Cambridge

DELTA (Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)

DELTA is Cambridge Assessment English's advanced teaching diploma for experienced English language teachers, regulated at RQF Level 7 — the same level as a Master's degree. It's made up of three modules. ICD is a registered exam centre for the Module 1 and Module 3 exams, open to any eligible candidate, and separately runs an optional preparation course for those who'd like extra support ahead of Module 1.

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Quick Facts

Awarding Body

Cambridge Assessment English

Study Mode

Exams: written/assignment-based. Preparation course: weekend classes, fully online

Course Format

Module 1 & Module 3 exams, open to independent candidates — plus an optional Module 1 preparation course

Certification

Cambridge DELTA — RQF Level 7, equivalent to a Master's degree, regulated by Ofqual

Assessment

Module 1: written exam, 2 papers. Module 3: written assignment, 4,000–4,500 words

Duration

Cambridge exam sittings held twice yearly — June and December

The Three DELTA Modules

DELTA doesn't need to be taken as a single course — candidates can take the three modules independently, in any order, through different centres if needed.

Module 1

Understanding language, methodology, and resources for teaching

Module 2

Developing professional practice — classroom-based teaching skills

Module 3

Extending practice, in a chosen ELT teaching or management specialism

Module 1

Written exam (2 papers)

Module 2

Coursework + observed teaching, via an approved course centre

Module 3

Written assignment (4,000–4,500 words)

Module 1 covers the theory behind English language teaching — language acquisition, methodology, language systems and skills, and assessment concepts — assessed through two 90-minute written papers (200 marks total). A pass needs roughly 100 marks, Merit around 130, and Distinction around 150.

Module 3 lets candidates specialise, choosing either an ELT teaching specialism or an ELT management specialism. It's assessed through a single written assignment of 4,000–4,500 words, based on needs analysis and planning within that specialism. Candidates need access to a class for research purposes, though they don't need to be teaching throughout the module.

(ICD currently supports Modules 1 and 3 only. Module 2 requires attendance at a Cambridge-approved course centre for observed teaching practice — confirm with the team whether ICD offers this separately.)

Who Is DELTA For?

Pre-CELTA is for candidates who aren't quite ready to apply for CELTA yet — whether that's because they don't yet meet its entry requirements, they're unsure whether CELTA (or English language teaching as a career) is the right fit, or they want to know if they can handle its intensive pace before committing to it.

No formal entry requirement is set by Cambridge for Module 1 or Module 3 — candidates may prepare independently or take a preparation course

In practice, candidates normally hold an initial ELT qualification (such as CELTA) and have at least a year of English teaching experience

Suitable for teachers at any career stage — including those wanting to refresh their knowledge, update their practice, or specialise

A level of English broadly between CEFR C1 and C2 is expected, though no separate English exam is required

DELTA Exams at ICD

ICD is a registered Cambridge exam centre for DELTA Module 1 and Module 3. Candidates can register for either exam directly, without needing to take a preparation course first. Exams run twice a year, in line with Cambridge's global June and December sittings.

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Preparation Course (Optional)

For candidates who'd like extra support ahead of the Module 1 exam, ICD also runs a preparation course — taught by experienced trainers, held over weekends, and delivered completely online.

Admissions open twice a year: in January, for candidates targeting the June exam, and in July, for candidates targeting the December exam. Course structure and content are reviewed and updated for each intake, so please contact ICD directly for current details, fees, and registration.

Registration Process

Submit Application

Submit your application through ICD's online form. Shortlisted candidates receive an offer letter.

Payment & Enrolment

Pay the course fee and share the payment receipt to confirm enrolment.

Access Portal

Once enrolled, you'll receive your login details by email to begin coursework on ICD's portal.

Each of the four annual intakes (Jan, April, July, October) runs for 3 months.

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FAQs

Does ICD offer all three DELTA modules?

ICD is a registered exam centre for the Module 1 and Module 3 exams. Module 2 requires attendance at a Cambridge-approved course centre for observed teaching practice — confirm with ICD whether this is offered separately or needs to be taken elsewhere.

Do I need to take ICD's preparation course to sit the Module 1 exam?

No — Module 1 and Module 3 are both open to independent candidates, who can register for the exam directly without taking a course first.

Do I need to do Module 1 before Module 2 or 3?

No — Cambridge doesn't require the three modules to be taken in order, and candidates don't need to complete all three at once or through the same centre.

What grade do I need to pass Module 1?

Pass requires roughly 100 of the 200 available marks, Pass with Merit roughly 130, and Pass with Distinction roughly 150 — based on Cambridge's published grade boundaries.

Enquire Now

Take the next step in your teaching journey by registering your interest with ICD. Submit your enquiry online to receive guidance on modules, preparation options, registration, and payment process.