TESOL: qualifications for people who want to teach English, rather than prove their own level.
These are teacher-training courses, not language tests. They teach you how to plan lessons, explain language clearly and manage a class, and most include real teaching practice with feedback. Language schools around the world use them to decide whom they hire.
The Qualifications at a Glance
Where each one fits in a teaching career.
| Qualification | Who it is for | Length | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| CELTA | New teachers, with or without experience | About 4–5 weeks full-time, or longer part-time | From Cambridge; includes assessed teaching practice with real learners |
| DELTA | Experienced teachers | Three modules, usually over several months | From Cambridge; a step towards senior teacher, trainer or manager roles |
| TEFL / TESOL | Anyone starting out | From a few hours online to several months | Umbrella names: quality varies widely from course to course |
Course formats and fees differ between centres. Check with the provider before you enrol.
Prepare for Your Course
Each qualification has its own guide and training plan.
1CELTA
The Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages is the best-known starting qualification. You learn the basics of teaching, then teach real classes while experienced trainers observe you and give feedback.
2DELTA
The Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages is for teachers with experience. Its three modules cover language and methodology, classroom practice, and a specialist area such as business English or young learners.
3TEFL & TESOL Certificates
TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) and TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) are general names used by many providers. A good course has enough hours, observed teaching practice and an independent accreditation.
+English for Trainee Teachers
Preparing for a teaching course? Classroom English, phonetics and clear pronunciation help you from your first lesson. You will find material for trainee teachers on Talking English.
How to Choose the Right Course
The right qualification depends on where you are in your teaching career and where you want to work.
?Four Questions to Ask
- Stage Are you starting out, or do you already have teaching experience?
- Employer Which qualification do schools in your target country ask for?
- Practice Does the course include teaching real learners, with feedback?
- Format Can you study full-time, or do you need a part-time or online course?
Become the teacher you would want to learn from.
Choose a course that fits your stage, practise with real learners, and keep developing as you teach.
Stage. Employer. Practice. Growth.
Questions? Get in touch