Celta syllabus and assessment guidelines

Syllabus overview
This document outlines the syllabus and assessment criteria for CELTA. 
The following syllabus is a reflection of the pre-service entry point of prospective candidates and outlines both the subject 
knowledge and the pedagogic knowledge and skills required for beginner ESOL teachers. 
The syllabus consists of five specific topic areas: 
• Topic 1 Learners and teachers, and the teaching and learning context
• Topic 2 Language analysis and awareness
• Topic 3 Language skills: reading, listening, speaking and writing
• Topic 4 Planning and resources for different teaching contexts
• Topic 5 Developing teaching skills and professionalism.
Assessment overview
CELTA is awarded to candidates who have completed the course and who have met the assessment criteria for all written 
and practical assignments.
The overall assessment aims for each topic are that candidates should be able to:
1. assess learner needs, and plan and teach lessons which take account of learners’ backgrounds, learning preferences and 
current needs
2. demonstrate language knowledge and awareness, and appropriate teaching strategies 
3. demonstrate knowledge about language skills and how they may be acquired
4. plan and prepare lessons designed to develop their learners’ overall language competence
5. demonstrate an appropriate range of teaching skills at this level and show professional awareness and responsibility.
Assessment framework
There are two components, Component One: 
Planning and teaching
and Component Two: 
Classroom-related written 
assignments
(of which there are four in total).
CELTA is internally assessed and externally moderated by a Cambridge English approved assessor, who samples portfolios and 
teaching practice, and who discusses and agrees the grades for all candidates.

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Table 1 outlines the relationship of the assessment aims to the assessed work:
indicates a main assessment area
indicates a secondary assessment area
Table 1 Assessment grid