Search ESL job listings to see which accept the CELTA. Make a list of those jobs that most appeal to you. Save this information so that you can apply once you have completed the certification.
Decide whether you need to take the CELTA. According to the University of Cambridge in Cambridge, England, CELTA is an initial qualification, meaning it is available for people who do not have teaching qualifications or experience. Take the CELTA if you do not have another ESL certification or degree or if you are applying for a job that requires the CELTA. If the jobs you found in step one require a different certification, determine if you will get it alone or with the CELTA.
Decide to take the certification full- or part-time. Offered by the University of Cambridge, the CELTA course teaches general instructor skills, lesson planning and the components of teaching ESL. Students will also teach courses and complete assignments throughout the program. Students who take the course full-time finish in four or five weeks, while part-time students can take a year. Individuals can take the course at approximately 300 institutions in more than 50 countries, but the certificates are always issued by the University of Cambridge.
Understand the assessment practice. The CELTA is not and does not require a standardized assessment. Instead, students are graded on six hours of teaching practice and written homework assignments. If you prefer a standardized test exit examination, another course might be better for you.