CELTA Course in Colombia: Cambridge Certification for English Teachers, 100% Online
The CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) is the most recognised and respected initial qualification for English teachers worldwide. Awarded by Cambridge Assessment English, it’s required or preferred by language schools, universities and online teaching platforms in 130+ countries.
130+ countries recognise the CELTA · Cambridge Platinum Centre· *Single format: 100% live online, with the same certification as any face-to-face centre in the world.
At International House Colombia we are a Cambridge Platinum Centre
International House Colombia is a Cambridge Platinum Centre, the highest tier Cambridge awards to centres with a sustained high volume and quality of certifications. We have accredited trainers and international experience training English teachers in the country. Our live online format lets you get certified with the highest level of prestige in the Cambridge network, without leaving your city or your job.
What is CELTA and why is it the world's most recognised teaching qualification?
CELTA was created by the University of Cambridge to professionalise the teaching of English to adults. It’s a practical, intensive and highly demanding course that, in a matter of weeks, turns you from an English speaker into a teacher capable of planning, delivering and evaluating lessons with confidence.
“Transform your ability to plan, deliver, and evaluate classes with complete confidence in just a few weeks.”
The gold standard
Real teaching practice
with actual foreign students learning English online (not role-plays with classmates).
Assessed observations
by Cambridge-accredited tutors.
Written assignments
on lesson planning, language analysis and reflective practice.
Quality standards supervised
directly by Cambridge Assessment English.
How does the live online CELTA work?
Live sessions with Cambridge tutors
Theory sessions (input sessions) are delivered live via video conference. They are not recordings: you interact, ask questions, discuss and do practical exercises in real time with your tutor and your fellow candidates.
Digital platform and materials
We use professional educational platforms (Zoom, Moodle/Canvas or equivalents) with digital materials, an online pedagogical library and downloadable resources.
Real teaching practice with online students
You teach a minimum of 6 hours of real classesto foreign students taking online English courses. Your lessons are planned with your tutor, observed live and evaluated with personalised feedback.
Personalised tutoring and ongoing feedback
Every candidate is assigned a tutor who tracks their progress individually. You receive written feedback and one-on-one sessions after every teaching practice.
Does the online CELTA carry the same validity as the face-to-face course?
Yes, entirely. Cambridge Assessment English certifies CELTA under a single academic standard, without distinguishing format or country on the certificate.
Your certificate doesn’t mention “online”:
👌 What’s more, by training at a Cambridge Platinum Centre, you have the added assurance of studying at one of the highest-quality, most established centres recognised by Cambridge in the region.
Input sessions (theory component)
Sessions where you learn the fundamentals: pedagogical grammar, phonetics for teachers, teaching the four skills, lesson planning, virtual classroom management and assessment. 120 hours of input in total.
Observation of experienced teachers
You observe a minimum of 6 hours of lessons taught by experienced teachers. You learn real techniques in real contexts before applying them yourself.
Teaching practice with real students
A minimum of 6 hours of real teaching to foreign English students online. Each lesson is planned with your tutor, observed and evaluated with personalised feedback.
Written assignments
Four assessed assignments: language analysis (focus on the learner), lesson planning, analysis of receptive skills and reflection on your own teaching practice.
Admissions process and candidate profile
Request information
Contact with an academic advisor
Pre-interview
Pre-course task
Admission confirmation
Payment / enrolment
Course start
Entry requirements for the CELTA in Colombia
Academic
👦🏻 Minimum age: 18 (20+ recommended).
🗣️ English level: C1 or higher. If you’re not a native speaker, you’ll need to demonstrate it with an internal test or certificate.
👨🏻🏫 Education: completed secondary education preferred. A university degree is not required.
🧑🏻💻Pre-interview and pre-course task: every candidate goes through an interview and a prior task to confirm they have the right profile.
Technical
💻 Computer with camera and microphone.
🛜 Stable internet connection (minimum 10 Mbps recommended).
🙌 A quiet space for your teaching practices.
🖥️Basic ability to use video conferencing platforms.
Advantages of the online CELTA
No travel required:
study from any city in Colombia or abroad.
Compatible with work:
the extensive format fits around evening and weekend schedules.
Same certificate:
no asterisks or lower categories.
Immediately applicable learning:
if you already teach online, what you learn you can apply the very next day with your real students.
Access to international tutors:
tutors and classmates across different time zones enrich the methodological discussion.
Platinum backing:
you train at a centre recognised by Cambridge for its sustained volume and quality of certifications.
Who should choose the online CELTA?
- Professionals in any city in Colombia, not just Bogotá.
- Teachers who already teach English online and want to formalise their profile.
- Colombians living abroad who want to get certified without returning to the country.
- People with family or work commitments that rule out a face-to-face format.
- Learners who prefer an extensive pace compatible with their job.
Career outcomes: where you can work with your CELTA in Colombia
With your CELTA you can apply for English teacher positions at:
Recognised language institutes in Bogotá and other cities (Centro Colombo Americano, British Council Colombia, among others).
Bilingual schools and programmes linked to "Colombia Bilingüe".
Universities and institutes with language centres or extension programmes.
Companies with corporate English programmes, including the BPO/contact centre sector.
Online teaching platforms, at a professional level rather than an amateur one.
Business English and IELTS/TOEFL preparation programmes.
International positions: the UK, Spain, Italy, Asia (Japan, Korea, Vietnam) and other Latin American countries.
CELTA vs TEFL, TKT and DELTA
Generic TEFL:
online courses with no supervised practice. Useful as an introduction, but not equivalent to CELTA in terms of recognition.
TKT (Teaching Knowledge Test):
a Cambridge exam on theoretical knowledge. Doesn't include teaching practice. A good complement, not a replacement.
CELTA:
initial certification with supervised practice. The gold standard to get started.
DELTA:
advanced diploma for teachers with 2+ years of experience. The natural next step after gaining experience with your CELTA.
Tuition and payment options
The CELTA at International House Colombia costs
$2,010 USD
The price includes:
- Cambridge fees included
- CELTA pre-course self-study
- Digital Toolkit AI for CELTA
- Bonus Teaching Online course (50 hrs, worth $300 USD)
- Access to the IH World network and our job portal upon completion
Early payment discount:
if you're accepted and make full payment at least 4 weeks before the course starts, you pay
$1,810 USD
(-$200 USD)
Payment methods
Payment is made via international credit card or bank transfer (SWIFT/Wise). Ask an academic advisor about upcoming intakes and available instalment options.
Dates of upcoming CELTA courses
Duration: 4 – 6 weeks
Frequently asked questions about the CELTA in Colombia
It’s the highest tier Cambridge awards to authorised centres, recognising a sustained volume and quality of certifications over time. For you, it means studying with the highest level of institutional backing available in the Cambridge network in the country.
The extensive format (the most common in Colombia) runs between 3 and 5 months, with sessions spread out so you can study while working. We also offer intensive intakes of 4-5 weeks for candidates who can commit full time.
Yes. Cambridge Assessment English certifies both formats with the same certificate. Academic quality and assessment criteria are identical.
