The Cambridge
CELTA Programme

You must be 18 years or older and have a C1 or higher level of English — that's advanced level, meaning you can discuss complex topics clearly, accurately, and with nuance. A university degree is not required to enrol on the CELTA itself, but you will need a high school diploma or equivalent. Note that while CELTA doesn't require a degree, many international teaching employers and visa programmes do — our advisors will help you understand what's needed for your specific destination.

Here's an honest look at a full-time day on the course:

Time	What Happens
8:30–9:00	Arrive, coffee, panic gently, print worksheets ☕
9:00–10:30	Input session: teaching theory, grammar analysis, classroom techniques
10:30–10:45	Break — breathe, stretch, refuel
10:45–12:15	More input or lesson planning workshops
12:15–1:00	Lunch — usually spent discussing phonemes and existential fatigue 🍜
1:00–3:00	Teaching Practice (TP) with real ESL learners
3:00–4:00	Tutor & peer feedback — famously detailed 🎨
Evening	Lesson planning, assignments, reading, material prep

The core rhythm: input sessions in the morning (methodology, grammar, pronunciation, classroom management), Teaching Practice in the afternoon with real learners while tutors observe, then detailed feedback afterward. Think: "Your instructions were clear, but your boardwork drifted into abstract art." It's intensive — but that's where the real growth happens.

No — CELTA is specifically designed as an entry-level qualification. No prior classroom experience is needed. What matters is a genuine interest in language and people, and a commitment to working hard. Many of our graduates come from completely unrelated careers and become outstanding teachers.

No. You need to be at C1 level or above — a very high, near-fluent level of English. Non-native speakers are absolutely welcome and often make exceptional teachers, bringing valuable insights into the learning experience that native speakers don't always have.

Honestly? It's one of the most demanding short courses you'll ever do — and one of the most rewarding. Full-time formats involve long days of input, teaching, and feedback, followed by evenings of planning and assignment writing. Part-time formats spread the load but still require consistent effort outside class hours. Cambridge assessors don't cut corners, and neither do we. Come prepared to work hard, and you'll come out the other side a genuinely skilled teacher.

It depends on your schedule and timeline. The 4-week concentrated course is best for those ready to fully commit. The 10-week evening and 15-week Saturday formats are designed for people who need to keep working. All formats lead to the exact same Cambridge certificate — no difference in quality or employer recognition.

For the 4-week and 3-week intensive formats — honestly, it's very difficult. Days are full and evenings are for planning and assignments. Working alongside these is not recommended. The 10-week evening and 15-week Saturday formats are specifically designed for working professionals, with all sessions outside typical business hours.

Yes — completely identical. Whether you complete the 3-week intensive or the 15-week Saturday course, you receive the same Cambridge Assessment English CELTA certificate. Employers worldwide cannot tell — and don't care — which format you completed.

No fees are due until you've completed the full application, met with a course advisor, and been offered a place. The $200 registration fee then secures your spot. The remaining balance is due on your course start date. You won't be asked to pay anything until you're fully informed and ready to commit.

Your $200 registration fee is transferrable to a future cohort for up to one year from the date of registration. Life happens — speak to your course advisor and we'll find a solution that works.

All Orbit graduates receive unlimited job placement support — help identifying good opportunities, preparing applications, reviewing contracts from schools, and even interview support. You'll also join our global alumni network. We don't just hand you a certificate and wish you luck — we're with you through to your first classroom and beyond.

This really comes down to your personal learning style — and there's no wrong answer. Ask yourself: where do you feel most comfortable learning? In a physical classroom alongside peers, feeding off the energy of the room and getting face-to-face feedback? Or in an online environment with peers, where you have a little more flexibility in how you set up your space and manage your focus?

Both formats are fully interactive and collaborative — you'll be learning with and from your fellow trainees either way. In-person tends to suit people who thrive on direct human connection and find a structured physical environment helps them stay focused. Online suits people who are self-directed, comfortable with technology, and may have practical reasons (location, commute) that make attending in person difficult.

If you're genuinely unsure, speak to one of our course advisors — they'll help you figure out which environment is the right fit for how you learn best.