Thinking about applying for CELTA but unsure about the Pre-Interview Task or the interview?

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Many applicants worry they need expert grammar knowledge or teaching experience before they start. You don’t. The Teaching House application process isn’t designed to catch you out. It helps us check that CELTA is right for you, and it gives you a clear picture of the training, workload and expectations.

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The short version

• Choose your course carefully: check the format, dates, time zone and fees.
• Apply honestly: no previous teaching experience is needed.
• Complete the Pre-Interview Task (PIT) on your own, and send it in early.
• Have a relaxed interview with a CELTA trainer on Zoom. There’s no demo lesson.

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Step 1: Choose your CELTA course

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Before you apply, take some time to research the course you’re interested in. Make sure you know:

• Whether it’s online or face to face
• Whether it’s full time or part time
• The course dates and teaching schedule
• The time zone used for online sessions
• The course fee and payment deadlines
• How much independent study and lesson preparation is involved
• Whether you can attend every required session

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CELTA is a big commitment, even on a part-time course. Checking the timetable now helps you choose a format that really fits around your work, family and other responsibilities.

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💡 Top tip: Applying for an online course in another time zone? Convert every session into your local time. Don’t assume the advertised times will fit your schedule.

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Not sure which format suits you? Read our guide: Should I Take the CELTA Full-Time or Part-Time?

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Step 2: Submit your CELTA application

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Fill in the online application form with details of your education, experience, preferred course and reasons for taking CELTA.

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You don’t need previous English language teaching experience. CELTA is an introductory teaching qualification, although experienced teachers also benefit from its practical, reflective approach.

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Cambridge’s minimum entry requirements are:

• Being at least 18 years old
• A standard of education equivalent to that required for entry into higher education
• English at a proficient level (high C1 or above on the Common European Framework of Reference). English does not need to be your first language.

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Take your time over the form and be honest about your experience, goals and availability. People take CELTA for all sorts of reasons: starting a new career, teaching while travelling, developing existing skills or moving into another area of education.

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Step 3: Complete the Pre-Interview Task

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If you meet the initial entry requirements, we’ll send you a Pre-Interview Task, often shortened to PIT.

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What is the PIT?

It’s a set of language and teaching activities that introduce you to the kind of thinking involved in CELTA. You might be asked to consider how English works, spot differences in meaning, or think about how you’d explain a language point to a learner.

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What are we looking for?

You’re not expected to know everything already. The PIT shows us your current language awareness and any areas to work on before the course. What matters is that you engage carefully, explain your thinking and show you’re willing to learn.

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How to approach it

• Do work through it independently and give yourself time to reflect on each section.
• Do use reliable grammar and language reference materials.
• Do note anything you found difficult or interesting. It makes for a great discussion at interview.
• Don’t search for model answers.
• Don’t ask someone else (or an AI tool!) to complete it for you. The trainer needs to see your understanding, not someone else’s polished answers.

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⏱ Submit your PIT in plenty of time

Try not to leave the PIT until the last minute.

• At busy times, it can take us a couple of working days to review your PIT.
• Interviews can sometimes take up to a week to schedule.
• CELTA places are limited and may fill before the course start date.

Sending your PIT early gives you a better chance of an interview and a place on your preferred course. It also leaves time to ask questions, consider other dates if needed and do any recommended preparation.

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Step 4: Attend your CELTA interview

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Once your PIT has been reviewed, we’ll invite you to an interview, usually online via Zoom.

• We’ll send you a date and time. Please reply to confirm, or ask for an alternative. If we don’t hear back, we may need to give the slot to another applicant.
• Once confirmed, we’ll send a reminder 30 minutes before your interview.

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This isn’t a conventional job interview, and you won’t normally be asked to teach a demonstration lesson. It’s a conversation with an experienced CELTA trainer about your PIT answers, why you want to take CELTA and your ideas about teaching and learning.

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You may also be asked about:

• Your previous study or professional experience
• How you respond to constructive feedback
• How you manage deadlines and demanding workloads
• Why you chose a particular course format
• Your plans after CELTA
• Any concerns you have about the course

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These questions matter because CELTA is practical and intensive. You’ll plan and teach lessons, observe your peers, complete written assignments and respond to regular feedback. The interview helps both you and the trainer decide whether CELTA, and your chosen format, is the right fit.

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How to prepare for your CELTA interview

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Good preparation is straightforward. Work through this checklist before the day:

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There’s no need to memorise teaching terminology or rehearse impressive answers. Curiosity, reflection and openness to development are far more useful than pretending to know everything already.

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What happens after the interview?

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The trainer will explain the outcome and the next steps.

• If you’re accepted, you’ll normally be invited to confirm your place by paying a deposit, subject to availability.
• Places are first come, first served, and the remaining fee must be paid by the stated deadline.
• You may receive preparation guidance or recommended reading.

Use the time before the course to refresh your grammar terminology, get familiar with any required technology and clear space in your schedule for lessons, assignments and preparation.

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CELTA application FAQs

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Do I need teaching experience to apply for CELTA?

No. CELTA is an introductory teaching qualification, so you can apply without any previous English language teaching experience.

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Does English need to be my first language?

No. You need to use English at a proficient level: high C1 or above on the Common European Framework of Reference.

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Will I have to teach a lesson at the interview?

Not normally. The interview is a conversation about your Pre-Interview Task, your reasons for taking CELTA and your ideas about teaching and learning.

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How long does the application process take?

It depends on how quickly you complete each step. At busy times, PIT reviews can take a couple of working days and interviews can take up to a week to schedule, so apply early.

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Ready to apply?

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The CELTA application process is a Cambridge requirement, and it’s the beginning of your training rather than a hurdle. The PIT gives you an early taste of language analysis. The interview lets you meet a CELTA professional, ask questions and make an informed decision before you commit your time and money.

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You don’t need to apply as a finished teacher. You need an appropriate level of English, the capacity to complete the course and a willingness to participate, reflect and learn.

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Explore upcoming Teaching House CELTA courses, check the schedule and fees, and send your application and PIT in plenty of time to secure your preferred course.

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Apply for your CELTA course today.