Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features of the CELTA Course?

• integrates theory and practice
• provides a minimum of 120 contact hours including: input, supervised lesson planning, teaching practice, feedback on teaching, peer observation, observation of experienced teachers and consultation time
• includes 6 hours of assessed teaching practice per trainee
• includes 6 hours' directed observation of live lessons taught by experienced ELT professionals or 4 hours' observation of live lessons plus 2 hours' observation of lessons on video
• includes a minimum of 80 additional learning hours for reading, research, assignment writing and lesson preparation
• requires the submission by each candidate of a portfolio of work including materials related to teaching practice and written assignments.

How is the teaching practice provision in CELTA set up?

You will be required to teach for 6 hours (usually broken down into shorter slots leading to longer lessons as the course progresses). You are also required to teach at a minimum of two different levels, one of which must be lower than intermediate and the other intermediate level or higher.

Can I take a CELTA course even though I am a non-native speaker?

Yes, provided your standard of English will enable you to successfully complete the written assignments and teach at a range of levels. This will be decided by when you apply for the course by the pre-interview task and the interview itself.

Is there any upper age limit to someone applying to do the CELTA course?

There is no age limit. You need to apply for the course and we will consider your experience and at interview will decide if you are a suitable candidate.

Is it possible to teach in a state school with the CELTA qualification - does it have the same status as a PGCE?

CELTA is a specialist qualification in the area of adult education but formal teacher training such as a PGCE, which is designed for primary or secondary children, would be required for state school teaching.

I have a PGCE/Diploma in TEFL - what is the equivalency with CELTA?

There is no direct equivalency with CELTA as the two courses do not cover the same ground and are designed for different purposes. CELTA is an initial teacher training course for those intending to teach adults, whereas PGCEs are normally for those teaching in primary/secondary schools and Diplomas are usually for experienced teachers.

If I have a TESOL qualification would this be as acceptable as a CELTA for employment purposes?

Individual employers would know just what type of qualification and relevant skills they are looking for in a candidate. Any good teaching course should have covered the basic elements of teaching. However, employers can sometimes prefer courses such as CELTA which have a strong practical focus.

How can I get a job after obtaining the CELTA award?

Babylon Idiomas offers job guaranteed job placement usually starting in September in one of our 4 centres in Spain (Barcelona, Madrid, Seville and Valencia) to the top performers from each CELTA course carried out in our centre in Barcelona. The educational press has details of any vacancies that there may be and our centre has its own job placement service. We will also advise you on where jobs are advertised.

Would the grade I obtain in CELTA affect my application for overseas work?

Some centres may require a 'B' grade but most employers worldwide who are familiar with CELTA are happy to recruit Pass candidates.

Can the CELTA course be undertaken by correspondence?

It is not possible for the CELTA course to be undertaken by correspondence. This is because it is a continuously assessed course and the teaching elements involved mean that it has to be undertaken at one of our approved centres.