If you’re looking to become a trainer in the UK, the Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET) is the recognised starting point.
It allows you to teach adults in workplaces, training providers, and private courses — without needing a degree or years of study.
You can study fully online at your own pace or join live sessions over Zoom, depending on how you prefer to learn.
If you’re still exploring whether this is the right qualification, you can also read:






If you deliver CPD sessions or structured early years training within nursery settings, AET strengthens professional teaching practice.

If you deliver internal training sessions such as safeguarding, medication awareness or care certificate training, AET supports structured adult learning delivery within regulated care settings.

If you deliver structured workshops, academy training or theory sessions in hair and beauty, AET strengthens your lesson planning, learner engagement and professional delivery skills.

The Level 3 Award in Education and Training provides the foundation needed to plan and deliver structured learning across areas in health and safety training such as manual handling, risk assessment and workplace safety.

Many construction trainers deliver classroom sessions alongside workplace learning, while others combine teaching with assessment roles. The AET supports both pathways by developing strong planning, delivery and assessment skills.

First aid instructors deliver essential workplace training across sectors including education, healthcare, construction and corporate environments. Many begin by delivering internal sessions for employers before progressing into external delivery or freelance roles. The Level 3 Award in Education and Training supports this progression.

Many fire safety trainers come from facilities, health and safety or operational backgrounds and move into teaching roles to support organisational compliance. The Level 3 Award in Education and Training provides the essential foundation for planning and delivering effective fire safety training.

For those working in security roles such as door supervision or guarding, becoming an SIA instructor offers a natural progression into training. The Level 3 Award in Education and Training is the starting point for delivering compliant SIA training.

Digital skills trainers come from IT, admin, or technical roles and move into training to support organisations with evolving technology. The Level 3 Award in Education and Training provides the foundation for delivering effective digital skills training.

Many mental health trainers come from healthcare, education, or support roles and move into training to improve workplace wellbeing. The Level 3 Award in Education and Training provides the foundation for delivering effective mental health training.

Experienced tradespeople often move into assessment roles to support apprentices and maintain industry standards. The Level 3 Award in Education and Training helps you develop the skills to support learners before progressing into assessment.

Many business skills trainers come from management, sales, or operational roles and move into training to improve performance within organisations. The Level 3 Award in Education and Training provides the foundation for delivering effective business training.

Engineers and technical specialists often progress into training to support apprentices and share their expertise. The Level 3 Award in Education and Training provides the foundation for delivering structured engineering training.

Dental professionals looking to step away from full-time clinical work often move into assessment roles within training providers. The Level 3 Award in Education and Training provides the foundation for supporting learners in practice-based environments.

Project professionals regularly transition into training roles to help others improve planning, delivery, and performance. The Level 3 Award in Education and Training enables you to deliver clear and effective project management training.
If you want a full breakdown of career paths, read:
👉 Jobs you can do with an AET
Many learners complete the Level 3 Award in Education and Training as the first step in a longer professional pathway. Once you have your AET, common progression routes include assessor qualifications, internal quality assurance, and higher-level teaching qualifications. If your goal is career progression rather than simply a certificate, we can help you choose the most suitable next step.
For those supporting learners in the workplace, the Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (CAVA) provides the recognised route into assessing vocational competence. Many learners begin with the Level 3 Award in Education and Training before progressing onto the Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (FE and Skills) as they move into more advanced teaching roles within further education and training providers. Learners looking to develop further may progress onto the Level 6 Diploma in Teaching and Learning, which supports advanced teaching and leadership roles.





The course is available through the following routes:
Virtual learning takes place over 3 days (with homework to be completed at your pace)
Self-Study takes approximately 48 study hours in total to complete, however you go at your own pace.
Classroom training is 3 days (with homework to be completed at your pace)
Learners can take as little as 48 study hours to complete the course, up to 12 months depending on lifestyle and other commitments.
Upon successful completion of the course, you will gain the Level 3 Award in Education and Training award (formerly known as PTLLS) which will entitle you to teach adults in FE colleges and/or become an Independent Training Provider in your chosen subject(s).
The Level 3 Award in Education and Training qualification is accredited by NOCN. Visit https://register.ofqual.gov.uk for more information.
The three modules which create the Level 3 Award in Education and Training are:
To pass the award you will need to obtain 12 credits from the three modules.
When you have completed the Level 3 Award in Education and Training you will be able to:
The qualification is assessed through one short essay and a micro-teach session.
The micro-teach session can be
Please note, if you choose the option to record your own session, this must be at least 60 minutes long to meet the qualification requirements.
You will be given feedback on your essay, and should it not meet the minimum requirements for the qualification you will be given the opportunity to resubmit. Whilst there are no limits on the number of resubmissions, most learners who are required to resubmit pass on their second attempt.
All learners will be offered a course induction session and have ongoing access to a tutor who can be contacted by phone, email, or within study groups.
Online access to the full training content for the Level 3 Award in Education and Training will be given to all, no matter what the chosen method of study is. Free access to this eLearning package is for one year and includes all PowerPoint presentations, a personalised study plan, course notes and handouts.
Access to the eLearning package is 24/7 and can be logged into from any device which has an internet connection.
You will also have access to online webinars.
We offer a clear 14-day guarantee, allowing learners to cancel or upgrade within this period without unnecessary penalties, subject to our published terms. This is designed to reduce risk and allow you to enrol with confidence.
Yes. The AET qualification is widely recognised as the entry teaching qualification for people who want to teach or train adults in the UK.
The Level 3 Award in Education and Training is a recognized qualification designed for individuals aspiring to teach or train in the Further Education & Skills Sector. It equips you with essential teaching and training skills.
Yes. The Level 3 Award in Education and Training supports you to deliver training and teaching sessions in adult education, workplace training, and vocational settings.
You can teach any subject that you are qualified in with the Level 3 Award in Education and Training normally to one level below. For example, if you hold the Level 3 Award in Health and Safety, you can teach up to the Level 2 in Health and Safety.
No. The AET course is designed for beginners and people transitioning into teaching or training from industry.
No, you do not need any prior teaching or training experience to enrol. This qualification is suitable for beginners and experienced professionals alike.
This qualification opens up various career opportunities in teaching and training. It enhances your skills, increases employability, and enables you to inspire and educate others.
The duration varies depending on your learning pace and the mode of study. Typically, it can take a few months to complete part-time, but intensive courses may be completed in a matter of weeks.
Yes, the Level 3 Award in Education and Training is accredited by Ofqual making it widely recognised both nationally and internationally, making it a valuable asset for those seeking teaching or training roles.
Yes. Whichever study method you choose, you have access to Zoom recordings so you can revisit the teaching sessions and reinforce your learning. It can be completed fully online.
Many learners progress from the Level 3 Award in Education and Training into assessor, quality assurance, or higher-level teaching qualifications depending on their career goals.
The Level 3 Award in Education and Training is needed for courses where learners are assessed via an examination. The Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement is aimed at those using personal judgements to assess learners competence such as NVQs and apprenticeships. We strongly recommend that learners undertake both qualifications as it will open up many more opportunities.
You would plan a 15-minute session and deliver the session to other learners virtually online via Zoom. If you are already teaching adults, you can record your session and we will assess it.
We offer both online and in-person options. You can choose the mode of study that suits your schedule and learning preferences.
There are no formal entry requirements, but you should have a reasonable level of English language proficiency, as communication is a crucial aspect of teaching and training.
Yes, upon completing the Level 3 Award, you can consider advancing to higher-level teaching qualifications, such as the Level 4 Certificate or Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training, to further develop your teaching skills and career prospects.
To enrol, simply click on your study mode of choice and follow the registration process.
Completing the Level 3 Award in Education and Training can open doors to careers in teaching, training, or assessing in various educational settings, including colleges, training providers, and workplaces. It's a versatile qualification that can lead to fulfilling and rewarding roles in education and training.
Sadly no, to work in a school you would need a teaching degree which we do not offer.

If you’re looking at different routes into teaching, it’s important to choose the right one for your goals.
If you want to teach adults, the AET is the correct starting point.
If you’re unsure how it compares to other qualifications, read:
👉 AET vs PGCE – which is right for you
👉 What is PTLLS (and how it compares to AET)
The value of the AET comes from what it allows you to do.
It gives you the ability to turn your existing knowledge into income, career progression, and flexible work opportunities.
If you’re considering the return on investment, read:
👉 Is the AET worth it
If you’re still deciding, take a few minutes to explore these guides:
Then come back and enrol with confidence.
Classroom training is 3 days (with homework to be completed at your pace). Classroom training takes place between 09:00 - 16:30 on weekdays and weekends. Evening training takes place at 19:30 - 22:30.
Virtual learning takes place over 4 days (with homework to be completed at your pace). Virtual learning takes place between 09:00 - 16:30 on weekdays.
Enrol in our self-study learning: £320 £179 per delegate
Self-study takes approximately 48 study hours in total to complete, however you go at your own pace.
Our group courses can be delivered in-house at your offices or at a suitable venue. Group training can often work out more cost effective if you have several members of staff you would like to be trained at any one time.






