Course overview
The Cambridge ESOL Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA) is an internationally recognised qualification which provides pre-service training in English language teaching to adults. It is intended for people without previous teaching experience who wish to enter the profession. It is also offered to those teachers who already have experience in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) but do not hold a qualification in TESOL.

The CELTA course is offered at the British Council on full-time basis over four weeks, and also on a part-time basis over 12 weeks. The course consists of three main elements (Methodology workshops, Teaching Practice and Assessments). In addition, candidates get to observe experienced British Council teachers and participate in observation and feedback sessions with their peers.

Workshops
Methodology workshops are timetabled every day, throughout the course. These cover the practical application of techniques and theories.

Areas covered include:

• Analysis of English grammar from the teachers’ points of view
• Development of language skills
• Phonology
• Correction techniques
• Use of materials
• Classroom management
• Using video/ audio equipment /computers in a lesson
• Lesson planning

Teaching Practice
During the course there will be regular teaching practice where groups of trainees teach classes of students and gain experience of teaching at different levels. Teaching practice will normally be up to 6 hours over the duration of the course. Each trainee teaches a total of six hours over the duration of the course. Initially support is given with planning and preparation of the lessons. In the feedback sessions, trainees will comment on the content and success of the lesson as a whole.

Observation
The observation of trained teachers is an important part of the course and may take place outside the main course timetable. Trainees are required to observe at least six hours of classes during the course at pre-arranged times.

Assignments
Candidates do four written assignments during the course. These are closely related to teaching practice and the syllabus areas include Language Awareness, Language Skills, Focus on the Learner and Reflective Practice. Each assignment is between 750 – 1000 words.

Assessment
There are two assessed components of trainees’ performance on the course:

• Teaching Practice
• Written Assignments

Assessment is continuous and integrated with no final examination, that is, assessment takes place throughout the course and each assessed component contributes to the overall grade. In addition, candidates are required to submit a portfolio of course work consisting of the four written assignments, lesson plans and materials related to practice teaching and other related documentation as specified by Cambridge ESOL.

To be awarded the certificate candidates must pass both components. There are three grades – Pass, Pass 'B' and Pass 'A'.

Workload
The course requires a considerable amount of time and energy. Trainees will need to work on assignments and preparing materials outside the timetabled hours and at the weekends and it is expected that they will dedicate a minimum of 80 hours for the required reading, research, pre- and post- session tasks, assignments and lesson preparation. It is, however, fulfilling for both experienced teachers and those new to teaching, to acquire new skills and develop professionally in a supportive atmosphere.

Entry requirements

Applicants must:

• be at least eighteen years old at the beginning of the course
• have a standard of education which would allow entry to higher education in their country
• have an awareness of language and a competence in both written and spoken English which will enable them to undertake the course and prepare for teaching a range of levels. This needs to be level C1 or higher in the Common European Frame of Reference.

Dates
We run several CELTA courses at the British Council every year. You are advised to apply at least two months in advance, as the courses fill up very quickly. Our next course is scheduled to take place on:

Application process
Please download the information sheet about the course and the application form and return these documents to our CELTA coordinators: