You’ve found a centre, applied and been invited for interview – congratulations!
There’s no need to worry – your CELTA interview is about getting to know you, finding out about your skills and motivations, and making sure the course is right for you.
Here are our top tips for preparing for your interview.
1. Try to relax
The CELTA interview isn’t a test. Instead, it’s designed to get to know you. During the interview, you’ll talk about your experience, goals and the course content, so you and your interviewer can be sure it’s the right qualification for you.
2. Review your written application
Your application form will give you a good idea of the kind of areas you’ll be asked about during the interview. Take time to review it ahead of your interview to be fully prepared.
3. Do your research
Do you know what to expect on a CELTA course? There’s lots to consider when taking a course, which is why it’s important to do your research. Here are some questions you could research ahead of your CELTA interview:
- What is an ‘intensive’ course?
- What will you be doing on the course?
- What topics does the course cover?
It’s also a good idea to prepare some good, relevant questions to ask the interviewer. This shows you’re interested and can give you a greater insight into the course.
4. Think about why you want to take CELTA
What do you expect to get out of taking CELTA? Be prepared for your interviewer to ask this question and answer honestly – they just want to understand your real motivation behind taking the course.
5. Consider your reaction to feedback
Receiving feedback can help you develop your skills, identify your strengths, and the areas that you need to practise more. An important part of CELTA is getting feedback from your trainer and fellow trainees, so it’s important to think about how you feel and react to receiving feedback.
6. Reflect on your previous experience of studying
Looking back on your previous experience of studying, what worked well for you and what didn’t? Reflecting on your past school, university or training experiences can help you understand how you learn best. Your interviewer may explore why you’ve chosen a particular type of CELTA course to make sure it’s the most suitable for you.
7. Explore your beliefs about teaching and learning
Our previous experiences play a huge role in our beliefs and views of the world. Whether you’re new to teaching or already have experience, it’s important to think about your beliefs about teaching and learning.
If teaching is a new career path for you, you could think about your experience of being taught by a particular teacher – what worked well and why? Or, if you are already a teacher, what activities and lessons have worked well with your students? Consider what made them successful and how this informs your teaching practice.
8. Get set up online
Many CELTA interviews will be done online. Make sure you are calm and prepared for your interview by checking your speaker and microphone are working, and set yourself up in a place that is quiet and connected to the internet.
Discover our range of resources to help you prepare for CELTA success.
Get a head start with our free CELTA preparation modules
Our free, online preparation modules provide an introduction to the CELTA course and the key theories and concepts it covers. There are three modules, which can be taken individually or in any order or combination.
- Introduction to the CELTA course explains how CELTA works and introduces the course components.
- Introduction to language teaching and learning outlines theories of language teaching and learning which underpin the practical CELTA course.
- Introduction to language awareness raises your awareness of different features of lexis, grammar and pronunciation, and supports you to apply this throughout your CELTA course.
Find out more and register for access to the modules
Official Cambridge course materials
Your centre may recommend that you purchase a textbook, to use on the course. If you get one, look through it before the course starts to help you feel more prepared for what’s to come.
The CELTA Course Second edition provides full coverage of the latest syllabus and includes a range of supplementary materials to help you get the most from your course. It is the only official CELTA preparation course.
The Trainee Book offers an accessible course that will support you throughout your courses, either as an assigned textbook or as a supplementary resource.
A Trainer’s Manual is also available and provides trainers with all the material they need to deliver CELTA, whether in the classroom, online or as a blended course.
Find out more
Starting a new course can be daunting, but there’s lots you can do to get a head start and make sure you’re ready to succeed.
1. Talk to CELTA graduates
Talking to people who have already taken CELTA can be a great way to get a real-life insight into the course. If you don’t know anyone who has a CELTA qualification, watch our YouTube playlist to find out more about what to expect.
2. Clear your schedule
If you’re taking CELTA full time, you will be studying intensively to complete at least 120 hours of course time and over 80 hours of preparation and self-study time. While taking your CELTA, it’s a good idea to postpone social commitments and keep your diary free so you can focus fully on achieving your qualification.
3. Stay positive
Getting feedback can be hard, but it’s an essential part of your learning and development. Be prepared to accept feedback from your trainers and course peers without getting defensive. Instead, see it as an opportunity for growth. You’ll also be expected to give feedback to other trainees, too. Try to be honest and offer constructive advice when asked.
4. Practise your English
How is your knowledge of English systems? If you’re not confident, it can be useful to refresh your knowledge of English language terminology – the tense system, parts of speech etc. before starting CELTA, so you feel confident talking about them during the course.
5. Make friends
Whether you’re learning online or face-to-face, getting to know other course participants can make your experience of CELTA even more rewarding. You’ll learn a lot from other people on the course and will also be able to work together and support each other.
6. Remember: you can do it!
CELTA can be demanding, but it will be worth it! During the course, it’s normal to feel happy and excited as well as tired or disappointed at times. Just remember why you started your CELTA and how far you’ve already progressed.
Remember to speak to your fellow trainees and talk to your trainer when you need extra support.