The world of English language teaching is big and full of seemingly-identical acronyms: TEFL, TESOL, ESL, EFL, CEFR… Yet, before you lose your head and fall face first into some alphabet soup, arrange some of those letters to form CELTA to get your one-stop certificate to teach around the world. 

The CELTA certificate, stands for the Certificate in Teach English to Speakers of Other Languages and is provided by Cambridge English Language Assessment (Yes, the same Cambridge as that prestigious British university you may have grown to love or desperately envy). Getting your CELTA certificate, whether in an exotic locale or from your couch is a strong step into the landscape of English language teaching jobs that are available on every continent. 

What is a CELTA certificate?

A CELTA certificate is one type of certificate in teaching English to speakers of other languages. The CELTA is a standardized course that is offered at language schools and via online courses around the world for easy availability and flexibility wherever you might be and in whatever learning environment you prefer. As a CELTA student, you will go through the foundations of being a strong English language teacher, including modules on:

• The learning context of students
• Key linguistic aspects of the English language
• The four major language skills
• Strategies for lesson planning and using available resources
• Professional aspects of teaching

CELTA courses consist of a minimum of 120-hours of instruction, with teachers and language centers that have been certified by Cambridge to teach the course. As a student, you will be need to complete 4 written assignments about course materials, as well as 6-hours of teaching practice in the classroom with real students, in order to successfully graduate with your shiny certificate. Then, with your qualifications in hand, your CELTA program might even assist with job placement in order to put your knowledge of both English language teaching theory and practice into front-of-the-classroom action!

[Get matched with the right certificate program for you]

Pros of getting CELTA certification

The CELTA certificate is an amazing opportunity to prepare and get set for all the possibilities of English language teaching. Here’s why:

• Quality Standard: The CELTA is by-far the most standardized English teaching certificate out there. Each course provider is certified by Cambridge to ensure that students like you are receiving the top-of-the-line instruction in teaching English. In addition, to take a CELTA course you must be at least 18 years old, have formal qualifications to enter a university, and either be a native English speaker, or at the CEFR C2 or high C1 level. As a result, CELTA students are not only prepared for an intensive course but also motivated students who are ready to take the classroom by storm. 
• Job Prospects: Because CELTA as a course is so standardized, it has become a golden standard for employers around the world. While many employers may not discriminate between CELTA vs TEFL, a CELTA certification might bump your resume to the top of the pile, due to its renowned recognition. The CELTA is a great option for those who want to teach in language schools with mainly adult learners. 

[Teach English Abroad: A Step-By-Step Guide for Beginners]