All about CELTA (Certificate in Teaching to Speakers of Other Languages)
The Cambridge CELTA course is an English language teaching qualification externally validated by the University of Cambridge. CELTA is placed at level 5 (formerly level 4) on the UK National Qualifications framework. The CELTA along with the Trinity CertTESOL (also Level 5) are the entry qualifications most preferred by language training organisations. The course is approximately 120 hours.
You can find out about CELTA on the official CELTA website. Or here to find out about Trinity’s qualifications http://www.trinitycollege.co.uk/site/?id=293
What is CELTA?
CELTA is an initial qualification for people with little or no previous teaching experience.
Who is CELTA for?
CELTA is suitable for a wide range of people. It is the ideal qualification for those who want to start English language teaching anywhere in the world. It is also suitable for people who want a career break or change and for those already teaching English who have no formal qualification.
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.
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 ESOL, moderates each course. There are two components of assessment:
- 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.
- 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’.