AET stands for Award in Education and Training. It is a Level 3 qualification for people who want to teach or train others. It helps learners build basic teaching skills and understand how people learn. So, what is an AET certification? It is an introductory teaching qualification for adult and post-16 education. It can suit people who deliver short courses, training sessions or workplace learning.
The qualification covers key teaching skills, learning needs and assessment methods. It also helps learners understand how to plan and deliver effective sessions. AET can support different teaching and training roles. However, it does not automatically make you a qualified school teacher.
This guide covers AET requirements, assessment and career options.
What Does AET Stand For, and What Is an AET Certification?
AET stands for Award in Education and Training. It is a Level 3 qualification for people who want to teach or train others. It mainly suits people who want to teach adults and learners aged 16 and over. The course helps learners build basic teaching skills. It can also help with lesson planning and learner support.
An AET certification shows that you have completed the Award in Education and Training qualification. AET replaced PTLLS, which means Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector. You may still see PTLLS on older websites or course pages. Both names relate to teaching and training in the lifelong learning sector.
What Does an AET Qualification Teach You?
An AET qualification helps you learn basic teaching skills. You learn about your role and how to build good relationships with learners. The AET course content also covers different ways to teach and plan lessons. You learn how to use helpful resources and speak clearly with learners.
You also learn about inclusive teaching and different learner needs. This helps you treat everyone fairly and respect their differences. The course also covers tests and feedback. You learn how to check learning and give helpful advice. It also teaches you how to create a safe and friendly place for learning.
What are the Three AET Units?
The AET qualification usually has three main units. Each unit covers an important part of teaching. The first looks at your role as a teacher. Next, you learn how to help different learners. The third explains how to check learning and give feedback. However, awarding organisations may use slightly different units.
Unit 1: Roles, Responsibilities and Relationships
Your role as a teacher or trainer is the main focus here. You learn about your duties and responsibilities. Good relationships with learners also form an important part of this unit. You also learn about professional boundaries and working with others.
Unit 2: Inclusive Learning and Teaching Approaches
Different learners may have different needs and abilities. This unit shows you how to support those needs during lessons. Suitable teaching methods can make learning easier. You also learn how to create a fair and friendly learning space.
Unit 3: Principles and Practices of Assessment
Checking learner progress is an important part of teaching. This unit introduces different ways to assess learning. You also learn how to give clear and useful feedback. Good feedback helps learners understand what they do well and where they need more help.
Who Can Take an AET Qualification?
An AET qualification can suit people who want to teach or train others. It can also help people with little or no teaching experience. The course may suit someone who wants to improve their teaching skills. For example, first aid, beauty, construction or security trainers can take AET. Health and safety trainers can also find it useful.
People who train staff at work may also choose AET. It can support those who teach job skills or short courses. However, AET does not give you subject knowledge. You still need good knowledge or work experience in the subject you want to teach. This is especially useful for people who want to teach job-based skills.
What are the AET Entry Requirements?
The AET entry requirements can differ between course providers. Some providers may ask learners to be 19 or older. They may also expect good written and spoken English. Basic reading, writing and maths skills can help you complete the course. Some online courses may also ask for basic ICT skills and access to a computer.
However, these are provider-specific requirements. Not every AET course has the same rules. One current Level 3 AET qualification has no formal entry requirements. So, always check the course details before you apply. This can help you choose a course that suits your skills and needs.
How Long Does an AET Course Take?
The AET course duration can vary from one course to another. Some learners may finish quickly while others may need more time. The course format and study time can affect the length. Assessment work can also change the total time needed. So, how long does AET take? It depends on the course and your pace.
- 48 Guided Learning Hours: Current AET awards can include 48 hours of guided study.
- 120 Total Qualification Time: This includes guided study and other learning work.
- 3-day courses: Some providers offer intensive courses over three days.
- 4 to 8 weeks: Other providers suggest this time for completing the course.
- Online courses: Some online courses give learners much longer to finish.
- Study pace: Your available time and assessment work can affect completion time.
How is the AET Qualification Assessed?
The AET assessment checks your teaching knowledge and skills. You may complete written assignments and show your teaching skills in practice. Some courses may also ask for portfolio work. The exact assessment can vary between providers and awarding organisations.
Some providers require three written assignments, each around 1,000 to 1,500 words. You may also complete a 15-minute micro-teach and receive tutor feedback. A teaching observation may form part of the assessment too. These tasks check your planning, teaching skills and understanding.
What is the AET Micro Teach?
An AET micro teach is a short teaching session. You choose a simple topic and plan a small lesson. Then, you teach the topic to a small group. The group may include your classmates or other learners. A tutor may watch your session and check how you explain the topic. You may also get feedback after the session.
The topic can be something simple, such as making a cup of tea, wiring a plug or applying a bandage. The session length can differ between providers. Some may use 15 minutes while others may allow 30 to 60 minutes. So, check your course rules before preparing your session.
What Can You Do With an AET Certificate?
The qualification can help you start teaching or training adults and learners aged 16 and over. It can support work in adult education, further education, private training and workplace training. You can also use it for short courses and vocational training.
Training areas may include first aid, health and safety, beauty and construction. However, AET does not guarantee a teaching job. Some employers may ask for subject knowledge, work experience or a higher teaching qualification. So, check the job requirements before applying.
Can You Teach in Schools With AET?
AET alone does not give you QTS. It gives you basic skills for teaching and training. AET can help people who want to teach adults or older learners. However, it does not qualify you to teach primary or secondary pupils in schools. The route you need depends on the type of teaching you want to do.
- AET: An entry-level teaching qualification that builds basic teaching skills.
- QTS: Qualified Teacher Status, which is normally needed to teach in maintained schools in England.
- School teaching: AET alone does not qualify you to teach primary or secondary pupils.
- FE teaching: AET can support people who want to teach adults or learners aged 16 and over.
- Higher qualifications: People who want a full FE teaching career may need a higher-level teaching qualification.
- Level 5 route: Current DfE guidance identifies Level 5 as the standard full FE teaching route.
What Comes After AET?
After completing Level 3 AET, you can choose your next step based on your career goal. AET gives you basic teaching skills, but you may want a higher teaching qualification as your experience grows. Some people have followed the Level 4 CET or a Level 5 teaching qualification route.
In 2026, the DfE uses the Diploma in Teaching (Further Education and Skills) framework. This replaces the older Diploma in Education and Training (DET) framework in England. The Level 5 route provides the recognised full teaching pathway in FE. Some teachers may then work towards QTLS as part of their professional development.
Is AET Equivalent to an A-Level?
The AET qualification and an A Level both sit at Level 3. This means they have a similar place within the UK qualification framework. However, an AET equivalent is not the same as saying AET and an A Level are the same qualification. The main difference is their purpose and content.Â
An A Level gives broad subject-based knowledge and is often used for further study. Level 3 AET focuses on teaching and training skills. So, being at the same level does not make them the same. In simple terms, A Level equivalent refers to level, not the purpose of the qualification.
Is AET Worth it for a Teaching Career?
AET can be useful if you want to explore teaching or build basic teaching skills. It may suit people who already have good subject knowledge and want to deliver short courses. It can also be a useful first step before moving on to higher teaching training.
However, AET is not the full teaching qualification for an FE career. You may need further training as your career develops. The DfE identifies the Level 5 Diploma in Teaching as the industry-standard full FE teaching qualification. So, AET can be a useful starting point, but it may not be enough for a long-term FE teaching career.
How Much Does an AET Course Cost?
The AET course cost can vary between providers. There is no single price for every AET course. The course type, support and study method can affect the total cost. Current course examples show prices from around £199 to £300 or more. These prices are examples only and should not be treated as national prices.
- CTC: £199 sale price, with a previous price of £225.
- National Training GB: Around £225 online or £275 for classroom study.
- Get Licensed: Courses start from £300, including VAT.
- Study method: Online courses may cost less than classroom courses.
- Course support: Tutor and assessment support can affect the price.
- Other factors: Location, course length and awarding organisation may also change the cost.
What are the Benefits and Limits of AET?
AET has several benefits for people who are new to teaching. It is a Level 3 teaching qualification that builds basic teaching skills. You learn about inclusive teaching, assessment and supporting learners. It can also support teaching and training for post-16 learners. The qualification may give you options to progress to higher teaching qualifications.
However, AET has some limits. It does not give you QTS or make you a fully qualified FE teacher. Some employers may ask for more qualifications or experience. You also need good subject knowledge for your teaching area. Requirements can vary by role. AET can provide a useful starting point, but your career goal should guide your next qualification.
Final Thoughts
So, what is an AET certification? It is a Level 3 teaching qualification that gives learners basic teaching and training skills. It mainly supports people who want to teach adults and post-16 learners. AET can be a useful starting point for a teaching career. However, your career goals may require higher teaching qualifications as you gain more experience.Â
Ready to become a teacher or trainer? Our AET Course can help you build the right skills and take your first step into teaching.Â
FAQs about What is an AET Certification
1. What is an AET qualification?
- An AET qualification is a Level 3 Award in Education and Training. It gives you basic skills for teaching and training adults and post-16 learners.
2. How long does an AET course take?
- The time can vary by course and provider. Some courses take a few days while others may take several weeks to complete.
3. Is an AET a full teaching qualification?
- No, AET is not a full teaching qualification. It gives you an introduction to teaching and can be a starting point for further training.
4. How much is an AET course?
- The cost can vary between providers and course types. Current examples range from about £199 to £300 or more.
5. Can I complete the AET teaching qualification online?
- Yes, many providers offer AET courses online. You can study from home, but check how the provider handles teaching practice and assessments.
6. Will a Level 3 AET course qualify me?
- A Level 3 AET course gives you a recognised teaching qualification at Level 3. However, it does not give you QTS or make you a fully qualified FE teacher.