Hello Exam Seekers,
It’s January, and most of you are preparing yourselves for courses and certifications to become better teachers or better prepared for the teaching year to come, am I right?
As I mentioned in my post, The importance of Teachers Development and (Why) Should I take Tests and Exams?, there are many reasons why you should go for courses and certifications:
- You improve your teaching skills and abilities;
- You get more confidence in your work and what you do;
- Your networking increases due to the people you meet;
- You can get a raise and better jobs…
As teachers, we usually have vacation and holiday seasons to take these courses and certifications. As you all know, I took the CELTA Course and the CELTA Young Learners Extension in January and July (2015), respectively. Also, the Cambridge Days that I attended were in July. So, now is the time for your self-development, and some of you are actually starting your CELTA Course this week.
This morning, I received a question from a follower in relation to the CELTA Course Application form. Nobody had ever asked about that because it is a simple step in your CELTA pathway:
- Find a Cambridge Center that provides the CELTA Course;
- Choose the type of CELTA Course you are willing to take (full/part-time);
- Enroll in the CELTA Course (obviously) by answering the Application Form;
- Do the CELTA Pre-Course Task;
- Start your classes.
So his question was the following:
At first, I was like WHAT? And then he provided me with the application from the Cambridge center in Vietnam he is enrolling, which presented me with a space for referees.
After that, I did some digging, and I found out some information about it.
The CELTA Application: Referees and Requirements
When I took the CELTA Course, I didn’t have to provide any referee or information, as far as I remember. However, some CELTA centers, maybe most of them nowadays, require candidates to provide details for two referees as part of the application process. You can see in the image above.
Why do they need references?
These references are used to assess your suitability for the demanding course and your potential as a teacher. Therefore, they should be professional or academic acquaintances, such as a current or former coordinator, supervisor, or a professor/tutor, not a family member or friend.
Don’t worry, though; these references might not be contacted after all. Nevertheless, you make sure to talk to your potential referees beforehand to ask their permission and ensure they are willing to provide good references. This ensures you are prepared in case the center reaches out. Ideally, they should be able to comment on your work ethic, character, and relevant skills.
Additionally, you might be worried if you are just starting your career. If you don’t have a professional background yet, talk to your chosen center and explain your situation. They might decide that references are not necessary for your specific case. On the other hand, you can provide contact information for people who taught you in the past. A university professor or a former language teacher would be perfectly acceptable as well.
Besides the referees, there are other important pieces of information you should provide to the center in your application form. Remember that each center chooses what info they need from you, but they overall require:
- Personal Details: Name, contact info (email, phone, address), nationality, date of birth, first language;
- Education & Work: Details of secondary and higher education, other qualifications, and relevant work history.
- Language Ability: List English exams taken (scores/dates) and proficiency in other languages.
- Motivation: A written section (often 200+ words) on why you want the CELTA and why you’d be a good teacher, focusing on enthusiasm and English skills.
- Teaching Experience: Details on any prior teaching (English or other subjects).
- Health/Disability: Information on any conditions that might need support (like dyslexia).
Moreover, they will ask about your availability for an interview, to make sure you know all the information about the CELTA Course, and if you are really up to it. Also, to assess your level of English while you answer their questions.
Well, I believe this is all you have to know about the CELTA Course Application Form, but if you have any other questions, make sure you comment in the comment section below.
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Have a great week,
Patricia Moura
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