Do I Really Need a Certificate?

What Cambridge exams mean—and don’t mean—for your teaching career

A few weeks ago, a teacher messaged me with a very honest question:
“Gabi, I’ve been teaching for a few years now. I’ve got experience, I plan my lessons, and my students like my classes. No one has ever asked me about my certifications. I’ve never taken any English exam. Do I really need one?”

It’s a fair question—and one I hear all the time. The short answer? No, you don’t need a certificate to be a good teacher. But it might be exactly what helps you move forward.

Let me explain.

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Certifying what you Know… And what you Can do

Language exams like B2 First, C1 Advanced, and C2 Proficiency were not designed specifically for teachers. They were designed to assess your ability to use English in real-life contexts, both written and spoken. They look at how well you communicate ideas, how accurately you handle grammar and vocabulary, and how confidently you navigate different text types.

For a teacher, that’s valuable.

• A B2 certificate tells schools: this teacher can communicate clearly and manage a classroom in English.

• A C1 certificate shows: this teacher can engage in more abstract discussions and support students preparing for higher levels.

• A C2 certificate says: this teacher is working at the so-called “near-native” level—although when you hold one I might say, native speakers, beware!

In a field where fluency often gets confused with confidence, these certificates offer a solid, shared benchmark. Not to prove you’re fluent, but to show that your language competence is grounded, structured, and recognized internationally.

But what if I already teach in English?

I’ve met brilliant teachers with no certificates. I’ve also met certified teachers who couldn’t explain a modal verb if their lives depended on it.

So no, a certificate doesn’t define your worth.

But here’s what it can do:

• Help you feel more confident about your language skills.

• Open new doors, like bilingual schools, exam prep classes, or international teaching opportunities.

• Give you structured feedback on your strengths and gaps.

• Motivate you to study again, reflect on your language use, and grow as a learner (not just as a teacher).

And for teachers who’ve been stuck at intermediate level for years, preparing for B2 can be a turning point. It gives you a goal. A path. A reason to believe your English can keep evolving.

The emotional side: Validation and confidence

Many of us started teaching without much guidance. We learned on the job. We translated vocabulary we didn’t fully understand. We got better with time, and we made it work.

But deep down, many teachers still carry doubt.
“Am I really good enough?”
“Do I belong in this space?”
“Will someone notice I never took the CPE?”

Certificates don’t erase impostor syndrome. But they help. They give language teachers something we rarely get: validation.

In my courses, I see it all the time. The teacher who avoided speaking in meetings starts volunteering ideas. The one who used to apologize for her English begins to write with pride. It’s not about passing the test. It’s about seeing yourself differently—more capable, more articulate, more deserving.

You don’t need to aim for a C2 if you’re at B1. Maybe now is the time to focus on B2. Maybe your students already expect C1-level input, and you want to feel more equipped. Maybe you’re finally curious about what “Use of English” really is.

Whatever the reason, what matters is moving forward.

And if you're wondering whether now is the right time: there's no pressure. But there is possibility.

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Where to Start

If you're considering taking a Cambridge exam—or just want to study towards one without committing to the test yet—I offer three levels of preparation, all designed for teachers and adult learners:

• B2 First (FCE) – Tuesdays, 7–9 PM
  A practical, skills-based course that prepares you for B2 and supports your classroom strategies.

• C1 Advanced (CAE) – Tuesdays, 2–4 PM or Fridays, 9–11 AM
  Ideal for teachers who already speak well but want to refine and deepen their English.

• C2 Proficiency (CPE) – Fridays, 2–4 PM
  A rigorous course that challenges you to go further—linguistically, critically, and creatively.

All courses begin in August. If you register now, you can pay in up to 6 instalments. And if you’ve studied with me before, you get 10% off any course.

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So—do you really need a certificate? Not always. But maybe it’s not about need.

Maybe it’s about wanting to feel stronger in your role. Wanting to study again, with structure and guidance. Wanting to be recognized not just for your dedication, but for your skills. And if that’s the case, then yes—maybe it’s time.

I’ll be here when you’re ready.