What Is CELTA?

The CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) is an intensive, globally recognised Cambridge-accredited Level 5 qualification designed for people with little or no previous English language teaching experience. More people take their CELTA with International House than with any other school group in the world — International House pioneered the course in 1962.

What the Course Involves

The CELTA comprises 120 hours of training and includes:

• Tutor input covering teaching methodology, lesson planning, language analysis and language skills
• Observation of experienced teachers in real classroom environments
• 6 hours of observed and assessed teaching practice with real language students
• 4 written assignments based on course input
• Continuous assessment — no final exam

Every course is externally moderated by a Cambridge English assessor, so graduates receive a certificate from Cambridge English, part of the University of Cambridge.

Entry Requirements

• Minimum age 18
• Completion of secondary education
• Advanced English proficiency (C1 or equivalent to IELTS Band 7) — English need not be your first language

Course Format

The CELTA is available in several formats to suit different schedules: 4–5 week full-time intensive, part-time over several months, and blended options combining online and face-to-face elements.

After the CELTA

CELTA graduates are ready to apply for English teaching positions worldwide from day one. The qualification also serves as a foundation for further development through the Cambridge DELTA, IH specialist certificates, and academic management training.