What Happens After You Apply for CELTA?
After you apply for a CELTA course, you usually complete an application task, take part in an interview and then receive confirmation about whether you have been accepted. The application task normally checks your background, motivation, written English and basic language awareness. The interview gives the centre a chance to assess your suitability for the course, answer your questions and explain the course schedule, workload and expectations.
Key takeaways
- The CELTA application process usually includes an application task, an interview and confirmation of your place.
- The application task may include grammar, vocabulary, language awareness and written motivation questions.
- The interview is not only a test; it is also a chance to ask questions and understand the course better.
- You need to show a strong level of English, usually high C1 or above, but you do not need to be perfect.
- Once accepted, you normally secure your place by following the payment and confirmation instructions from the centre.
Who is this useful for?
This guide is useful for future CELTA applicants who want to understand what happens after clicking “Apply Now” and how to prepare for the next steps.
You’ve clicked “Apply Now”, what comes next?
You probably considered the CELTA for a while and wondered if it’s the right path for you. Then, you considered whether you want to study online or face-to-face and whether an intensive full-time course or a part-time course that fits around your schedule is the best way for you to learn.
Now, you have finally found the course that seems like the right place and time and you’re ready to click Apply Now! But what happens when you do…?
Meet our trainer:
Sarah Graham Juhasz
Sarah holds a BA in International Relations from the US, a Master’s degree in Education and International Development from the UK and holds the Cambridge CELTA and DELTA qualifications from the Czech Republic.
She has lived and worked in multiple countries and continents (Czech Republic, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Latvia, Tanzania, USA, UK, Hungary) as a teacher, trainer, examiner, education consultant and training coordinator in the field of NGOs.
Applying for the CELTA: The 3 Main Steps
There are a few steps you will have to complete in order to apply for a CELTA:
- Complete the centre’s application task, including language awareness tasks and longer writing sections.
- Participate in an interview.
- Secure your place on the course.
The CELTA Application Task
The application task is different for each center (or company that helps you find a course). You can expect that you will need to share details:
Personal information and background
- where you are from and where you live now;
- what languages you speak and how well you speak them;
- your work experience, including any teaching and English teaching experience;
- your education and where you received it;
- any learning differences or disabilities that may impact your ability to complete the course.
Language Awareness Tasks (Grammar & Vocabulary)
You will also need to demonstrate your awareness of the English language. This will cover things like parts of speech (e.g. verbs, nouns, prepositions) and some awareness of verb tenses. You might need to complete gaps with the correct word or describe the difference between words that are commonly confused (e.g. study and learn). You might also need to describe how you would teach something to a group of low level students.
You’re encouraged to do some background reading for these tasks, it’s not cheating to look things up on this task!
Written Motivation Questions
Finally, you have to respond in writing to questions that explain why you’re interested in taking the course. This demonstrates your written language ability and also introduces you and why you are interested in taking the course.
Can I Use AI to Complete the Application Task?
While you are encouraged to use trusted resources to help you demonstrate your language awareness, the use of AI in your application is prohibited. This is because it does not give the center an accurate view of your abilities and whether you would be a successful candidate on the course.
The CELTA Interview – What to Expect
Once you have completed your application, you will be contacted to set up an interview with a trainer or experienced member of staff from the center. The purpose of the interview is to get to know you, discuss the schedule and components of the course and to answer any questions you have. Some information you may have come across in your research, but be prepared to ask a few questions.
The interviewer will also be assessing your English ability and knowledge of the English language. Some candidates might not have much knowledge of the English language, but you must be able to demonstrate a C1 level of English. This doesn’t mean perfect! But it does mean flexible, fluent and mostly error-free.
You will find out during the interview or soon after via email whether you have been accepted onto the course.
How to Prepare for the CELTA Application and Interview
Before completing your application or attending your interview, it can help to:
- review basic parts of speech, such as nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs and prepositions;
- refresh your understanding of common English verb tenses;
- think about why you want to teach English;
- prepare examples from your learning, work, or teaching experience;
- write in your own words;
- prepare two or three questions about the course schedule, workload, teaching practice, or assessment.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for CELTA
Try to avoid:
- treating the application task as a quick formality;
- using AI or copied answers instead of your own writing;
- ignoring the course schedule and workload;
- not asking questions during the interview;
- waiting too long to secure your place after acceptance;
- assuming that you need perfect English before applying.
Securing Your Place on the Course
Once you are accepted onto the course, you will receive an acceptance letter. Keep this for your records, not only because there’s important information about making your payment and the first day of the course, but also in case the center is not able to run the course for which you applied. You can use this acceptance letter as evidence to join another course at another center if you decide to, but you will likely need to include your initial application task and take part in another interview again.
In your acceptance letter, you will receive instructions about making payment. Check the center’s website for how they will take payment – you may need to make a deposit of some part of the total cost of the course or pay the total amount when you confirm you will join the course. Some centers take credit card payment, some require a bank transfer. Keep this in mind, especially if there are restrictions in your country about making overseas payments.
Now you are ready to start your course!
What to Prepare Before the CELTA Course Starts?
Once your place is confirmed, check all information from the centre carefully. Make sure you know:
- when the course starts;
- whether there is any pre-course reading or preparation;
- how teaching practice will be organised;
- what technology you need for an online or blended course;
- when payments or documents are due;
- who to contact if you have questions before the first day.
Frequently Asked Questions About Applying for CELTA
What happens after I apply for a CELTA course?
After you apply, you usually complete an application task, attend an interview and then receive confirmation about whether you have been accepted. If accepted, you will receive instructions about payment and securing your place.
What is the CELTA application task?
The CELTA application task usually checks your personal background, motivation, written English and language awareness. It may include grammar, vocabulary, parts of speech, verb tenses and short teaching-related questions.
Is the CELTA interview difficult?
The CELTA interview is professional but not designed to trick you. The interviewer wants to understand your English level, your awareness of language, your motivation and whether the course is a good fit for you.
What English level do I need for CELTA?
CELTA applicants normally need to be proficient English users, usually at high C1 level or above. You do not need perfect English, but you should be fluent, flexible and accurate enough to teach English at different levels.
Can I use AI to complete my CELTA application task?
You should not use AI to write your CELTA application answers if the centre prohibits it. The centre needs to assess your own English, language awareness and ability to express your ideas clearly.
What should I do after receiving a CELTA acceptance letter?
Read the letter carefully, save it for your records, check the payment instructions, confirm deadlines and make sure you understand the first-day information and course requirements.
Conclusion: You are closer than you think
The CELTA application process may feel serious, but each step has a clear purpose. The application task helps the centre understand your language awareness, written English and motivation. The interview helps both you and the centre decide whether the course is the right fit.
Once you have been accepted and confirmed your place, you are ready to start your course.
Thinking about applying for CELTA but still unsure whether you are ready? Contact us to discuss your English level, your teacher training goals and the course format that would best fit your schedule.
