How can we help?

Which teaching qualification do I need?

The L3AET is the starting point and needs no placement. The L4CET suits you if you already teach your own learners and can evidence 30 hours. The L5DiT is the full teaching qualification and the route to QTLS. The comparison table on each course page sets the three side by side.

Assessor or IQA: what is the difference?

An assessor judges whether a learner has met the standard. An IQA checks that assessors are doing that consistently and fairly. Assessor qualifications sit at Level 3, IQA at Level 4. Most people qualify as an assessor first.

Do I need L3AUPPA before L3CAVA?

No. The L3CAVA already includes the L3AUPPA, L3AACWE and L3AAVRA units, so you do not take them separately. The single awards suit you if you only assess in one setting or want to start with theory.

Can you just tell me which one to take?

Yes. Take the course quiz or call us and describe your job in two sentences. We would rather point you at the right qualification than sell you the wrong one.

What are the basic system requirements?

Our current LMS is a cloud-based platform, meaning it does not have strict hardware requirements for installation, but it does have specific system and network requirements for running live, interactive workshops effectively.

Devices you can use

• A PC or laptop running Windows or macOS, or a Chromebook.
• An Android tablet or smartphone.
• An Apple iPad or iPhone.
• On tablets and phones, use the Trainer Central Learner app or one of the supported browsers below.
• A PC or laptop is easier for writing assignments. For any recorded observation, you will need a smartphone or camera to film your session.

Live workshop system requirements

• Browsers: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and Microsoft Edge.
• Mobile app: a dedicated “Trainer Central” Learner app is available for on-the-go access to courses and live sessions.

Bandwidth requirements

• Minimum upload bandwidth: 2 Mbps
• Minimum download bandwidth: 4 Mbps
• Individual camera sharing: 600 kbps
• Individual screen sharing: 1 Mbps
• Receiving screen share/video: 1 Mbps
• Audio: 40 kbps

Supported content formatsThe platform supports a variety of file types for creating courses, including PDFs, Videos and Presentations. The system allows for multiple material uploads in a single session. PowerPoint slides need to be converted to a pdf file before uploading it on the LMS.

Availability and uptimeWhile TTT aims for 24/7 LMS availability, service may be suspended for necessary maintenance or updates. TTT is not liable for temporary service interruptions.

I have still not received my invitation to the online course.

Please check your Spam or Junk folder, as emails sometimes land there. To avoid missing future emails, add us to your Safe Senders list. If it is still not there, please get in touch with your IT team, as your company's IT security might have stopped our emails. Ask them to whitelist both of our portals:

• https://www.theteachertrainer.co.uk
• https://the-teacher-trainer.trainercentral.eu/

I cannot log in. What now?

Use the password reset option on the course platform first. The system will send you a one-time password (OTP), which will allow you to carry on. If that fails, contact us and we will fix the account.

My session timed out mid-assignment.

Log back in and your progress will be where you left it. For long written answers, we recommend drafting in a document and pasting in.

Do I need a teaching placement?

Not for the L3AET. The L4CET needs 30 hours with your own learners and the L5DiT needs 150 hours inside a 250-hour placement across two locations. Further details can be found within the individual course pages.

Do I need any prior qualifications?

No prior qualification is needed for the L3AET. The L3DCM needs a teaching or training qualification first, such as the L3AET or PTLLS. The L4CET and the L5DiT ask for Level 2 Maths and English. For every course you need to be comfortable writing in English. You will need a subject specialism for the L3 Assessor courses and the L4 IQA courses.

Can I use work from an earlier course?

Often, yes, if it still meets today's criteria. Tell us what you have before you enrol and we will check it. See our Recognition of Prior Learning Policy.

Is there an age limit?

Most of our courses are for learners aged 19 or over. The L5DiT and L3DCM accept 18 and over. There is no upper limit.

Can I study from outside the UK?

Yes. The qualifications are UK regulated and recognised internationally. All you would need is a device (a PC, laptop, tablet or a smart phone) with an internet connection. Where observed practice is required, you will need to arrange your own learners.

Can I pay in instalments?

Yes, through PayPal. You can pay in full, split the cost into three interest-free payments or pay in 30 days at no extra cost. Employers are invoiced and pay by Bank Transfer.

Is there anything to pay on top?

No. The fee covers registration, all units, marking, free resubmissions and your digital certificate. 20% VAT is included in the price shown.

Do international learners pay VAT?

No. If you are paying from outside the UK, no VAT is added. Request an invoice and pay by Bank Transfer. For all payments made from within the UK, prices include 20% VAT.

Can my employer be invoiced?

Yes. Request an invoice and we enrol you on receipt of a purchase order. Employers pay by Bank Transfer.

Can I upgrade from an Award later?

Yes, within 12 months, and what you paid is credited. The L3AUPPA credits £120 against the L3AACWE, L3AAVRA or L3CAVA. The L3AACWE or L3AAVRA credits £360 against the L3CAVA. The L4AUIQAAPP credits £240 against the L4AIQAAPP or L4CLIQAAPP. The L4AIQAAPP credits £600 against the L4CLIQAAPP.

What is the money-back guarantee?

Enrol, start Unit 1, read the material, watch the videos and look at the assessments. If it is not for you, tell us within 14 days and we refund you. No questions asked. Only PayPal’s processing charge is deducted.

Can I transfer to a different course?

If you realise early that you picked the wrong qualification, tell us. We would rather move you than have you struggle on the wrong course.

Can I pass my place to someone else?

Yes. A transfer or substitution is £50 + VAT. Just ask us.

What if I run out of time?

Extend 30 days at a time for an Extension fee of £125 + VAT. Your progress is kept for up to a year after your 365 days end, provided we have not moved to a new learning platform in that time. Nothing is deleted at the 365-day mark without us speaking to you first.

How long do I have to finish?

You get 365 days of access and there is no penalty for using all of it. Most part-time learners finish in a few weeks or months. If you need longer, extend 30 days at a time for £125 + VAT. If your 365 days run out, your progress is kept for up to a year after that date, provided we have not moved to a new learning platform in the meantime.

Are there live lessons or fixed start dates?

There are no fixed start dates. Courses are self-paced and you start as soon as you enrol, usually within 10 to 15 minutes on a weekday between 9 am and 5 pm. Weekend and public holiday bookings get their invitation by the next working day. We also run live lessons and webinars regularly throughout the year and we will let you know when each one is coming up.

Can I study around shift work?

Yes. The online course and all the materials are available whenever you are logged in. Tutor support runs Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.

Are there exams?

Only the L3DCM course has one: a short online multiple-choice test (20 correct answers out of 30 to pass, resit £100 including VAT). Every other course is exam free. Assessment is written work against the unit criteria, plus observed practice where the qualification requires it.

How quickly is my work marked?

We aim to mark your work within 24 to 72 hours on working days (weekends and public holidays are not counted), with written feedback rather than a bare grade. We are all human and we do our best to keep to 72 hours. If we expect a delay, we will get in touch and let you know.

What happens if I do not pass first time?

You get specific notes on what to add. Each theory assessment includes two free resubmissions and each practical assessment includes one, at no extra cost. The micro-teach allows one resubmission. Being asked to resubmit is normal and is not a fail.

How does the micro-teach work?

A minimum of fifteen minutes of teaching to two or more learners aged 14 or over, recorded or observed by a tutor, submitted with your session plan and a short reflection. The micro-teach allows one resubmission, so we kindly suggest checking your recording, plan and reflection carefully before you send them. Your tutor is always happy to look over your plan first. There is a full guide in our article How the micro-teach works.

Do I get my own tutor?

Yes. A named tutor marks your work and answers your questions by email, telephone and live support throughout the course.

When can I reach support?

Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. We reply to emails within 24 hours. Weekends and public holidays are the exception. If your deadline is inside 48 hours, call us so we can prioritise it.

Can I get extra help with writing?

Tell us what you need. Reasonable adjustments are part of how a regulated centre has to operate and we would rather know at the start than at the end.

Who awards my digital certificate?

An Ofqual-regulated Awarding Organisation, not us. Depending on the course that is Y Awards (previously YMCA Awards), Focus Awards or Highfield Qualifications. We are the approved centre that delivers and assesses it.

Are your qualifications recognised?

Yes. Every course leads to an Ofqual-regulated qualification on the RQF, accepted by employers across the UK. Each course page links to its entry on the Ofqual Register (GOV.UK).

How long does the digital certificate take to arrive?

We claim it as soon as your final unit is signed off. The Awarding Organisation issues it directly, normally within 2-3 weeks.

Can I order a physical certificate?

Yes. You can order a printed certificate for £45 + 20% VAT. Please allow up to two extra weeks for it to arrive.

What if I lose my digital certificate?

Let us know and we will reissue it or email you a digital copy, free of charge, within a year of it being issued.

Does the digital certificate expire?

No. Regulated qualifications do not expire. Some employers ask for evidence of continuing professional development on top.

Can I get a reference afterwards?

Yes. Once you complete, we are happy to provide a reference for your next application.

Can you train a whole team at our site?

Yes, from 6 learners upwards on any of our eleven qualifications. We deliver the taught part at your venue and learners finish online. See the corporate page.

Do you offer group rates?

Yes, and there are two separate options. Online bookings made through the checkout get 5% off for 3 to 4 bookings and 10% off for 5 or more, with no minimum number of seats. Booking six or more online is still an online booking and uses these discounts. On-site training, where our trainers come to your venue, needs a minimum of 6 learners and is quoted separately, because the price depends on travel distance, hotel costs, the dates you want and the number of seats booked. If you are interested in on-site training, please see our corporate booking page.

Can we see how our staff are progressing?

Yes. We can create a login for you as a moderator/monitor. With it, you will be able to see each delegate's progress, who has submitted what, who has passed and who needs chasing – for every delegate you have booked with us.