Cambridge CELTA

The Gold standard of initial ELT qualifications

The Cambridge CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) is widely recognised as the gold standard of initial ELT qualifications. It is rigorous, practical, and internationally respected — which is why schools trust it and teachers value it. CELTA focuses on how teaching actually works in real classrooms, covering lesson planning, language analysis, classroom management, and reflective practice. It is demanding but transformative, equipping you with the skills and confidence to teach English effectively from day one.

International House Lisbon has a long-standing reputation for excellence in teacher education, grounded in the International House philosophy of professionalism, reflection, and continuous development.We don’t just prepare you to pass CELTA. We prepare you to start teaching with confidence, awareness, and strong professional foundations.

Trusted worldwide.

Why is Cambridge Celta unique?

External Validation
Every course is externally assessed by Cambridge English.

Extensive Teaching Practice
Real teaching with adult learners at two different levels, with six hours of assessed lessons.

Trainer-Led Development
Structured, observed lessons guided by qualified teacher trainers who provide professional, developmental feedback

Collaborative Learning
Peer observation encourages shared learning and reflection alongside trainer input

Global Recognition
Internationally recognised and trusted by quality schools worldwide

By taking a CELTA course with IH Lisbon, you benefit from:

A structured, practical course designed to build your teaching skills from day one
Hands-on teaching practice with real learners in diverse classroom settings
Live input sessions that introduce modern teaching methodologies and classroom management strategies
Tutors who are CELTA-certified, experienced teacher trainers, and passionate mentors
Clear guidance on lesson planning, classroom observation, and feedback techniques
Support with reflective practice, professional growth, and developing confidence in the classroom
A collaborative, supportive learning community that connects you with fellow aspiring teachers

Is the Cambridge CELTA right for you?

Are you changing career or are you new to teaching?
If you’re new to teaching, CELTA gives you a clear, supported introduction to the classroom. You’ll learn how to plan, teach, and manage lessons with confidence, guided every step of the way by experienced trainers.

Do you have some teaching experience?
If you’re already teaching but lack a recognised qualification, CELTA helps you understand why techniques work, strengthens your language awareness, and turns classroom experience into professional expertise.

Are you planning to work internationally?
CELTA is a Cambridge qualification recognised by quality schools worldwide. It opens doors — and equips you with the skills to walk through them confidently.

Choose the CELTA format that suits you best

Course Options

Part-time Online CELTA

Our online CELTA courses are carefully designed to be fully aligned with Cambridge requirements, while making the most of the online environment.

What makes them stand out:

Live, real-time teaching practice with genuine learners, not simulations
Small teaching practice groups, ensuring personalised guidance and feedback
Trainers who are experienced in both CELTA and online teacher education
A strong focus on community and peer support, even at a distance
Clear structure, transparent expectations, and consistent trainer presence

Many trainees tell us that our online CELTA feels intense but human: demanding, yes – but also supportive, motivating, and professionally inspiring. For teachers who need to balance work or other commitments without sacrificing depth, rigour, or recognition, our part-time online CELTA offers a manageable, high-quality route into English language teaching.

09.15 – 12.30 Teaching Practice
12.30 – 13.50 TP Feedback from your tutor
13.50 – 15.00 Lunch
15.00 – 17.45 Two live input sessions on ELT methodology

Face-to-Face

Our face-to-face CELTA courses offer a fully immersive, practical training experience grounded in real classroom teaching.
Key features:

In-person teaching practice with real learners
Small, structured teaching practice groups with tutor observation and feedback
Highly experienced Cambridge-approved trainers
Strong peer learning through observation and shared reflection
A supportive learning community built through daily interaction
A welcoming location in Torres Vedras, just 30 minutes from central Lisbon
Accommodation suggestion for trainees coming from outside the area

Trainees often describe the course as challenging but deeply rewarding. For those who value face-to-face learning and a strong sense of community, our CELTA in Torres Vedras offers an intensive and effective route into confident, classroom-ready teaching.

09.30 – 12.30 Teaching Practice
12.30 – 13.00 TP Feedback from your tutor
13.00 – 13.30 Guided Lesson Planning
13.30 – 14.30 Lunch
14.30 – 17.30 Two live input sessions on ELT methodology

Compare the IH CELTA formats

Part-time Online CELTA

Live teaching practice with real learners on Saturdays as the only fixed weekly commitment
Live input sessions on Saturdays, with lesson planning, assignments and reflection completed during the week
Small teaching practice groups allowing personalised guidance and detailed feedback
Highly experienced CELTA trainers with strong expertise in online teacher education
Strong community and peer support, maintained effectively at a distance
Clear structure, transparent expectations and consistent trainer presence
Development of online teaching skills using digital platforms and teaching tools

Full-time Face-to-Face CELTA

Daily in-person teaching practice with real learners, Monday to Friday
Daily input sessions integrated with teaching practice for immediate application
Small, structured teaching practice groups with close tutor observation and feedback
Highly experienced Cambridge-approved trainers guiding you throughout the course
Strong peer learning through observing colleagues and daily reflective discussion
A supportive, immersive environment with clear structure and high expectations
Location advantage: Torres Vedras, 30 minutes from Lisbon, with affordable living and accommodation support

The rigorous nature of the course equipped me with practical methodologies and real-world classroom strategies. Despite the intensity of the training, the tutors’ support made the learning process both meaningful and manageable.

Sebastião Santos

Now, I have a standard — the CELTA standard — and as long as I stay true to it, I know I’m doing great.CELTA has opened up a world of opportunities for me professionally and personally.

Haniye Gholami

The tutors were the key to my success; their feedback was hugely important for my growth as a teacher. And the teaching practice sessions equipped me with the confidence to teach students from different backgrounds.

Angelina Azinheira

Before the course, I wasn’t sure how I would teach a lesson fully in English. However, by observing other teachers, designing lessons, and learning different strategies, I discovered that it is perfectly possible.

Inês Cardoso