Short answer
The L3AET opens the door, the L4CET makes you a recognised professional and the L5DiT is the full teaching qualification and the route towards QTLS. You do not always have to take them in order: start where your teaching experience puts you.
Level 3: the foundation
The Level 3 Award in Education and Training (L3AET) establishes you as a trained teacher. It covers planning and delivering sessions, understanding your learners, using a range of methods, assessing learning and reflecting on your practice. It needs no placement, just one micro-teach of at least 15 minutes. View the L3AET
Right for: new trainers, people moving into teaching and anyone formalising training they already do.
Level 4: the professional standard
The Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training (L4CET) is a real step up. It brings in theories of learning and communication, wider professional practice and the policy context, and expects you to explain why your practice works, not just show that it does. You need 30 hours of teaching with your own learners. View the L4CET
Right for: practising teachers who want to deepen their expertise or move into more substantial FE roles.
Level 5: the full teaching qualification
The Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (L5DiT) replaced the Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training (DET). It is the full teaching qualification for further education and skills and the route towards QTLS (Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills) status through the Society for Education and Training. It needs a placement of at least 250 hours, including 150 hours of teaching across two locations. View the L5DiT
Right for: teachers committed to further education as a career, and anyone aiming for QTLS. QTLS (Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills) is legally recognised as equivalent to QTS for employment as a qualified teacher in maintained schools in England, provided the individual holds current QTLS status and maintains membership of the Society for Education and Training (SET). QTLS and QTS remain separate professional statuses.
What changes at each level
At Level 3 you can work as an in-house trainer or sessional tutor and start building your reputation. Level 4 opens more substantial FE and L&D roles. Level 5, with QTLS, positions you for programme leadership and curriculum management.
How big is each one?
Every course gives you 365 days of access. Many people take a break between levels, especially between Level 4 and Level 5, and that is fine.
Do you have to take them in order?
Not always. If you already teach and can evidence 30 hours, you can start at the L4CET. You can start at the L5DiT if you meet its entry requirements, though we usually recommend a lower level first if you are newer to teaching. The L3AET and L4CET do not count as credit towards the L5DiT; it is completed in full either way.
L3AET, L4CET or L5DiT: which one do you actually need? helps you pick your starting point.
Start at the level your teaching puts you, then keep climbing.
Where to start
No teaching qualification yet? Start with the L3AET. Already hold it and teaching regularly? The L4CET is the natural next step, and the people who move steadily through the pathway build the strongest careers.
Questions people ask
Do I need the L3AET before the L4CET?
No. If you already teach and can evidence 30 hours, you can start with the L4CET.
Does the L5DiT lead to QTLS?
It is the route towards QTLS through the Society for Education and Training.
Do the lower levels count towards the L5DiT?
No. They are good preparation, but the L5DiT is completed in full.