Level 3 Award in Education and Training

The Level 3 Award in Education and Training, or AET, demonstrates that you have completed and passed the necessary introductory training on teaching. The award is for those who would like to teach or train in post-16 education, or for those who already do but would like a formal qualification. The AET Training Course aims to lay the foundation of how to be an effective teacher or trainer in a classroom setting by considering the learner's experience. Some of the areas include, outlining the responsibilities of a teacher, learning methods, session planning and session delivery. The Level 3 Award in Education and Training is valid indefinitely and is issued by your awarding body upon successful completion of assessments.

Note on old qualification name

The Award in Education qualification was formally known as Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector or PTLLS. It was revised in 2013 and is now known as the Level 3 Award in Education and Training.

Do I need a Level 3 Award in Education and Training?

To apply for most teaching roles in post-16 education, the Level 3 Award in Education and Training is a minimum requirement. While it is not legally required, it is highly desirable, as it shows employers and organisations that you have received and passed basic training. As a learner, it will give you an understanding of what it takes to be an effective and engaging teacher. 

To be eligible for the Level 3 Award in Education and Training you need to be over 19 years old and have completed the AET Training Course.

Course Eligibility

In order to attend the course, you are expected to have core literacy and numeracy skills (i.e. English and Maths), as well as access to a computer with an internet connection to enable you to submit coursework. 

To obtain the Level 3 Award in Education and Training, you first need to attend the AET Training Course and then successfully complete the assessement. 

Attend the AET Training Course

The training course runs for 3 days. On the final day, you will be expected to present a 15 minutes "Micro Teach" which will be recorded and form part of your assessment. 

Pass Written Assessments

There are 3 written assessments which will cover units from the course. You will be required to write around 1000 words for each assignemnt and submit your course work using a computer. You will be given guidance and support during your 3-day training course. 

As part of getting the Level 3 Award in Education and Training, you will need to attend the 3-day training course. You are expected to have strong numeracy and literacy skills, as well as access to a computer in order to submit assessed coursework. 

The AET Training Course introduces individuals to the basic principles of teaching and aims to make them more confident as teachers. It also encourages teachers to be more engaging by responding to the needs of the learner.

The course is made up of 3 units:

• Unit A: understanding roles, responsibilities and relationships in education and training, including inclusive teaching and learning approaches in education and training
• Unit B: facilitate learning and development for individuals and groups
• Unit C: understanding assessment in education and training, including principles and practices of assessment

The course is assessed by a practical exam and 3 pieces of coursework.

• Practical assessment: you will be required to conduct a 15 minute classroom session on the 3rd and last day of the AET Training Course. This is called "Micro Teach" and will be recorded for assessment purposes. Planning and preparation will be covered as part of the course. Upon completion, you will be receive useful feedback from your trainer. 
• Written assessments: there are 3 written assessments - one for each unit (see above). You will be required to submit around 1000 words on each unit. Further guidance will be provided during your course by your trainer. 

The Level 3 Award in Education and Training comes as part of the AET Training Course. This means that there should be no additional cost to obtain the qualification.

Note on assessment costs

Sometimes assessment costs are not included in the quoted fee for the AET Training Course. Check if your assessment is included before booking to avoid any surprises!

There is no need to renew your Level 3 Award in Education and Training, as it is valid indefinitely. Holders usually consider further development by extending their existing teaching qualifications and gaining higher levels.