Cambridge Centre Japan is an authorised Cambridge English examination and teacher training centre, supporting English language education across Japan through:
・Cambridge English examinations
・Teacher training programmes (TKT, CELTA, DELTA)
・Professional development for teachers
・Curriculum development and school partnerships
At a glance
TKT
TKT is a series of modular teaching qualifications that test your knowledge in specific areas of English language teaching. Each of the five modules consists of an 80-minute multiple-choice test, and they can be taken in any order or combination. Whether you are a new teacher or have years of experience, TKT is ideal for those who want to demonstrate their teaching knowledge with a globally recognised certificate. It is a cost-effective way to build confidence and support professional development in English language teaching.
CELTA
CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) is one of the most widely recognised English teaching qualifications in the world and one of the most frequently requested by employers. The course develops practical teaching knowledge and includes hands-on teaching practice with real learners, supported by feedback from experienced trainers. Whether you are looking for your first teaching job or want to gain a recognised qualification, CELTA provides a strong foundation for a career in English language teaching.
Teachers who hold CELTA have completed intensive training that includes:
・Teaching methodology
・Language awareness
・Supervised teaching practice
・Professional feedback from experienced trainers
DELTA
DELTA (Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) is an advanced professional qualification for experienced English language teachers. It combines in-depth study of language, teaching methodology, and classroom practice, and is designed for teachers who want to deepen their expertise and further develop their professional practice. Many teachers take DELTA as a step towards roles such as senior teacher, teacher trainer, academic manager, or materials writer.
Why employers should care
These qualifications help you ask better questions before a hiring decision. They do not replace a demo lesson, references, or an interview, but they do help you understand what kind of preparation a teacher has actually completed.
If a candidate has TKT, you are usually looking at teaching knowledge. If they have CELTA, you are looking at practical initial training with observed teaching. If they have DELTA, you are usually looking at someone with more experience and a deeper professional commitment.
The practical value is simple. You can tell the difference between someone who has studied teaching concepts, someone who has been trained through real classroom practice, and someone moving toward senior or specialist work.
Reading the qualification path
TKT
TKT is a modular qualification that checks knowledge of English language teaching in specific areas. It is useful when you want evidence that a teacher understands key concepts and terminology, even if they are still early in their professional development.
Relevant modules include language and learning, lesson planning, classroom process, CLIL, and young learners.
CELTA
CELTA is one of the most widely recognised initial teaching qualifications. Its value for employers is practical. It includes supervised teaching practice, feedback, methodology, and language awareness.
If you want a stronger signal that a teacher has already been trained through real teaching work, CELTA is usually the clearest qualification in this group.
DELTA
DELTA is an advanced qualification for experienced teachers. It covers language, methodology, professional practice, and specialist development through three modules.
For employers, DELTA can be a strong signal for senior teacher, trainer, academic manager, or curriculum-facing roles.
Details and availability
TKT Module 1 covers language and background to language learning.
This qualification demonstrates knowledge of:
・Grammar, vocabulary and phonology
・Language learning theory
・Foundations of English language teaching
・Grammar, vocabulary and phonology
・Language learning theory
・Foundations of English language teaching
TKT Module 2 covers lesson planning and use of resources.
This qualification demonstrates knowledge of:
・Planning effective English lessons
・Selecting appropriate teaching materials
・Structuring lessons for different learner levels
TKT Module 3 covers managing the teaching and learning process.
This qualification demonstrates knowledge of:
・Classroom management
・Managing student interaction
・Supporting learners during lessons
TKT CLIL focuses on content and language integrated learning.
This qualification demonstrates knowledge of:
・Teaching curriculum subjects through English
・Integrating language and subject learning
・Supporting bilingual and international programmes
TKT YL focuses on teaching young learners.
This qualification demonstrates knowledge of:
・Teaching children aged 6-12 years
・Child language development and age-appropriate teaching methods
・Classroom management for young learners
CELTA develops practical teaching knowledge through methodology, language awareness, supervised teaching practice, and professional feedback from experienced trainers.
It is one of the most useful qualifications for employers who want an early-career teacher with real classroom preparation.
Teachers who hold CELTA have completed intensive training that includes:
・Teaching methodology
・Language awareness
・Supervised teaching practice
・Professional feedback from experienced trainers
DELTA is made up of three modules covering language, methodology, professional practice, and specialist development. A teacher who completes all three modules holds one of the strongest advanced qualifications in English language teaching.
DELTA Module 1 (Understanding Language, Methodology and Resources)
This module focuses on knowledge of:
・Advanced language analysis
・Teaching methodology
・Evaluation of teaching materials and resources
DELTA Module 2 (Developing Professional Practice)
This module focuses on the development of:
・Observed teaching practice
・Lesson planning and evaluation
・Reflective teaching development
DELTA Module 3 (Extending Practice and ELT Specialisation)
This module focuses on developing expertise in a chosen specialism, such as:
・English for Academic Purposes (EAP)
・English for Specific Purposes (ESP)
・Young Learners (YL)
・Teacher training or academic management
Full DELTA Qualification
Teachers who have successfully completed all three DELTA modules hold one of the highest level professional qualifications in English language teaching.
This qualification demonstrates expertise in:
・Advanced teaching methodology
・Language analysis
・Teacher development and mentoring
・Academic research in language education
Need more detail?
For enquiries about Cambridge teaching qualifications in Japan, contact Cambridge Centre Japan at [email protected] or visit cambridgecentre.jp.