Hi Jack. The question you ask is quite common. The relentless pace - you really do need to put the rest of your life "on hold" for the duration of the course - and a lack of teaching or training experience can make it harder. However, there are many people who do the course who are in the same position as yourself, so don't be disheartened. The CELTA course assumes no prior experience, so the trainers should focus on the essentials.

On this Forum there are a lot of posts about CELTA. I would suggest you follow the various threads, starting with this one:-

Anxiety about TP [Teaching Practice] during CELTA course from Jo.

http://www.eslteachersboard.com/cgi-bin/tesol/index.pl?read=3559

A booklist has been provided here.

CELTA recommended reading

http://www.eslteachersboard.com/cgi-bin/tesol/index.pl?read=3797

My comments on some of the titles -

http://www.eslteachersboard.com/cgi-bin/tesol/index.pl?read=3799

I doubt that CELTA trainees will read everything on the list, as it's often the difference between 'recommended' and 'essential' reading that matters most when considering what you will need. Sure, the list is comprehensive and in an ideal world we would read all the stuff, but at this early stage there's also the danger of 'information overload.' Your trainers will pick out the key texts.

As for pre-reading and preparation for the course, for starters, buy or borrow the CELTA Trainees' Handbook. Some trainees experience difficulties with the 'grammar' components of the course, so this is something you also need to get to grips with sooner rather than later.

Finally, consider what life and work experiences you can bring to the course. If you do get a supportive group of fellow trainees they will also help.

Good luck

CL