How is CELTA different from TESOL?
CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) is a short-course, internationally recognised TESOL qualification which appeals to people who may not come from a teaching background. It focuses on techniques and materials suitable for adult English language teaching.
Certificates and diplomas in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) are offered by universities as postgraduate courses. They are usually from 1 to 2 years in duration and appeal to people who wish to gain a formal teaching qualification that enables them to teach English as a Second Language (ESL) in primary and secondary schools, and to adults.
How is the course structured?
There are 3 components: methodology, teaching practice and written assignments.
- Methodology sessions are conducted by our CELTA tutors. Candidates are introduced to materials and practical techniques for adult English language teaching.
- Candidates do teaching practice with a class of adult English language learners under the supervision of a CELTA tutor.
- Four written assignments (750-1000 words each).
What is the method of assessment?
Assessment is continuous and integrated throughout the course. There are two assessed components:
- Teaching Practice
- Written Assignments
There is no final examination.
What grades are possible?
- Pass A
- Pass B
- Pass
- Fail/Withdrawn
Grades are determined with reference to assessment criteria for the two assessed components. The criteria are provided by Cambridge Assessment English and are given to trainees with other documentation at the beginning of the course. There is no quota for grades, locally or internationally.
In 2019 our CELTA trainees achieved the following results: Pass A: 12%, Pass B: 31%, Pass: 50%, Fail: 0%, Withdrawn: 7%.
What employment pathways does CELTA offer?
CELTA qualifies you to teach English to adults in many countries. Because of its practical nature, the course is internationally recognised by language centres and graduates are in high demand worldwide.
Does CELTA qualify you to teach adults in accredited language centres in Australia?
In addition to CELTA you need to have a degree (or equivalent) to be eligible to teach in NEAS accredited language centres in Australia.
Can you do the course if you don’t have a degree (or equivalent)?
Yes, but you may have restricted employment prospects in Australia.
Is the course demanding?
Yes, very. The full time course requires total commitment for 4 weeks. A typical day is from 9.30am to 5.30pm here at UTS College and then extra time at night/on weekends for lesson preparation/assignments.
Candidates will need to dedicate a minimum of 80 hours for the required reading, research, pre- and post-session tasks, assignments and lesson preparation. (Cambridge English Syllabus and Assessment Guidelines, 4th Edition).
Can you do the course on-line/by distance?
Cambridge English has introduced on-line delivery of the methodology component of the course. Trainees still need to attend a CELTA centre to complete the teaching practice component. UTS College does not yet offer this option.
Can you gain exemptions for prior learning or experience?
Cambridge English does not allow for this. All candidates must successfully complete all components of the course to be awarded CELTA.
Can CELTA be used for credit transfer to university?
CELTA can be used to negotiate credit transfer to post-graduate courses at a number of universities.
What are the minimum entry requirements?
Candidates must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have an awareness of language and a competence in both written and spoken English which will enable them to undertake the course (determined by a course tutor at interview)
Can you do the course if you are not a native speaker of English?
Yes, if you fulfill the entry requirements.
What is the selection procedure?
A written application (hard copy or on-line), followed by an interview which includes a language awareness assessment. Allow 1.5 hours for the interview and assessment.
Is there a cut-off date for applications?
No. However, our advice is to apply as far in advance as possible as numbers are usually limited to 12 trainees per course and some courses are full well before the starting date.
How can you prepare for the interview/course?
Refer to Our Booklist and Language Awareness Excercise page for details.
Is FEE-HELP available for this course?
This is not possible because of the authorisation agreement between UTS College, UTS and Cambridge English.
What happens at the Orientation sessions for each course?
It is most important that all participants attend. Course materials and assignments are distributed, documents are completed to send to Cambridge and participants are given an introduction to methodology in preparation for their first teaching practice.