Delta is a flexible, three-module qualification for people with experience of teaching English to speakers of other languages who want to progress further in their careers. Because it is awarded by Cambridge English Language Assessment, part of the University of Cambridge, Delta is internationally recognised, highly respected and a benchmark for quality.

Module 1 (the exam) focuses on extending and developing candidates’ knowledge and understanding of teaching and learning English in a range of contexts.

Module 2 (teaching practice) focuses on developing awareness and expertise in the principles and professional practice of teaching English in a range of contexts.

Module 3 (course design) focuses on needs analysis, syllabus design, course planning and assessment.

The three modules can also be taken separately and are separately certificated.

The three modules of Delta will:

• extend your knowledge and understanding of the principles and practice of English language teaching
• encourage you to critically examine your current beliefs and practices as a teacher
• help you apply your new knowledge and understanding to your current teaching role
• extend your knowledge of English language teaching in contexts other than adult learners
• develop your career by allowing you to apply for more senior roles.

This qualification is for teachers with some experience who want to:

• build on their initial English teaching qualification and progress further in their career
• extend their professional knowledge, develop their skills and apply these to different teaching contexts
• take on new and challenging responsibilities in their teaching careers
• demonstrate a commitment to the profession and prove their ability
• examine their existing practices and beliefs.

The Cambridge Delta is recognised and accepted all over the world by organisations employing English language teachers. All three modules are separately accredited by Ofqual, the regulator for qualifications, exams and tests in England at Level 7 on the National Qualifications Framework for England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Delta modules can also be integrated into some MA programmes in the UK.

Cambridge say that people entering the course will normally have at least two years' full-time relevant teaching experience, a first degree, an initial teaching qualification, a range of teaching experience, and a sufficient level of English. As the wording suggests, these are not absolute requirements. In practice, though, course providers are quite precious about their pass rates and so often impose their own requirements (such as a longer period of teaching experience) on people applying to take the course through them. Having taken part in a lot of professional development is probably the most useful thing for actually passing the course.