There are many reasons why people choose to become English language teachers. Some want to make a difference in other people’s lives. Some want to travel, live in new countries and immerse themselves in new cultures. Others need to learn about the communicative ways of teaching English and dive deeper into effective ways of applying theory to practice. Whatever your motivations, you’ll be sure to meet fascinating students and help them develop valuable new skills.

However, choosing the right English Language Teaching course for studies can be challenging. There are so many different TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) courses to pick from.

Here are five reasons why we recommend taking an official Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CELTA) qualification from Cambridge.

1. Employment opportunities

Finding the right English language teaching jobs can be difficult, whether or not you have professional experience.

The right qualification can give you an advantage.

However, there are many kinds of TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) courses available: from short weekend courses, courses that teach only methods and approaches without any practical application, to courses that include observed teaching practice. Unofficial courses are of varying quality. Some may have very good programmes, but they are not standardised and offer no external moderation. Future employers won’t know if your course has really prepared you for the real teaching in the classroom.

That’s why you must choose an accredited qualification. CELTA is certified by Cambridge and is widely accepted and valued by institutions around the world. CELTA is internationally respected as the quality standard.

2. Teach English anywhere in the world

CELTA is recognised and trusted by language academies and educational institutions everywhere. This means that, unlike many unaccredited courses, it will help you to build your career whether you’re hoping to work at home or abroad.

A 2025 study of 200 English language teaching job adverts in over 40 countries has revealed that CELTA is the teaching qualification most requested by ELT employers. In fact, 63.5% of English language teaching jobs specify CELTA.
(Based on a 2025 study conducted by Cambridge University Press & Assessment (referenced in

⁠this Cambridge blog post), which analysed 200 job advertisements across 41 countries between January and September 2025.)

So, whether you’re looking to teach online from your home, work in a local institution, or teach English while you travel the world, CELTA can help you in your life aspirations.

If you are serious about becoming an English language teacher, you’ll know it takes more than just being able to speak the language at a good level. It requires lesson planning, an understanding of grammar and vocabulary, teaching skills, classroom management, and the ability to work with a wide range of ages and abilities in a real classroom.

A 120-hour CELTA qualification offers rigorous training. Unlike many less in-depth courses, it will also provide you with the tools you need to continue learning autonomously, even after you’ve completed your qualification.

Beyond the classroom, you’ll dedicate a minimum of 80 hours to self-study, allowing you to explore topics at your own pace and develop crucial reflection skills essential for your growth as an educator. Experienced teachers will also benefit from a CELTA qualification.

Unlike many unofficial TEFL qualifications, CELTA includes online or face-to-face observed teaching practice. This experience will allow you to develop your teaching skills with real groups of learners. It will also give you the confidence you need to step into the classroom or teach online lessons as soon as you’ve completed the course.

Your trainers will give you in-depth feedback on your lesson plans and how you can improve delivery. By passing the course, you clearly demonstrate to future employers that you have the knowledge and skills to deliver effective and engaging language classes. It is important because most employers won’t consider the training that lacks a practical component.

Often, unaccredited teacher training courses do not provide a standardised level of training. While you may have an excellent (in your view) instructor for your course, it’s also possible that they lack experience and qualifications.

At the very least, CELTA trainers must have a Level 7 OFQUAL or equivalent qualification, e.g. Cambridge DELTA, MA in TESOL or Trinity DipTESOL and accredited Trainer status. Standards are monitored closely by Cambridge, and all courses are moderated.

CELTA is the perfect way to start your English language teaching career, or to improve on the teaching skills you’ve already acquired.

It will enable you to take on a range of different roles as an English language teacher and even step into new areas of interest. For example, if you are considering staying in TEFL for the long term, you might also be interested in moving into teacher training, management, materials writing or another position in the industry.

Experienced teachers will also benefit from a CELTA qualification. CELTA’s focus on practical classroom activities and communicative language teaching complements your existing knowledge. What’s more, the feedback on your teaching practice can really help you hone your skills – helping you do an even better job for your learners.

Offering a firm foundation in teaching methodology, CELTA will also pave the way for further qualifications. It can lead on to the DELTA, for example, which can open the doors to even more exciting career opportunities.

Start your journey here….