CELTA

Cambridge states that candidates are assessed on their teaching skills and on written assignments. Teaching practice is with groups of learners and is observed by a trainer, and you receive feedback and advice on your teaching. All courses include at least 120 hours of study covering practical teaching skills and the theory behind them.

You can take it full time, usually over 4-5 weeks, or part time over a few months to a year. Cambridge also says the qualification can let you begin teaching in as little as four weeks, which reflects the fastest full-time option rather than the part-time route.

No. Cambridge lists the course as suitable for new teachers with no experience who are starting their career, as well as for teachers with some experience who want to develop their skills. It is also aimed at people who want to travel and teach English.

Yes. Cambridge explicitly states that the qualification is for both first-language English speakers and non-first-language speakers. Individual centres set their own entry requirements and may check your language proficiency before offering a place, so confirm the details with the centre you apply to.

On the face-to-face route, teaching practice happens in a classroom with groups of learners, observed by your trainer. On the online route, training and teaching practice take place in an online learning environment. The combination route includes both classroom and online teaching practice. All lead to the same qualification and standard of training.

There are more than 280 authorised centres across the world. Cambridge states that whichever way you take the course, you experience the same standard of training from CELTA-certified teachers at an authorised centre, and you receive the same qualification with the same international recognition.

Decide first on delivery mode and timetable, since full-time study over 4-5 weeks is intense, then confirm dates, entry requirements and pre-course tasks with your chosen centre. Refresh your own grammar knowledge and, if possible, arrange your schedule so you have protected time for lesson planning and written assignments.

Cambridge states that if you are based in the UK, CELTA is eligible for funding under the Advanced Learner Loans scheme, and if you are based in France it is eligible for funding under the CPF scheme. Eligibility rules are set by those schemes, so check current conditions before applying.

The course is intensive: at least 120 hours of study plus teaching practice and written assignments. Candidates who struggle most often underestimate planning time, treat trainer feedback as a formality rather than acting on it, or leave written assignments until late. Build a weekly routine that protects time for planning and reflection.

The official Cambridge CELTA pages do not publish a retake policy, resit fee or validity period. Assessment decisions and any resit arrangements are handled by the authorised centre where you study, so ask your centre directly before you enrol about outcomes, appeals and what happens if you do not meet the criteria.