CELTA

1. What is CELTA?

CELTA is an initial qualification for people with little or no previous teaching experience and opens up a whole world of exciting teaching opportunities. Because it is awarded by Cambridge English, part of the world-famous University of Cambridge, you can rely on its quality and recognition. Over 10,000 people successfully complete a CELTA course each year.

2.How does CELTA relate to TEFL/TESOL?

‘TEFL’ or ‘TESOL’ are terms often used to describe qualifications for English Language teachers. CELTA, the best known and most widely taken initial TESOL/TEFL qualification of its kind in the world, was previously known as CTEFLA and the ‘RSA certificate’.

3.Who is CELTA for?

• • • • People starting a career in English Language teaching

You may be considering a career in English Language teaching and view CELTA as an entry into a good teaching position in another country, or you may be a graduate wanting a qualification that provides a sound basis in the fundamentals of language teaching practice and gives you the confidence to take control in the classroom.

• • • • People looking for a career change or career break

Increasingly, CELTA candidates are professionals either looking for a new career opportunity or wanting a short break in their existing career. Many seek the exciting opportunities of living and working abroad. Whether you wish to teach English for the short or long term, CELTA gives you the training you need to help you adjust to a dynamic and challenging new profession.

• • • • People teaching English without formal qualifications

CELTA can also be a useful qualification for teachers who have little previous formal training. CELTA sharpens your teaching practice, confirms your ability, and may even lead to internal promotion or a better teaching job.

• • • • People who want to work in Further, Adult and Community Education in England and Wales

These qualifications meet the UK government’s teacher training requirements for people who want to work in this sector.

4. What does CELTA involve?

You can take CELTA full time (typically four to five weeks), or part time (from a few months to over a year). Your chosen course:

• • • • teaches you the principles of effective teaching

• • • • provides a range of practical skills for teaching English to adult learners

• • • • gives you hands-on teaching practice

• • • • builds your confidence.

There are five main units of learning:

• • • • Learners and teachers, and the teaching and learning context

• • • • Language analysis and awareness

• • • • Language skills: reading, listening, speaking and writing

• • • • Planning and resources for different contexts

• • • • Developing teaching skills and professionalism.

You will be assessed throughout the course, with no final examination. An external assessor, appointed by Cambridge English, moderates each course. There are two components of assessment:

1. Teaching practice

You will teach for a total of 6 hours, working with classes at two levels of ability. Assessment is based on your overall performance at the end of the 6 hours.

2. Written assignments

You will complete four written assignments: one focusing on adult learning; one on the language system of English; one on language skills; and one on classroom teaching.

To be awarded the certificate you must pass both components. There are three grades – Pass, Pass ‘B’ and Pass ‘A’.

5. Who recognises CELTA?

CELTA is accepted throughout the world by organisations which employ English Language teachers. The Cambridge CELTA has been accredited by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) at Level 4 on the National Qualifications Framework. Cambridge English also works with international ELT organisations to ensure the acceptance of CELTA globally.

6. Am I eligible to apply?

Ideally you should:

• • • • have a standard of education equivalent to that required for entry into higher education

• • • • be aged 20 or over

• • • • have a standard of English which will enable you to teach at a range of levels.

Centres may still accept you if you do not have formal qualifications at this level but can demonstrate that you would be likely to complete the course successfully. Some centres may, at their discretion, accept applicants aged between 18 and 20.

7. How do I apply?

CELTA courses are designed by individual centres, based on specifications produced by Cambridge English. They are available at over 286 approved centres in 54 countries, providing almost 900 CELTA courses every year.