How Hard is the CELTA Course?

The Cambridge CELTA course is definitely challenging! The popular 4-week intensive CELTA course will test you in ways you’re not expecting: physically, emotionally and mentality.

In my opinion, it’s not that any single aspect of the course is unfairly demanding, far from it actually; the input sessions, the teaching planning-practice-evaluation, and the written assignments are a lot of fun… But it’s the sheer, relentless volume of new learning you’re expected to absorb AND put into practice almost instantly that gives the CELTA its reputation as a stressful course.

I don’t know a single person who ‘breezed’ through their CELTA course. During my own CELTA class, there were few professional teachers looking to get their CELTA certificate and, although their previous teaching skills and experience definitely helped them sometimes, even they had to work hard to achieve their grades.

Everyone finds different elements of the CELTA course difficult. Personally, I struggled a lot with lesson planning for the first 2 weeks but found the written assignments a bit easier.

So yes, the CELTA course is challenging, and you’ll definitely need to be disciplined and dedicated.

But it’s also extremely rewarding, and when you graduate you’ll know you deserve your certificate!