This course provides speakers of English with initial training in teaching English as a foreign language, and leads to the internationally recognised qualification: the Cambridge CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults). CELTA is an initial qualification for people with little or no previous teaching experience and opens up a whole world of exciting teaching opportunities. It gives you the training you need to help you adjust to a dynamic and challenging new profession. Because it is awarded by Cambridge ESOL, part of the world-famous University of Cambridge, you can rely on its quality and recognition.

The course is also suited to those who are already in the profession, but who have no formal or practical teaching qualification. The courses are validated, and syllabus and assessment criteria are fixed by, the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (ESOL – English for Speakers of Other Languages).

It provides fluent speakers of English with high quality training in teaching English as a foreign language, and it is taken by over 10,000 candidates each year.

Course Information

What does CELTA involve?

Each course has a minimum of 120 hours. An additional 80 hours are needed for candidates' self-study, written assignments writing, lesson preparation and other independent work. Seminars, workshops and observation of experienced teachers take up approximately half the course time. Teaching practice takes up the other half, and is conducted in small groups, each with teaching practice supervisor. Each trainee teaches for a total of at least six hours with graded classes of students. Teaching practice includes guided preparation, analysis and reflection on teaching practice sessions, and individual tutorials to monitor and discuss progress.

Syllabus Overview

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. There are two components of assessment:
1. Teaching practice
You will teach for a total of six hours, working with classes at two levels of ability. Assessment is based on your overall performance at the end of the six 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'.

Am I eligible to apply?

Ideally you should: 

• have a standard of education equivalent to that required for entry into higher education 
• be aged 18 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.

How do I apply?

To apply complete the CELTA Online Application Form.
Once the application has been received, candidates will be interviewed by a CELTA teacher trainer. Following a successful interview, participants will be officially invited to join the CELTA course and given a set of pre-course tasks.

Dates and Fees for 2010

Celta course dates are:

28 June to 23 July

Course fee: 975 Euros.