If you are looking to become a teacher in the UK, you will likely come across two very different routes:
The Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET) and the PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education).
At first glance, they both seem to lead to teaching.
In reality, they lead to completely different careers.
Choosing the wrong one can cost you time, money, and delay your progress unnecessarily. Choosing the right one can get you started much faster and in a way that fits your goals.
This guide explains the difference clearly so you can decide which route is right for you.
The Key Difference Comes Down to Where You Want to Teach
The most important factor is not the qualification itself.
It is where you want to teach.
If you want to teach in schools, particularly primary or secondary education, the PGCE is the standard route.
If you want to teach adults, deliver workplace training, or work in further education or private training, the AET is the starting point.
Once you understand this distinction, the decision becomes much simpler.
What Is the AET?
The Level 3 Award in Education and Training is the entry-level qualification for teaching adults in the UK.
It allows you to deliver training in workplaces, private training providers, and adult education settings.
The AET focuses on practical teaching skills such as planning sessions, delivering training, and assessing learners.
It is designed to be flexible, meaning you can study online at your own pace or attend live sessions over Zoom.
A PGCE is a postgraduate qualification designed for those who want to teach in schools.
It usually requires a degree as an entry requirement and involves a structured programme that includes academic study and teaching placements.
The PGCE is more formal, more time-intensive, and typically takes a year full-time to complete.
It is the correct route if your goal is to teach children within the school system.
Time Commitment – AET vs PGCE
One of the biggest differences between the two routes is how long they take.
The AET can be completed in a matter of weeks, depending on how you choose to study. It is designed to fit around work and existing commitments.
The PGCE is a full academic programme, often requiring a year of full-time study, along with placements and ongoing assessments.
If speed and flexibility are important, the AET is significantly more accessible.
Entry Requirements
The AET has minimal entry requirements. You do not need a degree, and you can start based on your existing experience.
The PGCE requires a degree and often additional criteria depending on the subject and institution.
This makes the AET a far more accessible route for those who want to move into teaching without returning to full-time education.
Career Outcomes – Very Different Paths
The outcomes of each qualification are not interchangeable.
With a PGCE, you are working towards becoming a qualified school teacher.
With an AET, you are entering the world of adult education, workplace training, and vocational teaching.
This includes roles such as trainer, instructor, assessor, or learning and development professional.
The AET route is often more flexible and can be combined with freelance work, business opportunities, or part-time delivery.
Earning Potential and Flexibility
The PGCE typically leads to structured employment within schools, with defined salary bands and progression routes.
The AET, on the other hand, offers more varied earning potential.
You can work employed, freelance, or run your own training business. Many trainers earn on a day-rate basis, and income can increase as you build experience and expand your offering.
This flexibility is one of the main reasons many professionals choose the AET route.
Which One Is Right for You?
The decision comes down to your goals.
If you want to teach children in schools, follow a structured career path, and work within the education system, the PGCE is the correct route.
If you want to teach adults, deliver training in your industry, or build a flexible career around your expertise, the AET is the better option.
They are not competing qualifications. They serve different purposes.
Why Many People Choose the AET
For many people, the AET represents a faster and more practical way to move into teaching.
It allows you to use your existing experience, avoid long periods of study, and start delivering training much sooner.
It also creates opportunities beyond traditional employment, including freelance work and business development.
This makes it particularly attractive for those who want more control over their career.
Progression After the AET
Choosing the AET does not limit your future options.
You can progress into assessing, quality assurance, or higher-level teaching qualifications over time.
This allows you to build your career step by step, rather than committing to a long academic route from the beginning.
Start Your AET Course
If your goal is to teach adults and you want a flexible, practical route into training, the AET is the logical place to start.
