CELTA

The next available CELTA Course will be in Summer 2025. Please check back later for course dates and information.

The University of Hawaii at Manoa – Hawaii English Language Program (HELP) is one of only two centers in Hawaii offering the University of Cambridge Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA) course.

What is CELTA?

CELTA is one of the world’s foremost initial qualifications for people who wish to become professional teachers of the English language. It is accepted throughout the world by organizations that employ English language teachers.

Who is CELTA for?

This course is for individuals who would like to transition into the field of ESL/EFL. It is also suitable for ESL/EFL teachers who have classroom experience but no formal training in English language teaching. Additionally, this course is practical for teachers who teach other languages.

More Information

Design of the Program

The program is designed to enable the teacher trainees on the course to develop:

  • awareness of language and a knowledge of the description of English and apply these in their professional practice
  • an initial understanding of the contexts within which adults learn English, their motivations and the roles of the teacher and the learner
  • familiarity with appropriate resources and materials for use with adult learners of English for teaching, testing and for reference

Course Requirements

To meet the course requirements, teacher trainees on the course are required to attend 100% of the course and to:

  • practice teach in a class at two different levels for a total of six hours
  • observe experienced teachers teaching classes for a total of six hours
  • maintain and submit a portfolio of all course work including all written assignments and materials related to teaching practice

Benefits of taking the CELTA

A CELTA graduate leaves the course knowing more about the English language, having the ability to create effective lesson plans and feeling confident in teaching a variety of lessons, particularly, to Beginner and Intermediate level students.

2025 CELTA Schedule

CELTA Course 2025: TBD

Study Days and Hours

Monday – Thursday, 8:30 – 5:00

Course Cost

$2600.00

Application Process

1. Fill out and submit 2025 CELTA Application Form (PDF)

Email to eslhelp@hawaii.edu or mail to:
Hawaii English Language Program (HELP)
Moore Hall 580
1890 East-West Road
Honolulu, HI 96822

2. Pay application fee

The application/deposit fee of $250 should be submitted with your application form and can be paid by credit card (Visa/Mastercard), check, or wire transfer. For credit card payment, please stop by our office during office hours or use our online payment site:

For other methods of payment, please contact us. The application fee is non-refundable and covers the assessments listed in Step 3 and 4 below.

3. Complete Pre-Interview Task

You will be emailed a written task after your application is received. Complete the task and send it back.

4. Interview with CELTA trainer

After submitting the completed written task, you will be scheduled for an interview with a CELTA trainer. They will discuss your written task, expectations for the course, and will determine your suitability to be accepted onto the CELTA course.

5. Prepare for the course

If accepted, pay remaining tuition, purchase and read required books, and complete an additional pre-course task. If you are an international applicant, contact us about procedures for receiving a Form I-20 and applying for the student visa.

Contact Information

Course Administrator
Hawai’i English Language Program
Department of Second Language Studies
Moore Hall 586
1890 East-West Road
Honolulu, HI 96822
celta@hawaii.edu
Tel: 808-956-6636
Fax: 808-956-5100