Which UK Teaching Qualification is Right for You – AET, CET, or Level 5 Diploma?
- December 25, 2025
- HHF Training
In today’s dynamic educational landscape, the demand for qualified educators is ever-increasing. Aspiring teachers are seeking flexible, UK-accredited online courses to achieve teaching certification. At HHF Training Ltd, we offer a structured progression through three core qualifications:
⇒ Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET)
⇒ Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training (CET)
⇒ Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (DiT)
Each course is regulated by OFQUAL and designed to meet national teaching standards. This blog will help you understand each qualification, its entry requirements, and determine the best fit for your career aspirations.
Level 3 AET: The First Step Into Teaching
The Award in Education and Training (AET) serves as an entry-level qualification for individuals entering the lifelong learning sector.
Ideal for: Beginners, trainers, support staff, career changers
Entry Requirements: No prior teaching experience required
Delivery: 100% online with dedicated tutor support
Outcome: Qualifies you to teach or train under supervision
Common career paths post-AET include:
⇒ Teaching assistants
⇒ Corporate trainers
⇒ Workshop or skills instructors
Level 4 CET: Building Professional Competence
The Certificate in Education and Training (CET) is tailored for individuals already engaged in educational or training roles who wish to deepen their teaching expertise.
Ideal for: Practising teachers, trainers, instructors
Entry Requirements: Teaching practice hours and access to learners
Delivery: Online, incorporating lesson observations and assessments
Outcome: Enables independent teaching and progression towards QTLS
Learners at this stage often subsequently pursue QTLS (Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills) status.
Level 5 DiT: A Full Teaching Qualification
The qualification is designed for learners who are working or intend to work as teachers in the Further Education (FE) and Skills sector.
It aligns with occupational standards for FE teachers and is not intended for school-based teaching roles. The Diploma in Teaching (Level 5) is a comprehensive qualification that aligns with full teaching responsibilities and provides a direct route to QTLS.
Credit Value: 120 credits
Guided Learning Hours (GLH): 400
Total Qualification Time (TQT): 1200 hours
Learner Entry Requirements
Learners must meet the following requirements on entry:
Maths and English:
- Achieved Level 2 in Maths and English at the start of the programme.
Subject Knowledge:
- Be well-qualified or experienced in their specialist subject area.
Skills Profile:
- High level of literacy, numeracy, and technological awareness.
Teaching Experience:
- Applicants do not need prior teaching experience, but centres must ensure sufficient opportunities for teaching practice and mentoring support.
Subject Qualification Expectations:
- Typically qualified at least one level above the level they teach.
- Technical/vocational teachers may hold Level 4–5 professional qualifications plus substantial industry experience.
- Academic subject teachers are usually qualified to degree level (at the provider’s discretion).
Practical Teaching Practice Requirements
This qualification has mandatory practical delivery requirements:
Minimum Placement Hours: 250 hours
- Teaching Practice: Minimum 150 hours
- At least 100 hours in the trainee’s subject area
- Remote Teaching:
- Minimum 20 hours live remote delivery
- Minimum 80 hours of face-to-face delivery
Multiple Settings:
- Experience in at least two teaching locations
- Second placement: minimum 20 hours (may include professional practice)
Professional Practice Activities include:
- Planning
- Team meetings
- Assessments
- Observations
- CPD activities
Observations and Assessment of Practice
Minimum of 10 formal observations
Observations must be:
- At least 45 minutes
- Mostly face-to-face (maximum two may be live remote)
- Developmental initially, moving to summative
- Teaching groups normally include at least 10 learners
- Recorded sessions cannot be used for formal assessment
Final Assessment Requirements
- Completion of all units and practice hours
- Submission of a professional practice portfolio
- Final 30-minute professional discussion conducted:
⇒ In person
⇒ By two qualified FE teachers (provider + placement)
- The final decision confirms whether the trainee meets the occupational standard
This qualification is equivalent to the former DTLLS and is widely respected across the UK and internationally.
Progressing to QTLS After Level 5 Diploma
Achieving the Level 5 Diploma in Teaching opens the pathway to obtaining the Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status. QTLS is a professional status recognised in the education sector, allowing you to teach in various settings, including schools and colleges.
Benefits of QTLS:
– Recognition as a fully qualified teacher in the Further Education and Skills sector
– Eligibility to teach in schools on the same terms as those with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
– Enhanced career prospects and potential for salary advancement
– Demonstrated commitment to professional development and teaching excellence
Requirements for QTLS Application:
1. Membership with the Society for Education and Training (SET)
2. Employment in a Relevant Teaching Role
3. Minimum 230 hours of teaching over six months
4. Qualified Supporter to endorse your application
5. Educational Qualifications, including:
⇒ Level 5 teaching qualification (e.g., DiT)
⇒ Level 2 English and Maths
⇒ Level 3 subject-specific qualification
Application Process:
– Register and pay the application fee
– Complete the application portfolio with required evidence
– Undergo Professional Formation through SET
For detailed guidance, visit: https://set.et-foundation.co.uk/your-career/qtls
Which Course Is Right for You?
New to teaching? → Start with AET
Already teaching? → Enrol in CET
Aiming for QTLS and a comprehensive teaching career? → Pursue Level 5 DiT
At HHF Training, we provide expert tutor support, flexible scheduling, and affordable payment plans to support you at every stage of your teaching journey.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the proper teaching qualification is pivotal to your career in education. Whether you’re just beginning or seeking to formalise your teaching credentials through QTLS, HHF Training offers pathways that align with your professional goals.
To learn more or speak with a course advisor, visit www.hhftraining.co.uk or WhatsApp us at +44 7360503959.