CELTA – that’s Certificate of English Language Teaching to Adults – is the most highly recognised and regarded initial English teaching certification worldwide. 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.
You'll find a lot of information out there alluding to a 'TEFL' certificate or qualification, which can often be confusing and misleading. 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) 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.
✔ 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
There are five main units of learning:
The CELTA is the most sought-after TEFL certificate by employers worldwide. According to a survey conducted by Cambridge English in 2015, 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.
The CELTA is offered in the following formats:
The full time CELTA is our most popular course format, and is usually a four-week, weekday, nine-to-five intensive course.
The most common format is 12 weeks in duration, with two afternoons a week and half a day on Saturday morning.
This option allows you to complete the majority of the course online, you have to visit the centre to complete training practice.
This option allows you to complete the course online. This is a temporary measure due to the global pandemic and is being reviewed constantly (status at November 2020).
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: