If you’re considering teaching English abroad or online, you’ll need a TEFL/TESOL certificate. Two of the most popular and reputable certification options are International TEFL Academy (ITA) and the Cambridge CELTA.
Both International TEFL Academy and CELTA are highly recognized in the ESL (English as a Second Language) world, but they cater to different teaching needs and goals. In this blog post, I’ll break down the key differences between the two courses to help you find out which program best suits your teaching goals. I have personally taken both courses and look forward to sharing my insights with you.
Disclaimer: This blog contains affiliate/referral links. If you choose to make a purchase or apply through one of my links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps me continue to create free content for teachers. Thank you!
Post Contents
General Overview of CELTA vs International TEFL Academy
First, let’s go over the basics of CELTA vs International TEFL Academy in terms of what each course is like, accreditation, job support, and more.
International TEFL Academy Course Basics
- Accreditation: Level 5 course, accredited by Training Qualifications UK (TQUK). Valid for teaching abroad or online.
- Format: Online, either part-time, or full-time. Can also be taken in-person at partner schools globally. I took the part-time online option and was able to do this while working. Online course is mostly self-paced with optional live sessions. Courses abroad are taught in person.
- Focus: Teaching both kids and adults.
- Tutors: University-level tutors with international teaching experience.
- Flexibility: Great for working professionals and individuals who want to study at their own pace. There are still some tight deadlines each week, so don’t take this course over a holiday.
- Job Support: Lifetime job search assistance, including country-specific guides, a jobs advisor, access to jobs at partner schools, and more.
Fill out this form to get more information about International TEFL Academy and get access to my discount code which gets you an additional $50 off your course.
CELTA Course Basics
- Accreditation: Level 5 TEFL course from Cambridge English Assessment, accredited by Ofqual (UK). Valid for teaching abroad or online.
- Format: Course can be taken in person, online, or as a hybrid option.
- Focus: Teaching adults (minimal focus on teaching children).
- Duration: 4-week intensive full-time or 11-week part-time. Online and hybrid options may have different schedules.
- Job Support: Depends on the center where you take your CELTA course. My course offered zero job search assistance, for example.
Use the official website to find a CELTA course near you.
Format of International TEFL Academy (Online Option)
- There is no final exam, but there are readings, quizzes, discussion forum posts, and weekly assignments.
- Self-paced readings – online sessions are optional.
- Teaching practicum of 20 hours (minimum 6 hours teaching, the rest can be observation. However, if you are a new teacher, I recommend teaching at least 12 of the 20 hours.
Format of CELTA (In-person Option)
- Pre-course interview, covering general grammar knowledge and your teaching goals to see if you are a good fit for the course.
- 4 written assignments, but no exams.
- Input sessions. Tutors either give you a course lecture, or you will watch a recorded demo lesson and discuss.
- 6 hours of assessed teaching practice with feedback from your tutor and peers.
- Grades include Pass A, Pass B, Pass, or Fail.
Course Assignments for CELTA and International TEFL Academy
The assignments for each course differ significantly in terms of number and intensity. For International TEFL Academy, there is one assignment each week. If you are doing an 11-week course, you will need to pass 11 assignments. I’m not sure how it works for the full-time course since I didn’t do that version.
You can email the instructor or attend virtual office hours to get help. The assignments include analyzing materials, lesson planning, and creating activities. Set aside a few hours each week to complete the assignments. Any weeks that include lesson planning assignments will take longer.
Meanwhile, CELTA has only four standardized assignments. These are 1: Focus on the Learner, 2: Language Related Task, 3: Language Skills and Related Tasks, and 4: Lessons from the Classroom.
Each assignment should be 750-1000 words with extensive research and planning. Also, you need to write a full lesson plan for each teaching practice (“TP”) session and reflections. You’ll also write feedback for your peers’ TP sessions.
In general, International TEFL Academy has more, less intense assignments, while CELTA has fewer assignments, but much more in-depth and rigorous assignments
Teaching Practice for CELTA and International TEFL Academy
International TEFL Academy requires a 20-hour teaching practicum, which includes both teaching and observing. You need to set the practicum up yourself, and there is no standardized feedback. ITA does provide some support in setting up your teaching practicum, but ultimately, you decide where to do yours. It can be completed online, in person, or both.
I did my ITA practicum online since I am already an experienced teacher, but if you are a new teacher who is planning on teaching in person, I highly recommend looking to complete your practicum at a local refugee center that offers ESL classes, in a local ESL classroom, at a technical college that offers ESL classes, etc.
CELTA includes a 6-hour teaching observed teaching practicum. You don’t need to set this up – your center will organize for students to come to your classes. Peer teaching observation is also integral to the learning process. Your peers will give feedback to you and vice versa. You also have 6 hours of veteran ELT teacher observations, involving two different levels of adults.
The biggest difference between CELTA and ITA in terms of practicum is that you will get helpful, standardized feedback on your teaching in a CELTA course. You are also guaranteed to get experience teaching two different levels. If you choose International TEFL Academy, I suggest creating a form to get feedback from an observing teacher and writing your own reflections after each class. You’ll also want to see if it’s possible to teach different levels or types of classes.
Post-course Support and Job Assistance for CELTA and International TEFL Academy
The job support for International TEFL Academy includes the following:
- Lifetime job search portal access and assistance
- Chance to work with an advisor after your course for CV help
- Country-specific guides and visa information
- Access to alumni groups to ask questions
- Connections with recruiters, companies, and partner schools
In contrast, CELTA post-course has no centralized job placement support. It also varies by center. For instance, some may offer job help, but many don’t. However, recognition of the CELTA certificate itself helps open doors and opportunities, especially in competitive regions.
If you complete a CELTA and need job search assistance, you can enroll in my online course The TEFL Teacher Roadmap, which walks you through the teach abroad process, step by step.
Cost Comparison of CELTA vs International TEFL Academy
International TEFL Academy:
- Base price: around $1,599
- Various discounts are available throughout the year (check the website for official details)
- Get an additional $50 off your course by filling out this form to access my unique discount code
- Payment plans available
CELTA:
- Ranges from $1,500 to $4,000, depending on the location
- Prices vary widely by country and center offering the course
- No standardized discounts or global pricing
- To find a course, visit cambridgeenglish.org/find-a-centre/find-a-teaching-centre
Pros and Cons of International TEFL Academy
Pros
- Best job search assistance of any TEFL course I’ve tested
- Assignments are challenging and helpful
- Good option for those who want to study online or abroad
- Ideal for teaching kids and/or adults
- Reasonable pricing and frequent discounts
Cons
- Tight deadlines and workload is heavier some weeks than others
- You must arrange your own practicum
- In-person options only available abroad
Pros and Cons of CELTA
Pros
- Most recognized TEFL/TESOL certification worldwide
- Preferred in the Middle East and Europe
- High teaching standards and consistency
- Great option if you want to teach adults
Cons
- Strict deadlines and intense workload
- More expensive than the International TEFL Academy
- Little to no job search assistance
- Little emphasis on teaching kids
- Not everyone will pass
CELTA vs International TEFL Academy: Which Should You Take?
International TEFL Academy is ideal for anyone who wants to teach kids abroad or online. Since it’s a level 5 course with teaching practice, it’s recommended for teachers who are both native or non-native speakers, and with or without a degree. (Note: if you don’t have a degree, you will still be much more limited in where you can teach due to visa requirements. Having a high-quality TEFL certificate will not change this. If you are a non-native speaker, you will need to have a C1 level of English before completing the course.)
Enroll in International TEFL Academy by filling out this form.
CELTA is a better choice for teachers who want to teach adults only or work in the Middle East or Europe. CELTA also accepts non-native speakers who have a C1 level of English. CELTA is considered the gold standard for TEFL/TESOL courses, so if you are looking for a course with a good reputation, CELTA is a good option.
Final Thoughts
Both the International TEFL Academy and CELTA are top-tier level 5 TEFL/TESOL certification programs that can level up your ESL teaching career. The right choice depends on your personal needs, goals, and preferences.
Still undecided? You can send your questions to jamie@eslteacher.com or schedule aTeacher Help Call at www.eslteacher365.com/call.
Happy teaching!
Jamie
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question: How long does a CELTA course take?
Answer: Full-time CELTA courses are intense and take place over 4 weeks. If you choose a part-time CELTA course, it’s usually 11 weeks long. I don’t recommend working or studying while completing a full-time CELTA course.
Question: What type of job support does International TEFL Academy (ITA) offer?
Answer: International TEFL Academy offers the best job search assistance out of any of the TEFL and TESOL courses I have tested. You will work with a jobs advisor, get access to country-specific guides with job and visa info, access to alumni groups, and connections with partner schools and agencies.
Question: Which course is more affordable: CELTA or International TEFL Academy?
Answer: International TEFL Academy is more affordable. They offer discounts throughout the year and you can also access an additional $50 off by accessing ESL Teacher 365’s discount code at www.eslteacher365.com/ita-tefl
