CELTA Vs. TEFL_ Similar Yet Different
                     CELTA VS. TEFL: 
SIMILAR YET 
DIFFERENT
HENRY HARVIN EDUCATION
WHAT 
• CELTA is the acronymI fSor  CCertEificLatTe iAn T?eaching English to 
speakers of other languages.
• CELTA is one of the most recognized English teaching 
qualifications in the world.
• Whether you are a new teacher looking to establish your career 
with the first opportunity or want to tell employers that your 
teaching skills are at par with the best with a recognized 
certificate, CELTA is the qualification that will be accepted.
• CELTA is a qualification for teaching English language as a 
foreign language.
• It focuses on developing hands-on skills with teaching practice, 
which will provide you with the techniques and the confidence 
you need to begin teaching as soon as you finish the course.
• There are different ways of taking up CELTA, full-time, part-time, 
or as a blended course of combining online self-study and hands-
on teaching.
• CELTA courses have at least 120 hours of contact time.
• The topics of the course include practical teaching skills and the 
theory behind them.
• The assessments will be on written assignments as well as 
practical teaching classes. 
• The minimum entry requirement is a proficient level of 
English, education to the standard of entry into higher 
education, and over 18 years of age. 
• Authorized Centres teach CELTA courses on behalf of 
Cambridge Assessment English, which is the governing 
authority rewarding the CELTA certification.
What is TEFL?
• TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language.
• TEFL is the most popular and common term used for referring 
to teaching English abroad.
• A “TEFL certification” will refer to the training courses and 
certifications that are commonly asked by language schools 
and institutes around the world interested in availing 
services of English teachers.
• Other Acronyms used for TEFL are TESL (Teaching English as 
a second language), TESOL (Teaching English to speakers of 
other languages), and ESL (English as a second language). 
• Both native speakers and non-English speakers of the 
language can successfully train to be English language 
teachers.
• The use of these terms interchangeably has confused about 
the training courses for prospective students, teachers as 
well as employers.
• There is no global standard for the training of English 
language teachers, and it is essential to look into the actual 
components of the training program.
• There are many certificate programs of the short duration 
that does not have an academic affiliation resulting in credits 
or degrees that can be a right launching pad for beginning 
positions internationally.
• But these programs and jobs will generally not provide 
sufficient training for a career unless you are already 
experienced and hold a degree related to the field.
• If you want a long term career, you may want to think about 
learning programs that result in I a university recognized 
certificate or degree program (MA/TESOL, MA/Applied 
Linguistics), particularly if one wants to work in higher 
education.
Employers now generally 
look for a certificate that 
reflects at least the 
• At fleoasltl 1o00w hoiunrsg of: coursework/interaction with the tutor.
• A minimum of 6-20 hours of hands-on experience (live practice 
teaching and observation with actual non-native English class or 
student).
• An accredited curriculum from a recognized, well respected 
independent organization within the field.
• Instruction provided by a qualified instructor (who holds a proper 
Degree at Masters Level in this field).
CELTA Vs. TEFL
Who provides the 
Certification?
• CELTA is affiliated explicitly with Cambridge University and Cambridge 
ESOL awards it. 
• Because of its affiliation and association with Cambridge University 
CELTA has an outstanding reputation in the English teaching industry.
• There is no specific body that provides TEFL course. Some well-known 
and respected authorities include TQUK, College of Teachers, ACCET. 
• Courses offered directly through an accredited university will also be 
considered accredited. Out of the numerous courses conducted by 
language schools and institutes may be certified by proper institutions 
others not.
What is the course Length?
• The minimum standard of a quality TEFL course for international 
acceptance is 100 hours of tutor contact and 6-20 hours of live practical 
teaching to real-life students. 
• TEFL courses can be taken in person, online, or blended in full time/part-
time/ weekend combinations.
• An ordinary in-person course International TEFL Course is four weeks 
long. 
• A similar quality part-time class or interactive TEFL course online with 
typically take 2-3 months part-time but these. 
• TEFL training courses with fewer than 100 hours and/or no 
practicum will not provide you with an internationally 
recognized certification.
• CELTA courses offering comes in just two formats – entirely in 
person, or in a “blended” style, which combines online 
learning and classroom-based instruction. 
• The full-time classroom course takes 4 to 5 weeks, while the 
part-time course can be anywhere for several weeks to 
several months. 
• There is a blended course that combines the two, so you will 
attend some classes at am accredited center.
What is the cost?
• One of the significant CELTA TEFL difference is the cost of the courses. 
• This may be the deciding factor that you use to make your final decision.
• The CELTA cost varies greatly, but around 1,500 to 3,500 USD, it is only 
offered by centers accredited and approved by Cambridge ESOL. 
• A TESL course in comparison with a cost between 200 to 4,000 USD. 
They may seem similar, but TEFL courses are generally less expensive 
than the CELTA.
Coursework
• CELTA course work is quite intense. 
• There are 6 hours of assessed teaching practice with, then four written 
assignments: one focusing on adult learning, one on the language 
system of English, the third one on language skills, and lastly, on 
classroom teaching. 
• You must pass both components the assessed teaching practice and 
the written assignments out of which the teaching practice holds more 
weight, and many people fail to clear the course.
• The course work is usually more accessible than the CELTA course 
work.
Prerequisites for the Course
• Before you can enroll to start a CELTA course, you’ll need to 
go for an assessment interview at a CELTA training center, 
where a course tutor will consider and decide whether you’re 
a suitable candidate for the course. 
• They will also determine if your written and spoken English 
skills are of a high enough standard. 
• Previous teaching, coaching, or tutoring experience is 
preferred to be accepted onto CELTA.
• Apart from a keen interest in teaching, there are no rigid entry 
requirements for being accepted onto a TEFL course.
• Even previous teaching experience is not stressed upon. 
• It is useful if you hold a bachelor’s degree because this will improve your 
chances of getting a good teaching job overseas in a country with an 
employer of your choice after you have completed the course.
Just keep in mind a few 
points:
• Both courses prepare teachers thoroughly for teaching English abroad.
• CELTA is a nothing but branded TEFL certificationCELTA has one 
awarding body. 
• TEFL has several accrediting bodies, so it is difficult to assess the 
quality of a course.
• Many TEFL good quality courses are online and tend to be more 
flexible. This provides the convenience of completion of the course 
alongside studies or work, while CELTA is only available in set format.
• There are usually no entry requirements for acceptance into a TEFL 
course, while CELTA usually has stringent entry criteria and assessment.
• CELTA courses will typically have a higher price tag than TEFL courses.
• The standards accepted in the industry for a right TEFL course are a 
minimum of 100 hours of TEFL training, 6-20 hours of teaching practice 
to real ESL students, and instructors teach the course with a Masters 
Level Degree. Finally, the course is accredited by a credible organization.
For more details regarding the course, visit
Henry Harvin Education