What’s the Difference Between CELTA and TEFL?
- Connor O'Donoghue
- Jul 8
- 4 min read
If you’re researching how to teach English abroad, you’ve probably come across two acronyms: CELTA and TEFL. So what’s the difference? In short:
TEFL is a generic term that refers to any certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language. CELTA is a specific, globally recognised TEFL qualification accredited by Cambridge University, and it’s the one that opens doors.
Let’s look at that in more detail.
TEFL: A Generic Term
“TEFL” simply describes the field of Teaching English as a Foreign Language, and anyone can offer a TEFL course. Some are serious and robust, while others are just a few downloadable PDFs with a certificate at the end.
That’s the problem: TEFL is not a qualification. It’s a category. There’s no single accrediting body, so quality varies massively. You might find:
Online-only TEFL courses with no teaching practice
Weekend crash courses with little substance
“120-hour” courses that aren’t truly 120 hours of tutor engagement
Courses that promise the world but offer little practical training
Because TEFL is unregulated, it’s hard for employers to know what you’ve actually learned.
CELTA: A Trusted Standard
CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) is one of the most widely recognised and trusted TEFL qualifications in the world. It’s:
Accredited by Cambridge Assessment
Internationally standardised (same content, same assessment criteria worldwide)
Intensive and practical (minimum 120 hours, including 6 hours of assessed teaching with real students)
Every single course is inspected by Cambridge to ensure quality
CELTA is accepted by thousands of employers worldwide, especially in reputable schools that offer better pay, better contracts, and more support.
My Story: From Weekend TEFL to CELTA Graduate
When I was 21, I finished university and wanted to go abroad to teach English. I hadn’t heard of CELTA, so I signed up for a weekend TEFL course: no teaching practice, no assignments, no real learning. It was easy and fun, but it didn’t prepare me for the classroom.
I got a job in Poland, and quickly realised I was in over my head. I was teaching 23 different groups a week with no support, no training, and no idea what I was doing. The school was disorganised, the photocopier was always broken, and the only goal seemed to be pushing students through textbooks to sell more books.
Eventually, I started applying to better schools. They all said the same thing: “Do you have a CELTA?” I didn’t. Not yet.
So I took the course. And it changed everything. After CELTA, I got a job at a school with just six groups a week, an academic manager who actually supported me, and a proper professional development system. Since then, I’ve worked in ten countries. I’m still in this career 23 years later. That’s the power of CELTA.
You can read more about my CELTA story here.
Common Misconceptions
“The ad says TEFL. Does that mean CELTA doesn’t count?”
No. It does count. CELTA is a TEFL qualification. When employers say “TEFL certificate required,” they almost always mean any recognised certificate, and CELTA is the gold standard. The confusion comes from people thinking TEFL is a specific certificate. It’s not.
“But this online TEFL says 120 hours too, just like CELTA!”
The number of hours can be misleading. A self-paced, online-only course without teaching practice is not equivalent to CELTA, even if it says “120 hours.” CELTA’s 120+ hours are guided, face-to-face (online or in person), and include real classroom teaching, assessment, feedback, and daily input from experienced trainers.
“Is CELTA only for teaching adults?”
Not really. While CELTA’s teaching practice focuses on adult learners, the methods you learn apply to all age groups. Many CELTA graduates go on to teach children and teens — and in most countries, it’s still the most recognised and respected qualification whether you're working with adults, teenagers, or kids.
Why CELTA Costs More, and Why It’s Worth It
Yes, CELTA costs more than your average TEFL course. But:
It qualifies you for better jobs
It includes real teaching experience
It gives you practical feedback and support
It’s recognised by top schools and institutions worldwide
In short: it’s an investment in your career.
Final Thought
Anyone can print a TEFL certificate. But CELTA is a real qualification, backed by Cambridge, that sets you up for real teaching. It gives you the skills and confidence you need, and the recognition that gets your CV to the top of the pile.
Ready to start your teaching journey with a qualification that really opens doors?
Dr Connor O'Donoghue hails from Ireland and he started teaching English as a foreign language in Poland in 2003 and he became a CELTA trainer in 2008. He has taught and trained in Ireland, the UK, France, Italy, Slovenia, Macedonia, Poland, Russia, Kazakhstan and Vietnam. Connor also holds a Masters and a PhD in Education from Trinity College in Dublin. He has previously managed large teacher training centres in Vietnam and in London before founding DC Teacher Training.
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