Do You Need a Level 3 AET to Teach?

Do You Need a Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET) to Teach?

The Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET) is one of the most frequently asked-about qualifications in the UK training sector. If you are delivering courses professionally, you will almost certainly encounter requirements or recommendations relating to it. This article clarifies the legal position, when the AET matters most, and what alternatives exist.

What Is the Level 3 AET?

The Level 3 Award in Education and Training is a qualification regulated by Ofqual and awarded by several recognised awarding organisations, including City and Guilds, Pearson, and NOCN. It replaced the old PTLLS (Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector) qualification and is widely regarded as the entry-level teaching qualification for those delivering education and training to adults.

The AET covers the fundamentals of teaching: planning inclusive sessions, understanding roles and responsibilities, delivering in a professional manner, and assessing learner progress. It is typically completed over 12 weeks part-time and involves observed teaching practice.

Is the AET a Legal Requirement?

In most private training settings, the Level 3 AET is not a legal requirement. There is no law that states a person delivering training to adults must hold a specific teaching qualification.

However, there are important exceptions and contextual requirements:

Further Education Colleges and Publicly Funded Settings

If you are employed as a teacher or trainer in a further education college, adult education provider, or any publicly funded education setting in England, you are subject to the Education and Training Foundation (ETF) professional standards. While these do not impose a mandatory minimum qualification, Ofsted inspections assess staff qualification levels, and many colleges require new teaching staff to hold — or be working towards — at least the AET.

Awarding Organisation Requirements

Many Ofqual-recognised awarding organisations require that trainers delivering their regulated qualifications hold a teaching qualification. This is commonly the AET at minimum, with higher-level qualifications (Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training, or Level 5 Diploma) required for some programmes. If you are delivering regulated qualifications under an awarding organisation, check their centre requirements carefully.

Accrediting Body Requirements

Several professional association accrediting bodies — including the FHT, BABTAC, and others — require that trainers delivering their accredited courses hold a teaching qualification. In many cases, the AET is the minimum standard they will accept. If your courses are accredited by such a body, a teaching qualification is effectively mandatory.

Insurer Requirements

Some insurers, when assessing whether to accept a course for professional indemnity purposes, take trainer qualifications into account. A trainer holding an AET or higher teaching qualification is viewed more favourably, particularly for higher-risk treatment types.

When Is the AET Strongly Recommended?

Even where it is not strictly required, the AET is strongly recommended in the following circumstances:

• You are delivering hands-on practical skills training in any vocational field
• You are seeking accreditation from a professional body
• You want your courses to be recognised by insurers
• You are delivering training to groups rather than one-to-one
• You are building a training business with multiple trainers
• You want to list your courses on professional directories or platforms

The AET demonstrates that you have considered the pedagogical aspects of training delivery — not just subject expertise. Accrediting bodies and insurers are more confident in courses delivered by trainers with formal teaching qualifications.

Alternatives to the AET

Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training (CET)

The Level 4 CET is the next step up from the AET and is required by some awarding organisations and colleges. It involves more in-depth study of teaching theory and more observed practice hours.

Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training (DET)

The Level 5 DET is a full teaching qualification, broadly equivalent to a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) for the further education sector. It is required for substantive teaching roles in many colleges.

Subject-Specific Qualifications

In some specialist sectors, a recognised industry qualification in the subject being taught is accepted alongside or instead of a formal teaching qualification. However, this is becoming less common as accrediting bodies tighten their standards.

How to Obtain the AET

The AET is delivered by training providers and colleges across the UK. It is available in-person and online, though the observed teaching practice element typically requires an in-person component. Costs range from £300 to £800 depending on the provider and mode of delivery.

The qualification takes approximately 12 weeks to complete on a part-time basis, though some accelerated programmes are available. You will need to complete 8 hours of observed teaching practice as part of the assessment.

The AET and CPD.me.uk Verification

When providers list courses on CPD.me.uk, trainer qualifications form part of the quality review process. Holding an AET or equivalent teaching qualification strengthens your profile and the credibility of your listed courses. It is one of the signals that CPD.me.uk uses when assessing the overall quality of a training programme.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the AET the same as PTLLS?

The AET replaced PTLLS in 2013. They are broadly equivalent in purpose and level, but the AET is the current recognised qualification. If you hold PTLLS, you may wish to confirm with any relevant body whether it is still accepted.

Can I teach without any teaching qualification?

In private training settings, yes — there is no universal legal requirement. However, many accrediting bodies, awarding organisations, and insurers expect trainers to hold at least the AET.

Does the AET expire?

The AET qualification itself does not expire, but you are expected to maintain your continuing professional development as a teacher. Many professional bodies require evidence of ongoing CPD in education and training.

Do I need the AET to deliver online courses?

The same principles apply online as in person. Accrediting bodies and insurers apply their trainer qualification requirements regardless of delivery mode.

How long does the AET take to complete?

Typically 12 weeks part-time. Some intensive programmes can be completed in 6–8 weeks. All programmes require 8 hours of observed teaching practice.