CELTA FAQs

CELTA – Frequently asked questions
What does CELTA stand for?

CELTA stands for a Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults. This certificate will qualify you
to teach general English to multilingual adult groups in private language schools and in the state sector
in some countries.
What is the difference between TEFL, TESL, TESOL and ELT?

Here is our attempt to clarify but we warn you it can be confusing! TEFL means Teaching English as a
Foreign Language and TESL means Teaching English as a Second Language and this usually refers to
adults studying in their own countries or in the UK/an English speaking country who want to use English
to travel, improve job prospects or just as a hobby. Both can be used as general acronyms for the
profession but ELT (English Language Teaching) is the common umbrella British term. TESOL means
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages and in the UK this refers to students whose primary
aim is to function in the UK/an English speaking host-country where they anticipate living on a
permanent basis. However, confusingly, in the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand the acronyms
TEFL and TESOL are used interchangeably.
Two English Language Teaching qualifications are widely recognised and respected internationally.
These are the Cambridge English Language Assessment CELTA (Certificate in English Language
Teaching to Adults) and Trinity College TESOL.
What is the difference between the Cambridge CELTA and Trinity College TESOL?
In many ways the courses are similar. Both include supervised teaching practice with genuine non-native
speakers, observation of experienced teachers and sessions on methodology. Both are usually 4- week,
intensive courses, but some centres offer part-time courses, usually lasting 3 or 6 months. The
Cambridge English Language Assessment (CELTA) is the older and more established of the two
qualifications. Although employers worldwide accept both Cambridge CELTA and Trinity TESOL, some
still prefer CELTA.
What are the job opportunities for someone with a CELTA qualification?
Excellent, especially if you want to work overseas, particularly in Eastern Europe and the Far East.
There are jobs available in Western Europe and South America, but for these you often need at least
one year’s experience. There are several agencies to help you find work abroad, and many useful
websites.
In the UK there are good opportunities for newly qualified teachers to work mainly from Easter to
September. Our CELTA course includes advice on finding work, what to expect in a teaching contract
and how to apply for jobs abroad.
How much will I be paid as a CELTA qualified teacher?

Rates of pay vary from country to country. Apart from work in the Middle East, teaching English is not a
well-paid profession by Western standards, but you can usually live pretty well by local standards,
especially in Eastern Europe and Asia. Good schools will offer a package including free accommodation,
medical insurance, flight allowance, visa support etc, which is worth quite a lot extra. In Western Europe
you are less likely to be offered such a package; the popular destinations don’t work so hard at attracting
teachers!
Generally expect only to be paid for classroom time, not lesson preparation time.
How do I apply for a CELTA course?
There is a two-stage application procedure for the CELTA course. There is a language awareness task
with the application form, and then an interview. Allow plenty of time to research and do the pre-interview
task in full as this is part of the selection process and shows you the kind of knowledge you will need to
build before, during and after the course. At the interview the teacher trainer will discuss the application
form, language task and the course with you in more depth, and give you a chance to ask any questions
about the course or ELT as a career.
Do I need a degree to do a CELTA course?

No. The usual requirements are 2 A-levels or equivalent. However, if you do not have a degree you will
not be able to get teaching work in some schools and some countries (e.g. Japan). If you are a more
mature applicant, we also take into account your career/jobs and experience and your performance on
the pre-interview task.
If I take the CELTA, will I be qualified to teach children (young learners)?

No, not specifically. Both CELTA and Trinity TESOL courses qualify you to teach adults. There is,
however, a session with hints and tips for coping with young learner’s classes and many schools expect
you do teach some young learner classes. If you want to specialise in teaching children, you can do the
TKT Young learners course, which is part of a modular series of qualifications testing your knowledge
in a specific area of language teaching. (See the Cambridge website www.cambridgeenglish.org for
details).
What’s the age range of candidates?

There is no age limit; people from the age of 20 can apply to do the course (in exceptional circumstances
we may accept 18 year olds). As well as graduates, more and more people in their 40’s, 50’s and 60’s
are doing the course. Generally the course will consist of a mix of all ages and backgrounds.
How good does my grammar have to be?

As a native speaker you are unlikely to have studied the grammar system and this is an area you will
need to develop. We expect you to research and use reference material for the pre-interview language
awareness task and on the course in the planning of grammar lessons. Your language awareness
should continue to develop as you gain more experience beyond the course.
Can non-native speakers apply to do the course?

Yes. You will need to demonstrate your ability to use English to a very high standard. Ideally you will
need to have a recognised English Language qualification: Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) grade
A, Cambridge Proficiency English (CPE) or IELTS 8.0. Alternatively, if you have been resident in an
English speaking country for an extended period of time either studying at a university or working, this
would also be considered.
What’s the pass rate?

The pass rate is very high because our selection procedure is thorough. We only accept candidates we
think have a very good chance of passing and you are well-supported during the course.
There are so many centres - why choose LSI Brighton?

We are a long established centre (running Celta courses since 1989) with a permanent team of highly
experienced trainers. We pride ourselves on our positive and supportive atmosphere and the fact that
we gain most of our CELTA candidates by personal recommendation.
Further Career Options What is a DELTA?

The DELTA is the Cambridge Diploma in English Language Teaching to Adults. You need a minimum of
2 years teaching experience to be accepted on the course. For many CELTA qualified teachers it is the
next step if they decide to make a career in ELT. See the Cambridge
website (address above) for more details.

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CELTA – Frequently asked questions

What does CELTA stand for?

What is the difference between TEFL, TESL, TESOL and ELT?

How much will I be paid as a CELTA qualified teacher?

Do I need a degree to do a CELTA course?

If I take the CELTA, will I be qualified to teach children (young learners)?

What’s the age range of candidates?

How good does my grammar have to be?

Can non-native speakers apply to do the course?

What’s the pass rate?

There are so many centres - why choose LSI Brighton?

Further Career Options What is a DELTA?

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