Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Cambridge DELTA is an advanced qualification for language teachers who:

• have a minimum of one year’s teaching experience, covering a range of levels and contexts; 
• have a minimum English level of C1+ or above;
• want to develop their teaching practice, and expand their knowledge of the theory behind English language teaching;
• would like to progress into more senior roles with confidence, such as management or teacher training positions.

Experience of teaching different levels in different contexts is beneficial. The more levels and contexts you have worked in, the more experience you can draw on during the course. You might want to consider waiting until you have been teaching for two to three years.

Visit the Cambridge English website for general information about Cambridge DELTA and to download the DELTA syllabus.

There are three modules in Cambridge DELTA. The modules can be taken in any order and at any time.

Module 1: Understanding Language, Methodology and Resources for Teaching
This module is theory-based and assessed by exam. The exam consists of two 90-minute written papers which you take in one sitting, with a 30-minute break in between.

Module 2: Developing Professional Practice
This module is classroom-based and highly practical. You teach four observed lessons, and write a detailed lesson plan and a background essay for each one. You also complete a Professional Development Assignment throughout the course.

Module 3: Option 1: Extending Practice and ELT Specialism | Option 2: English Language Teaching Management
In Module 3, you write an extended assignment detailing a course programme (Option 1) or a change proposal (Option 2) based on a specific context you have detailed in your assignment.

Visit the Cambridge English website to download a summary of the DELTA modules or the DELTA syllabus specifications.

Cambridge DELTA is an advanced training course. Accredited as Level 7 by Ofqual in the UK, the DELTA is Master’s level in terms of content.

Anybody who has completed the Cambridge DELTA will tell you how challenging it can be, regardless of how much experience you have and how much professional development you have already completed before the course. However the Take Your Time DELTA approach makes completing Modules 1 and 3 achievable for most participants. 

We will outline practical steps that will help you succeed, including showing you how to prepare before sessions, apply what you learn, master jargon and terminology, and organise your studies to fit with the rest of your life. We are also on hand with guidance and support throughout the course.

Ideally you have completed a 120-hour course with observed teaching practice, such as CELTA or CertTESOL, or another initial teacher training certificate. This gives you a foundation of teaching basics which you can build on during the DELTA course. 

However, this is not a requirement. If you can demonstrate that you have received regular in-service training and observation, and engaged in regular continuous professional development, you may still be able to complete the course.

The modules can be taken in any order and at any time. However, we generally recommend taking Module 1 first, as this provides a grounding in methodology which will help you in the other two modules. 

While there are courses which allow you to study multiple modules at once, at Take Your Time DELTA, we believe that if really want to experience DELTA success without the stress, focussing fully on one module at a time is the most effective approach. We therefore strongly recommend that you complete one module fully before you start another, whether with us or with another provider. We find that participants who try to study more than one module at once end up falling behind and/or dropping one module or the other. 

Both courses are at the same level (diploma level / Ofqual Level 7), so it depends on which course is better suited to your needs and budget, and the time you have available.

DipTESOL courses have more of a focus on phonology and the Unit 3 exam tests you on this, and some of the Unit 2 projects (for example, creating observation instruments) might help you better prepare to become a teacher trainer.

The DELTA Module 1 exam is more wide-ranging than the DipTESOL exam, and therefore prompts you to deepen your knowledge of areas such as analysing materials and assessing learners. DELTA has no time limit, meaning you can space out the modules more if you need to. Take Your Time DELTA allows you to space out Modules 1 and 3, as well as allowing you to pay monthly and manage your budget more easily.

Ultimately you should speak to providers of both courses to help you learn more about the qualifications and work out which is best suited to you. Contact us to discuss whether Take Your Time DELTA is the best option for you.