So you’re thinking about applying for CELTA? That’s great! The process can seem a little confusing, but we’ve broken it down here with some useful information to help you with the application form and language analysis task.

The CELTA application process is designed to identify applicants who are suitable for the course. It is also an opportunity to identify areas for development before a successful candidate starts the course, so that focus and attention can be given to areas for improvement. Ultimately, the CELTA application helps us to understand your abilities, and make sure that the CELTA is the right choice for you. Remember that the Cambridge entry requirement for the course is an English language level of C1+ and this is one of the things that will be checked in your written application.

What does the CELTA application process involve?

In the application we’ll ask you for basic information about yourself, including your name, nationality, languages you speak, qualifications and work experience. Don’t worry if you don’t think your experience is relevant, some of the most amazing teachers are completely new to the profession at this stage.

Following this, you’ll need to complete the language analysis task. The CELTA requires a strong grasp of the English language, and we need to make sure that candidates will not be overwhelmed by the content of the course. To do this, the language analysis task contains questions on the following:

• Identifying and correcting errors in statements, or mis-use of grammar or vocabulary
• Comparing grammatical of lexical (vocabulary) forms that learners regularly confuse
• Suggesting and exploring teaching ideas and techniques
• Reflecting on teaching and learning in general and/or related to languages

Here are our tips for doing your best in the written CELTA application form:

1. Take it slowly. This is not a timed test, so make sure to not rush. Take time to think about your answers and read the questions carefully.
2. Check your entire application form after you finish it. Go back through and check your application form and language analysis task very carefully after you’ve finished to spot any mistakes.
3. Feel free to research the language items in the application form. Some reading recommendations are provided in the application form that you can consult. Other literature to look at includes Raymond Murphy ‘English Grammar in Use (intermediate),’ or the Cambridge or Oxford English Dictionaries, which have sections on grammar and vocabulary. Researching the answers is not cheating – we want to know that you can be resourceful.
4. Please do ensure that you have answered all the questions, and put answers where answers are required. If an application form is incomplete, then we are unable to make a fully-informed assessment of your capabilities. This will delay the process and may mean you miss out on your preferred start date.
5. You are not making a commitment to a course at this stage, so don’t stress yourself out too much. If you have any questions about the application process or the course itself you can always contact us.

Good luck with your application form. If you are not invited for interview, you will receive feedback on your application, suggestions for how to improve and, in most cases, an invitation to re-apply in the future. If your application is approved, it’s time to prepare for the CELTA interview. Visit our CELTA interview tips page here.