The Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults or CELTA is a teaching qualification issued by Cambridge Assessment‏‎. It used to be known as the RSA.

The CELTA is a high-end TEFL Certificate and although there is no recognised standard qualification for teaching English, the CELTA is often seen as the most intense and highest level TEFL certificate.

Since different schools around the world offer the CELTA costs vary. Typically schools charge around [currconvert base_curr=”GBP” base_amount=”1000″]; accommodation (if required) and incidentals will be added on top of this.

The CELTA is not an introductory course and students who have taken the CELTA course almost all say it is the hardest 4 weeks training they have ever undertaken (including their university education). If you are planning a CELTA course then it is recommended that you read extensively beforehand on all aspects of teaching English‏‎, are conversant with English grammar‏‎ and have several years experience under your belt.

A CELTA or equivalent is usually required for higher jobs (e.g. with the British Council‏‎ or working as a Director of Studies; it is not normally a requisite for an entry-level job).

The course and exam are run as a franchise from Cambridge. In other words, any school can apply to run the CELTA course; Cambridge will come and make sure the school facilities are up to scratch, that the teacher trainers are of high enough standard and so on. They then charge the school for running the course. The course is not offered online yet although there are plans afoot to offer elements of the course online.

Specifications

• 4-5 weeks or more intensive in-house training or part-time (3-4 months to a year)
• no guarantee pass
• 120 hours in-class instruction
• 6 hours live teaching with foreign students
• 6 hours observed teaching practice
• maximum 18 students per class
• in course assessment

Pass/Fail

• 5% of students drop out
• 3% fail
• 63% receive a pass
• 25% receive a grade of B
• 4% receive a grade of A

Useful Links

TEFL Certificates to Teach English – a general look at TEFL certificates and what they offer and can do for your career

How to Choose a Good TEFL/TESOL Course – which course is right for you?

CELTA – official page