What Is a Level 3 Award in Education and Training?

5. What is a Level 3 award in education and training? It is an entry-level course that helps you build basic skills to teach or train others.

If you want to understand your teaching steps, gain confidence, or start a new career, you need to know this award. You also need to know what it covers and how it can help you grow. It covers simple lesson planning, inclusive learning, and basic assessment. However, it does not give you Qualified Teacher Status or make you a full school teacher.

Let’s break it all down.

What Is a Level 3 Award in Education and Training?

The Level 3 Award in Education and Training is a simple starting course for people who want to teach adults. It helps you learn the basic skills you need to guide and train other learners.

This course is about how to teach, rather than what subject you teach. Because of this, it is great for workplace trainers or teachers in adult colleges. The name has two parts. First, Level 3 shows how hard the course is in the UK school system. Second, Award means it is a short course, so it takes less time than a Certificate or Diploma.

Most Level 3 Award courses follow these simple numbers:

Question	Answer
Course level	Level 3
Type of course	Award (short course)
Main topic	Education and training
Main goal	First step into teaching
Credits	12 credits
Teacher time	48 hours with a tutor
Total study time	120 hours in total

Different colleges might run the course in slightly different ways. However, they all cover the same basic ideas. 

What Does the Level 3 Award in Education and Training Cover?

The Level 3 Award in Education and Training units can vary between awarding organisations. However, many versions cover similar teaching and training skills.

Let’s explore some points to get to the point:

Understanding Teaching Roles and Responsibilities

You learn about the role of a teacher or trainer and the responsibilities that come with it.

This can include:

• Working with learners
• Working with other staff
• Professional behaviour
• Teacher responsibilities
• Professional boundaries
• Education policies
• Safe working practices

You also learn why teachers need clear and respectful relationships with learners. This gives you a stronger understanding of what good teaching involves before you start delivering learning yourself.

Creating Inclusive Learning

Good teaching should help different learners take part and make progress. Therefore, inclusive learning often forms an important part of the qualification.

You may study:

Planning and Delivering Teaching

Planning helps teachers give learners a clear and useful learning experience.

You’re going to learn how to:

• Set learning aims.
• Plan a teaching session.
• Choose suitable teaching methods.
• Select useful resources.
• Deliver learning.
• Communicate clearly.
• Review the session.
• Identify areas for improvement.

What Does Assessment Involve?

Assessment helps teachers understand what learners know, understand and can do.

The qualification would cover:

• Reasons for assessment
• Assessment methods
• Planning assessment
• Giving useful feedback
• Supporting learner progress
• Fair assessment
• Effective assessment practices

You learn that assessment does more than produce marks. It can also show where a learner needs more help. Some versions of the qualification also include units that focus on the principles and practices of assessment.

Who Can Take a Level 3 Award in Education and Training?

The qualification can suit a wide range of people who want to teach or train others, such as:

• People starting a teaching career
• New tutors and trainers
• Workplace trainers
• Adult education tutors
• People working in further education
• Assessors who want teaching skills
• Community education workers
• Independent trainers
• People who teach adults
• People moving into education from another career

However, your career goal matters. A person who wants to train adults at work may need a different route from someone who wants to teach children in a school.

What Is a Level 3 Award in Education and Training Requirements?

The Level 3 Award in Education and Training requirements can differ between providers and awarding organisations. Many courses do not ask for previous teaching experience. This makes the qualification useful for people who want to enter teaching or training.

However, providers may set their own entry rules. These can include:

• A minimum age
• Suitable English skills
• Good communication skills
• Basic study skills
• Access to a suitable teaching setting
• Teaching practice, depending on the qualification

For example, current NOCN information lists a minimum age of 19 for its qualification. Other versions can have different requirements. Therefore, do not assume that every AET Level 3 course has the same entry rules. And another thing is, before you enrol, check the exact qualification specification and provider requirements.

How Is the Level 3 Award in Education and Training Assessed?

The assessment can vary between awarding organisations. Depending on the qualification, assessment may include:

• Written assignments
• Questions linked to learning outcomes
• Practical teaching tasks
• Teaching observations
• Portfolio evidence
• Tutor feedback

Some qualifications require you to show your teaching skills through observation. Others may use different assessment methods. For example, AIM states that its version includes observation and assessment of performance. The provider may also carry out internal quality checks. These checks help make sure the assessment meets the qualification requirements. So, always ask the provider how they assess the course before you enrol.

How Long Does a Level 3 Award in Education and Training Take?

There is no single course length for every Level 3 Award in Education and Training. However, a common current structure includes:

• 48 guided learning hours
• 120 total qualification time
• 12 credits

Guided learning hours cover time spent learning with support or direction. Total qualification time can include guided learning plus other study and assessment work. For example, you may need to spend additional time reading, completing assignments, and preparing evidence.

Course length can also change depending on the study format.

You will find:

• Online courses
• Classroom courses
• Blended courses
• Part-time courses
• Self-paced options

Some learners finish faster because they study regularly. Others take longer because they study around work or family commitments. Therefore, check the provider’s timetable rather than relying only on the number of guided learning hours.

What Jobs Can You Get With a Level 3 Award in Education and Training?

Typically, you will likely get these types of jobs:

• Tutor
• Adult education tutor
• Workplace trainer
• Skills trainer
• Learning support role
• Training assistant
• Community education worker

However, the qualification does not guarantee a job. Employers can set their own requirements. They may also ask for subject knowledge, work experience, safeguarding training, or another qualification. For example, an employer may accept the award for an adult training role but ask for a different qualification for a specialist subject.

Is Level 3 AET the Same as a Teaching Qualification?

Yes, the AET Level 3 is a teaching and training qualification. However, it does not have the same purpose as a school teacher training route. The qualification introduces you to teaching practice. It can help you develop knowledge in planning, delivery, assessment and learner support.

However, it does not give you Qualified Teacher Status. If you want to teach in a school, you need a different route. This could involve a degree and teacher training, depending on your situation and the school teaching role you want.

Further education and adult learning can have different entry rules. Therefore, think of AET Level 3 as an introductory Level 3 teaching qualification UK learners can use to build teaching and training skills, rather than a replacement for every teacher training route.

Is PTLLS the Same as AET Level 3?

PTLLS stands for Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector. You can still see PTLLS when searching for teaching qualifications online. However, it belongs to the older qualification framework.

On the other hand, the Award in Education and Training replaced PTLLS as the current introductory qualification in this area. That explains why older websites may mention PTLLS while newer providers use AET. If you are looking for a current qualification, check the full qualification title, awarding organisation and regulation status. Do not choose a course simply because it says PTLLS or AET. Check the exact qualification details first.

What Can You Do After a Level 3 Award in Education and Training?

Can take several directions. Here are some possible routes:

Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training

A Level 4 Certificate can provide more advanced teaching knowledge and skills. It can suit learners who want to develop their teaching career further.

Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training

A Level 5 Diploma can offer deeper study and may support longer-term teaching and training goals. The right route depends on your environment, role and career plans.

Assessment Qualifications

If you enjoy assessment, you may choose a qualification focused on assessing learners. You can also develop specialist teaching skills in areas such as:

• Adult education
• Workplace training
• Vocational learning
• Learning support
• Assessment
• Subject-specific teaching

AIM lists progression routes that include Level 4, Level 5 and assessor or verifier qualifications.

How Much Does a Level 3 Award in Education and Training Cost?

There is no single national price for the Level 3 Award in Education and Training cost. However, course fees vary between providers. The price can depend on:

• Awarding organisation
• Course format
• Tutor support
• Assessment
• Registration fees
• Certification
• Course length
• Teaching observation
• Learning resources

For example, one online provider may include registration and certification in the advertised price, while another may charge these separately. So, do not compare course prices alone.

Before paying, check whether the fee includes:

• Qualification registration
• Assessment
• Tutor support
• Certificate
• Resubmissions
• Learning materials

Where Can You Study the Level 3 AET Course?

Wanna exited to get your skills and experience into a real teaching qualification? There are several trusted providers waiting to help you get started:

• Russbridge Academy (Best overall option): Highly rated by learners, offering flexible study choices through online, Zoom or traditional classroom settings.
• Learn More Academy (Best for varied learning options): Provides flexible study routes through live Zoom sessions and nationwide classroom locations. 
• Canary Wharf Academy (Best for budget and flexibility): Offers accessible study routes across online, Zoom and classroom environments.
• School of Health Care (Best for fully online study): Provides a 100% online Level 3 AET with tutor support, flexible pacing, and online assessments.

Final Thoughts on Level 3 AET?

So, what is a Level 3 Award in Education and Training? It is a simple and clear course that helps you build basic skills to teach or train others. Like, you learn about teaching roles, planning lessons, inclusive learning, and basic assessment. Beginners or people changing careers can use it to gain confidence and start a new path in adult education or workplace training. However, remember that it does not make you a full school teacher or give you Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Following that, think about your career goals to see if this qualification fits your needs. It works well for new tutors, workplace trainers, and adult educators who want an easy entry point into teaching. Choosing this course gives you useful knowledge and helps you decide if you want to study higher qualifications later. Last but not least, check the course details, pick a good provider, and take your first step. With the right effort, you can build a strong start toward a rewarding teaching and training career.

FAQs

1. What can I do with a Level 3 Award in Education and Training?

• A Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET) qualifies you to teach, train, or present to adults in FE colleges, community centres, or workplace environments. It provides foundational skills in lesson planning, inclusive learning, and basic assessment.

2. What is a Level 3 Award equivalent to?

• A Level 3 Award is equivalent to UK A-Levels or an NVQ Level 3 in terms of academic difficulty. However, as an “Award,” it carries fewer total credits and takes less time to complete than a full Certificate or Diploma.

3. How much is a Level 3 Award in Education and Training?

• The course usually costs between £199 and £450, depending on the training provider, course structure (online vs. classroom), and included tutor support or certification fees. Always check if registration fees are included.

4. How much does a Level 3 get paid?

• Salaries vary by role. Entry-level trainers or FE tutors earn around £20,000 to £28,000 annually. Level 3 Teaching Assistants earn a Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) salary of approximately £23,000 to £28,500.

5. How long does it take to get a Level 3 teaching qualification?

• It requires around 120 Total Qualification Time (TQT) hours, including 48 Guided Learning Hours. Depending on whether you choose a fast-track or self-paced option, it takes anywhere from 1 to 3 months.

6. Can I be a teaching assistant with a Level 3?

• Yes, but while an AET focuses on adult training, employers highly value its lesson planning and assessment skills. For primary or secondary schools, a Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning is typically preferred.

7. What is the lowest degree to become a teacher?

• You need a Bachelor’s degree (Level 6) to achieve Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) for UK state schools. However, no degree is required to teach further or adult education with an AET or Level 5 Diploma.

8. How hard is a Level 3 qualification?

• It matches the difficulty of A-Levels, making it accessible to beginners. It requires no prior teaching experience and focuses on foundational practical concepts, written assignments, and a short microteaching session.