Posted by: CTC Training
So, you want to teach in the adult sector but don’t know where to start? Perhaps you’ve tried to Google which qualifications you need, but all the acronyms are getting you confused? We understand there’s a lot of information out there, which is why we’ve put it all together in this handy, easy-to-read guide.
By the end of this article, you’ll know about each of the various teaching qualifications, including what they are, what they are needed for and, most importantly, which are right for you.
Which teaching qualifications are still active?
The first thing to understand is that despite there being six acronyms for teaching or training qualifications, only three are still active.
That’s because the original three teaching qualifications: PTLLS, CTLLS and DTLLS have been replaced by AET, CET and DET, respectively.
These are:
- Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET)
- Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training (CET)
- Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (DIT)
Each of the new qualifications is broadly similar to the course that it replaced. Small updates to the qualification structure and criteria have been made to refresh and modernise the content.
The regulatory bodies decided to update the names of each of the teaching qualifications to make them easier to understand. Ironically, this has led to a lot of confusion, as many of the original acronyms are still used today.
Ultimately, any mention of PTLLS, CTLLS or DTLLS will be referring to AET, CET or DIT respectively.
So which qualifications do I need for teacher training?
That depends on your aims.
If your goal is to train in the adult sector or teach part time in a college setting, you will need a minimum of a Level-4 Certificate in Education and Teaching (CET).
If you wish to teach in the adult education sector, you should have a Level-5 Diploma in Teaching (DIT). While you can teach/train with a level-3 award, the level-5 diploma is more appropriate for full-time positions in college.
You may also be interested in applying for a QTLS, which you can apply for with a Level-5 Diploma in Teaching (DIT).
Got it? Good. Now let’s discuss what the AET, CET and DIT qualifications are.
What is the AET qualification?
AET stands for Award in Education and Training. This is a level-3 qualification and is the first step towards a teaching role.
A foundation award, the AET is designed for learners with no prior experience of training or teaching. It is designed to be an introductory qualification to the adult education sector, giving you a beginners look into teaching and what it involves.
Earning an AET is a must for any beginner. If you wish to progress onto a level-4 course, you can skip the first unit if you have already completed your level-3 award.
What does the course involve?
The course covers all the fundamental skills required for being a successful teacher. More than just teaching tips, this course covers important topics such as health and safety and equal opportunities.
There are three units within this course:
UNIT NO: 1 — Understanding the Roles, Responsibilities and Relationships in Education and Training
This introductory unit helps you to understand the introduction of teaching including health and safety, equal opportunities and the other professionals you may have to work with.
UNIT NO: 2 — Understanding and using inclusive learning and teaching approaches in education and training.
This unit helps you to understand how people learn, the ways in which people communicate and how to use a range of different teaching methods and resources to help you meet your learners’ individual needs.
UNIT NO: 3 — Understanding the principles and practices of assessment.
This unit identifies what assessment is and how to deliver excellent assessment practice. The unit is ideal for anybody with an interest in assessing workplace achievement or those delivering regulated qualifications and awards.
What does this qualification allow me to do?
The level-3 qualification provides the foundation for progressing onto a more advanced course.
What are the entry requirements for this course?
If you wish to enrol on this course, you’ll need to have a good standard of written and spoken english and be at least 19 years old.
What is the cost of this course?
£225 inc. VAT — or £45 inc. VAT / month for 5 months
What is the CET qualification?
The CET qualification is the second step towards teaching in post-16 education. It is a nationally-recognised qualification that enhances your teaching skills and knowledge.
While you can enrol on this course without being on a placement, You are required to be observed in a classroom to obtain your qualification. Most candidates choose to wait until they are in a placement before enrolling on the course.
What does the course involve?
The CET builds upon the fundamental skills taught in the level-3 course.
There are six units within this course:
UNIT NO: 1 — Understand roles, responsibilities and relationships in education and training.
UNIT NO: 2 — Planning to meet the needs of learners in education and training
UNIT NO: 3 — Delivering education and training
UNIT NO: 4 — Assessing learners in education and training
UNIT NO: 5 — Using resources for education and training
UNIT NO: 6 — Developing, using and organising resources in a specialist area.
What does this qualification allow me to do?
This qualification is usually used as a springboard toward the level-5 diploma. However, if you don’t wish to take the level-5 course, a CET qualification is enough to deliver teaching/training in a range of settings.
What are the entry requirements for this course?
If you wish to enrol on this course, you’ll need to have a good standard of written and spoken english and be at least 19 years old.
What is the cost of this course?
You can currently enrol on this course at a discounted price with CTC Training. £495 inc. VAT — or £99 inc. VAT / month for 5 months
What is the DIT qualification?
The Diploma in Teaching (DIT) is a recognised teaching qualification for the post-16 sector. While you can technically become a post-16 teacher without a diploma, you will be at a great advantage if you have earned one. It is also one of the qualifications that allows you to apply for a QTLS, which is an esteemed badge of professionalism in post-14 education.
What does the course involve?
The course can take 1-2 years to complete and a time input of approximately 1200 hours during enrolment. The course also requires a minimum of 100 hours of teaching practice and to be observed 8 times in the classroom.
Most applicants will have completed levels 3 and 4 before enrolling on the level-5 course. However, this is not mandatory. You can enrol straight onto the level 5 course if you have the relevant academic skills to write assignments at degree level, are in a teaching role and can commit to the 100 hours of teaching practice required.
There are seven units within this course:
UNIT NO: 1 — Developing teaching, learning and assessment in education and training
UNIT NO: 2 — Teaching, learning and assessment in education and training
UNIT NO: 3 — Theories, principles and models in education & training
UNIT NO: 4 — Wider professional practice and development in education and training
UNIT NO: 5 — Developing, using and organising resources in a specialist area
UNIT NO: 6 — Inclusive practice
UNIT NO: 7 — Teaching in a specialist area
What does this qualification allow me to do?
The Diploma in Teaching (DIT) provides you with all the skills you need to become a teacher in post-16 education. It also allows you to apply for Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status.
What are the entry requirements for this course?
Learners must be:
- Aged 19 and above
- Have adequate reading and communication skills
- Not have a criminal background which prevents them from working with young people or vulnerable adults
- Hold a relevant qualification at a level above that of their learners; ideally at least Level 3 in their area of specialism
- Have a basic grasp of literacy, language, numeracy and ICT
What is the cost of this course?
You can currently enrol on this course at a discounted price with CTC Training. £980 inc. VAT — or £98 inc. VAT / month for 10 months
Where to enrol
The CET, AET & DIT courses are all available online at CTC Training.
CTC Training offers distanced online learning for you to complete at your leisure. Perfect for those with a busy schedule, CTC Training allows you to learn at a time that suits you, whether that’s six in the morning at eight at night. Simply enrol on one of our courses and you’ll gain access to the 24/7 student portal where you can view course content and upload assessments at your leisure.
AET and DET are currently being offered by CTC Training at a discounted rate. Enrol now and you’ll receive all the great benefits of a CTC Training course at a reduced cost. You’ll get 24/7 access to the student portal and be assigned your own personal tutor to help you with the process.
Enrol on a course today to unlock your potential.
About CTC Training
CTC Training provides professional development and education courses for businesses and individual learners. They are market leaders in online learning. CTC Training's wide range of courses offer valuable qualifications in areas such as education, assessment and vocational training.
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