Initial Teacher Training: Finding the Right Starting Point
CELTA is the most widely recognised entry qualification for English language teaching. But it’s not the only way in, and depending on your language, location, or career goal, a different qualification may be the better starting point.
IH schools offer a range of initial training options. Some are alternatives to CELTA. Some complement it. Some are designed for teachers of other languages altogether.
Students
Schools
Teaching English as a Foreign Language
CELTA — The Industry Standard
Cambridge Assessment English Level 5 qualification. The most requested ELT credential by employers worldwide. If you want to teach English and you want a qualification schools will actually hire for, start here.
Cert TESOL
Trinity College London’s Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.
A Level 5 qualification equivalent to CELTA in most employer contexts. Offered at selected IH schools for teachers who prefer Trinity’s assessment framework.
TKT — Teaching Knowledge Test Preparation
Cambridge’s Teaching Knowledge Test is a modular qualification covering language, methodology, and classroom practice. TKT is a knowledge-based assessment, suitable as a foundation before CELTA or for teachers wanting to formalise their theoretical understanding.
Teaching Other Languages
IH schools don’t only train English teachers. If you want to teach Spanish or German as a foreign language, IH offers specialist initial training qualifications for both.
IHC Spanish — IH Certificate in Teaching Spanish
An IH qualification for teachers of Spanish as a foreign language.
Covers teaching methodology, lesson planning, and observed teaching practice. It’s designed for teachers entering Spanish EFL contexts or Spanish-language schools in the IH network.
IHC German — IH Certificate in Teaching German
An IH qualification for teachers of German as a foreign language.
Equivalent framework to the IHC Spanish, methodology, planning, observed practice.
FELE - Formación de Enseñanza de Español como Lengua Extranjera
A specialist initial qualification for specific national or regional teaching contexts. Contact the relevant IH school directly for current availability and entry requirements.
Next Initial Teacher Training courses Available
FELE - Formación de Enseñanza de Español como Lengua Extranjera
Initial Teacher Training
IH Madrid
05 Oct 2026 - 06 Nov 2026
Face-to-Face (Full-time)
Horario: 9.30 a 14:30 (5 semanas)
Madrid, SpainFELE Formación de Enseñanza de Español como Lengua Extranjera
Initial Teacher Training
IH Team Lingue05 Oct 2026 - 06 Nov 2026Face-to-Face (Full-time)5 weeks Various, ItalyCert TESOL with IH OTTI
Initial Teacher Training
IH CoursesComing soonTBD
TBDFELE with IH OTTI
Initial Teacher Training
IH CoursesComing soonTBD TBDTKT PREP with IH OTTI
Initial Teacher Training
IH CoursesComing soonTBD TBDIHC German with IH OTTI
Initial Teacher Training
IH CoursesComing soonTBD TBDIHC Spanish with IH OTTI
Initial Teacher Training
IH CoursesComing soonTBD TBD
Not sure which qualification is right for you?
If you want to teach English and you want a qualification that will get you hired CELTA is almost always the answer. If your context is different, chat with us or contact us directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is International House Teach English?
Who are IH courses for?
Are IH qualifications recognised worldwide?
Can I study online?
How do I choose the right course?
It depends what your goals are.
If you are looking to get an intial teaching qualification to start your career as a certified teacher, check out the CELTA or one of our Initial Teaching Qualifications.
If you are a qualified teacher and are looking to specialise in an area of teaching or gain new skills, check out our teacher development courses. Maybe you have experience in teaching and are ready to take the DELTA.
If you are a new academic manager or want to move into academic management, we have specialist courses for you.
Chat to our IH assistant for more advice on which course to choose.