DELTA Course
The DELTA (Diploma in English Language Teaching to Adults) is the leading advanced certification for experienced English teachers. Awarded by Cambridge Assessment English, it’s the natural step after the CELTA and the credential that distinguishes those aiming for senior teacher, academic coordinator, director of studies, teacher trainer or materials designer roles.
International House Colombia is a Cambridge authorised centre for the DELTA, with specialised tutors, flexible formats and the practical IH methodology.
What is the DELTA and who is it for?
The DELTA is for teachers with at least 2 years of experience who already hold an initial certification (CELTA, TKT, IHC or equivalent) and want to take their teaching practice to the next level. It’s not a CELTA repeat: it’s a programme combining theoretical depth, applied research and advanced classroom practice.
If your goal is to:
Become a senior teacher or academic coordinator.
Become a teacher trainer.
Work at universities or international schools demanding advanced credentials.
Specialise in Business English, EAP, course design or academic management.
Access better working conditions and higher salaries.
DELTA structure: three independent modules
Unlike the CELTA, the DELTA is divided into three modules that can be taken independently and in any order. This lets you build your certification at your own pace and according to your professional priorities.
Module 1:
Understanding language, methodology and resources Deep dive into the theoretical foundations of language learning and teaching. Concludes with a Cambridge written exam.
Module 2:
Developing professional practice Focuses on advanced classroom practice. Includes assessed observations, detailed planning and a Professional Development Assignment (PDA).
Module 3:
Specialism Choose between two routes: Extended Assignment (course design) or ELT Management. Concludes with an extended written assignment assessed by Cambridge.
Why take the DELTA at International House Colombia?
🧑💼 Expert tutors holding DELTA qualifications and international experience as teacher trainers, including two active DELTA Assessors on staff.
👌IH network tradition in advanced teacher training.
🧑💻 Flexible formats that fit working teachers.
👨👩👦👦 Professional community opening doors at IH schools worldwide.
🗣️ Real-student practice and high-quality feedback.
DELTA entry requirements
1️⃣Minimum 2 years’ experience teaching adults (more recommended).
2️⃣Prior initial certification (CELTA, TKT high, IHC or recognised equivalent).
3️⃣C1+ English demonstrable.
4️⃣Pre-interview and teaching portfolio review before admission.
5️⃣Time commitment matched to the chosen module.
Modalidades del DELTA online, presencial y mixta
Module 1:
live online + self-study.
Module 2:
blended, with online sessions and face-to-face or online assessed teaching practice.
Module 3:
online with one-to-one tutoring.
The only DELTA course that adapts to your schedule
100% negotiable and flexible hours based on your time zone and work availability.
Career outcomes after the DELTA
DELTA-qualified teachers access significantly higher salaries and more selective markets than CELTA-only profiles.
Senior teacher and lead teacher.
Director of studies or academic coordinator.
Teacher trainer at IH and other institutions.
University teacher in programmes requiring DELTA or equivalent.
Pedagogical consultant and course designer for businesses and publishers.
CELTA vs DELTA differences
| Aspect | CELTA | DELTA |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Initial | Advanced |
| Required experience | None | 2+ years |
| Structure | Single 4-week or extensive course | 3 independent modules |
| Theoretical depth | Applied, basic | Advanced, critical |
| Focus | Becoming a competent teacher | Becoming an expert teacher, trainer or academic leader |
| Salary recognition | Yes, in teacher roles | Significantly higher; opens senior roles |
Tuition and payment options
$620 USD course + $350 USD Cambridge exam fee.
Cambridge fees included.
$480 USD course + $350 USD Cambridge assessment fee.
Approximate total for the full diploma: $4,043 USD ($3,390 USD courses + $653 USD Cambridge fees).
Frequently asked questions about the DELTA
Recommended, not strictly required. Cambridge admits candidates with other equivalent certifications (TKT high, recognised certifications) and solid teaching experience.
Yes. Each module certifies independently. However, completing all three constitutes the full “DELTA Diploma”.
The order is flexible. Most common is Module 1 → Module 2 → Module 3, but many teachers start with Module 2 (more practical) and then 1 and 3.
Between 12 and 24 months depending on pace and whether you take modules in parallel or sequentially.
Yes. Modules 1 and 3 are primarily online. Module 2 requires observable teaching practice (face-to-face or online).
Yes. The DELTA is far more demanding, with theoretical depth, applied research and greater autonomy. It’s designed for teachers who already have their own classroom and want to become experts.
