Thinking about starting a career in teaching or training? The Award in Education and Training (AET) could be your perfect first step into the education sector.
This Level 3 qualification is designed for anyone new to teaching or training who wants to gain essential teaching skills and a nationally recognised qualification. Whether you’re interested in working with adults, delivering workplace training, or teaching in further education colleges, the AET provides the foundation you need.
In this guide, you’ll discover everything about the Award in Education and Training course—what you’ll learn, who it’s for, how you can study online, and what career opportunities await you.
What is the Award in Education and Training Course?
The Award in Education and Training is a Level 3 qualification designed for people who are new to teaching or training in the post-16 education sector. It replaced the PTLLS qualification in 2013 and has become the recognised entry point for aspiring teachers across the UK.
This qualification sits within the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), which means it’s regulated by Ofqual and recognised by employers throughout the education and skills sector. When you complete the AET, you’ll have a nationally recognised teaching qualification that proves you have essential teaching skills.
The course focuses on the knowledge and skills needed to plan and deliver effective teaching sessions. Unlike full teaching qualifications like the Certificate in Education or PGCE, the AET is a compact introduction that you can complete whilst working or managing other commitments.
It’s ideal if you’re exploring whether teaching is right for you or if you need a qualification for part-time teaching roles where you’ll teach fewer hours per week.
Who Should Take This Qualification?
The Level 3 Award in Education and Training suits several groups:
Complete beginners who’ve never taught before but want to explore teaching as a career. The AET gives you foundational teaching skills without requiring previous experience.
Career changers looking to move into education or training. If you’re leaving another profession and want to share your expertise through teaching, this course provides the recognised qualification you need.
Workplace trainers who deliver training as part of their job and want to formalise their skills. Perhaps you train new staff or deliver workshops and want to improve your teaching and learning techniques.
Part-time teachers working in adult education, community learning, or vocational training who need a recognised qualification to continue their role.
The course is designed to be accessible whilst providing rigorous training in effective teaching methods. For those interested in school-based roles, our guide on how to become a teaching assistant in the UK explores alternative pathways.
What You’ll Learn: Course Content
The Award in Education and Training covers essential teaching skills and knowledge:
Understanding your role and responsibilities forms the foundation. You’ll learn about your legal and professional duties as a teacher, including safeguarding, equality and diversity, and health and safety in educational settings.
Planning and delivering inclusive teaching sessions is a core focus. You’ll discover how to design learning activities that engage different learners, including those with additional learning needs. This practical element helps you structure sessions that work for everyone.
Assessing learners and providing feedback develops your ability to use various assessment methods and give constructive feedback that helps learners improve.
Creating positive learning environments where all students feel supported is emphasised throughout. You’ll explore classroom management and how to build rapport with learners.
The course includes microteaching where you’ll plan and deliver a short teaching session. This hands-on experience lets you apply theory and receive feedback on your teaching skills.
Award in Education and Training vs Other Qualifications
Understanding how the AET compares to other teaching qualifications helps you choose the right path.
The Level 3 Award in Education and Training is the entry-level teaching qualification suitable if you’ll teach up to 30 hours per year or want an introduction before more extensive study. Our education and training courses page explains the complete pathway.
The Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training is the next step, suitable for teachers in regular roles with more hours per week. It builds on the AET with deeper teaching theory and practice exploration.
The Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training provides full teaching qualifications comparable to a Certificate in Education. This is required for full-time lecturer positions in colleges.
PTLLS was the predecessor to the AET. If you see references to PTLLS course UK, they’re referring to the qualification the AET replaced—both are essentially equivalent.
For most people starting out, the Level 3 Award provides exactly what you need. You can progress to higher qualifications later as your career develops.
Studying Your Course Online From Home
One of the biggest advantages of the AET is flexibility—you can study it as an online course from home.
Study from home means you fit learning around existing work and family commitments. You won’t need to attend classes at specific times or travel to a physical location. Instead, you access course materials through an online platform whenever suits you.
Learn at your own pace whilst meeting assignment deadlines. Some learners complete their work intensively, whilst others spread studies across several months. This flexibility is why distance learning vs classroom learning often favours busy adults.
Dedicated tutor support ensures you’re never learning alone. Quality online distance learning courses provide personal tutor allocation, regular feedback on assignments, and accessible communication channels.
Flexible delivery typically includes varied materials—videos, written content, interactive activities, and discussion forums. This variety keeps learning engaging and accommodates different learning styles.
The microteaching component can often be completed in your workplace or through arranged sessions, making even practical elements manageable whilst studying from home.
Accreditation and Recognition
Understanding accreditation is crucial when choosing any course.
Ofqual regulated means this qualification meets strict quality standards set by the UK government’s regulator. Any AET offered must be approved by Ofqual and delivered by recognised awarding organisations.
Nationally recognised status ensures employers across the UK understand what this qualification represents. When you apply for teaching or training roles, hiring managers recognise the AET as a valid entry-level teaching qualification.
Awarding bodies like NCFE, City & Guilds, and Pearson offer the AET. Each version covers the same core content and meets the same standards.
Fully recognised RQF qualification means your certificate carries weight across the education and skills sector. It’s accepted for teaching roles in adult education, training providers, colleges, and workplace learning environments.
Cambridge Open College offers fully accredited courses through recognised awarding bodies, ensuring you receive a qualification that opens doors.
Career Opportunities After Your AET
Gaining your Level 3 Award in Education and Training unlocks various career paths.
Adult education roles are a natural fit. You could teach evening classes, deliver community learning programmes, or work with organisations providing education for adults. These roles often suit part-time work.
Workplace training positions are increasingly available. Many companies employ trainers to deliver vocational skills training, onboarding programmes, or professional development. Your AET demonstrates you have the teaching skills employers value.
Further education colleges often employ sessional or part-time lecturers for specific subjects. Whilst full-time roles typically require the Level 5 Diploma, your AET opens doors to part-time opportunities.
Private training providers deliver apprenticeships, employability programmes, and skills training. These organisations frequently recruit trainers with the AET, particularly for specialised vocational areas.
Progression opportunities include moving to the Level 4 Certificate or Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement to specialise in assessment.
Entry-level teaching positions typically start around £18,000-£25,000 per year pro-rata, with experienced lecturers earning £30,000-£40,000 or more.
Entry Requirements
The Award in Education and Training is designed to be accessible.
No formal teaching qualifications are required to begin. It’s specifically designed for people new to teaching or training.
Level 2 literacy and numeracy skills (equivalent to GCSE English and Maths at grades A*-C or 9-4) are typically needed. If you don’t have GCSEs, equivalent qualifications or demonstrable skills are usually acceptable.
Access to a teaching opportunity is essential because you’ll need to complete practical teaching hours. This could be in your workplace, through voluntary work, or in a formal educational setting.
ICT skills are important, particularly for online courses. You’ll need basic computer literacy to access materials, submit assignments, and communicate with your tutor.
Most importantly, you need enthusiasm for teaching and willingness to learn.
Course Duration and Flexibility
Typical completion time is 8-12 weeks for intensive study or up to 6 months part-time. The course includes approximately 48 guided learning hours plus independent study time.
Hours per week vary based on your pace. If completing the course over 12 weeks, expect to dedicate 6-8 hours weekly. Part-time learners might spend 2-4 hours per week.
Flexible schedules mean you control when you study. This flexibility makes home study courses UK increasingly popular for working adults.
Microteaching requirements involve planning and delivering a short teaching session (usually 15-30 minutes) and reflecting on your practice.
The compact nature of the AET makes it perfect for busy people wanting a recognised qualification without committing to years of study.
Related Education Qualifications
If you’re exploring different pathways into education, consider these related qualifications:
For those interested in assessment roles, the CAVA course UK (Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement) develops your assessment expertise.
If you’re drawn to quality assurance, our internal quality assurance course or IQA courses Level 4 might suit your goals.
For school-based roles, explore distance learning teaching assistant courses or online teaching assistant courses designed specifically for school environments.
Those interested in childcare alongside education can explore childcare and education courses in the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need previous teaching experience?
No, the AET is designed for people new to teaching. You’ll need access to a teaching opportunity for practical components, but prior experience isn’t required.
Can I study whilst working full-time?
Absolutely. The course offers flexibility to study during evenings, weekends, or whenever suits your schedule.
Is this qualification recognised by employers?
Yes, it’s a nationally recognised qualification within the RQF. Employers across the education sector understand and accept it for entry-level teaching positions.
What’s the difference between AET and PTLLS?
The AET replaced PTLLS in 2013. They’re essentially equivalent—both are Level 3 teaching qualifications for beginners.
Can I progress to become a fully qualified teacher?
Yes, the AET is a starting point. You can progress to the Level 4 Certificate and then Level 5 Diploma for full lecturer status.
Start Your Teaching Career Today
The Award in Education and Training offers an accessible, flexible way to gain a recognised teaching qualification whilst discovering whether teaching is right for you.
With Cambridge Open College, you’ll benefit from over 25 years of distance learning expertise and comprehensive tutor support throughout your studies. Our approach to supported open learning ensures you receive guidance whilst maintaining flexibility.
Whether you’re interested in adult education, workplace training, or exploring teaching as a career change, the AET provides the knowledge and skills you need.
Ready to begin? Visit our Level 3 Award in Education and Training course page for detailed information about enrolling.
Conclusion
The Level 3 Award in Education and Training is your gateway into the teaching profession. This nationally recognised qualification demonstrates you have essential teaching skills employers value, whilst flexible online delivery means you can study at your own pace from home.
The accessible entry requirements ensure teaching qualifications aren’t reserved only for those with extensive academic backgrounds. The compact course duration means you’ll gain your qualification within months rather than years.
Cambridge Open College supports learners across the UK to achieve their education goals through quality distance learning programmes. Take that first step today and discover how the Award in Education and Training could transform your career prospects in the rewarding education sector.
