Course overview

The CELTA course is designed to help you develop effective and principled teaching practice. As well as receiving input from your tutors about key topic areas related to teaching English, you will also have substantial hands-on teaching practice to turn theory into practice.

You will cover five main topics as part of your CELTA course:

  • 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.

 

How you will be assessed

You will be assessed throughout the course. There is no final examination. An external assessor, appointed by Cambridge English Language Assessment, moderates each course.

There are two types of assessment – Teaching Practice and Written Assignments. To get the Cambridge CELTA certificate, you must pass both assessments. There are three passing grades:

  • Pass ‘A’
  • Pass ‘B’
  • Pass

 

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.

 

Written Assignments

You will complete four written assignments that focus on:

  • analysing and responding to learner needs
  • analysing language for teaching purposes
  • teaching language skills
  • reflecting on classroom teaching.

Candidates will need to dedicate a minimum of 80 hours for the required reading, research, pre- and post-session tasks, assignments and lesson preparation.