Five Myths About the Online CELTA: Debunked
- Connor O'Donoghue
- Aug 25
- 3 min read
If you’re considering taking the CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), you’ve probably come across conflicting opinions about the online CELTA. Since Cambridge first approved the online format in 2020, thousands of teachers have completed it, but myths still circulate.
Here are five of the most common misconceptions about the online CELTA, and the facts you should know before applying.
Myth 1: The online CELTA isn’t as widely recognized as face-to-face
Some prospective trainees worry that employers will value a classroom-based CELTA more highly.
The reality: Cambridge issues the same certificate for online and face-to-face CELTA courses. There is no distinction printed on the certificate. It is recognised worldwide by schools, universities, and language institutes.
Yes, individual Directors of Studies (DOSes) may still hold biases, but attitudes are shifting rapidly. In practice, your CELTA is valid whether studied online or in person.
Myth 2: You can’t do teaching practice online
A common misconception is that CELTA teaching practice must be completed in physical classrooms.
The reality: On an online CELTA, you teach real lessons to real students, all in Zoom classrooms. Volunteers log in from their homes and you teach them live, just as you would in a physical classroom. You’ll also:
Observe your tutors teaching those same students.
Watch recordings of other online classes.
Analyse both online and face-to-face teaching demonstrations.
Online teaching practice is not a simulation. It’s genuine classroom experience, just delivered digitally.
Myth 3: An online CELTA is self-paced and flexible enough to do anytime
Many people assume an online CELTA is like other online courses: you log in when you want, complete tasks in your own time, and progress at your own pace.
The reality: the CELTA is an intensive, structured qualification, whether online or face-to-face. At DC Teacher Training:
Our full-time online CELTA runs live on Zoom, Monday to Friday, 9:00 – 5:00, for four weeks. It’s fully synchronous, with teaching practice, input sessions, and feedback in real time.
Our part-time online CELTA combines flexible self-study modules with live Zoom sessions (around five to six hours per week). The asynchronous content gives more flexibility, but you must still attend weekly live classes.
So while online CELTA is more flexible than attending in-person, it’s not “do it whenever you want.”
Ready to start your Online CELTA?
Find upcoming course dates and fees on our CELTA Online page.
Myth 4: You won’t learn as much on an online CELTA
Some assume online training must be less rigorous.
The reality: Trainees make (and fix) the same mistakes and achieve the same breakthroughs online as they do in person. From language grading to checking understanding, the learning curve is pretty much identical.
Students also benefit: our volunteer students keep returning week after week, showing that online CELTA lessons are engaging and effective. Overall, Cambridge, tutors, and trainees alike report that the standard of online CELTA lessons is comparable to face-to-face.
Myth 5: You only need a phone to complete the course
It’s easy to imagine you can complete an online CELTA with just your smartphone.
The reality: you’ll need a proper computer with a stable internet connection. A laptop or desktop allows you to share your screen, play audio, and manage Zoom breakout rooms, which you can’t do effectively on a phone or tablet.
You’ll also need:
A quiet space (no cafés, no multitasking with childcare).
A working camera and microphone.
Enough focus to treat your training as seriously as a face-to-face course.
In short: an online CELTA is flexible, but not casual.
Final Thoughts
The online CELTA is not a “second-best” version of the course. It’s the same qualification, with the same certificate, and the same opportunities. What it offers is accessibility and flexibility, without compromising on quality.
If you want to become a certified English teacher but can’t travel or relocate for a month, the online CELTA could be the perfect choice.
Apply now for your Online CELTA and take the first step towards a global teaching career.
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