About Course

Course Overview

The Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training (often called CET) sits between introductory Level 3 and the full Level 5 Diploma – it’s for people who’ve started teaching and want more credentials, or assessors making the jump to teaching roles. This 36-credit qualification covers teaching delivery, assessment, planning, resource use, and professional responsibilities in more depth than Level 3. SJA Academia delivers this online, letting you build teaching expertise progressively while working in education or training environments.

Your teaching qualification pathway:

Level 3 Award in Education and Training

- Already completed? Perfect foundation

Level 5 Diploma in Teaching

- Next step to full professional qualification

Who Needs This Teaching Certificate?

This qualification suits people who’ve dipped their toes into teaching and want substantial credentials, plus assessors wanting to shift from assessment into teaching delivery.

Perfect for:

Part-time tutors needing stronger qualifications
Trainee teachers building towards Level 5
Assessors transitioning into teaching roles
Workplace trainers wanting formal teaching credentials
Experienced trainers needing recognized qualifications
Adult education tutors progressing their careers
Subject specialists developing teaching expertise

Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training

This sits between beginner and professional levels - it's a serious teaching qualification but not the full diploma. Chat with our advisors about whether this is the right level for where you're at in your teaching journey.

Get Course Guide WhatsApp: +447481358518

What Do Teachers with Level 4 Certificates Earn?

Teachers with the Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training typically earn £26,000-£34,000 annually, with experienced tutors in specialist subjects reaching £36,000. Your pay depends on whether you’re teaching full-time or part-time, your subject area, location, and type of employer (college, private training, workplace). This certificate is recognized by most FE employers for teaching positions, though some prefer Level 5 for permanent contracts. Teachers with Level 4 earn 15-25% more than those with only Level 3. Many people use this as a stepping stone, gaining experience here before progressing to Level 5 where salaries reach £32,000-£42,000.

Teaching Certificate Details

Study Hours

Approximately 360 hours total, including online learning, teaching practice with learners, observations, assignments, and reflective practice. Most students complete within 12-18 months while teaching part-time or working in training roles.

Assessment Method

Build a teaching portfolio including lesson plans, schemes of work, reflective accounts, teaching observations, assessment records, and evidence of professional practice. You'll need to demonstrate actual teaching competence, not just theoretical knowledge.

Course Duration

Flexible 12-24 month completion window. Study online with anytime access. You'll need consistent teaching practice throughout with real learners to gather sufficient portfolio evidence for 36 credits.

Course Format

Fully online through SJA Academia's learning platform. Access teaching theory, planning frameworks, and assessment strategies. Get tutor feedback remotely. You'll need access to learners you can teach regularly as part of your evidence requirements.

Entry Requirements

No formal qualifications required. You must be at least 18 years old. You'll need subject knowledge in whatever you're teaching and access to teaching opportunities where you can practice with learners.

Pricing Details

£389 covers all 36 credits, teaching mentorship, observation feedback, portfolio guidance, and certification. Middle investment between Level 3 (£120) and Level 5 (£685). Payment plans available - spread across 6-12 months to manage costs.

Certification

Awarded by Focus Awards, regulated by Ofqual (QRN: 601/6341/0). Recognized across England and Northern Ireland by FE colleges, training providers, and employers for teaching positions at this level.

Support Provided

Dedicated teaching tutor throughout your studies. Portfolio development guidance. Teaching observation preparation. Assignment feedback within one week. Access to lesson planning templates and assessment tools.

Focus Awards - Ofqual Regulated Verify this Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training on the Ofqual Register using QRN 601/6341/0.

Wondering if you should do Level 4 or jump straight to Level 5?

Call +442034323249 and we'll help you figure out which teaching qualification matches your experience and career goals.

WhatsApp: +447481358518

Why Choose SJA Academia for Your Teaching Certificate?

You’re probably teaching already but need proper qualifications. You don’t want to start from scratch with Level 3, but you’re not sure you’re ready for the full Level 5 Diploma. That’s exactly what Level 4 is for.

Progressive Teaching Development

Build on whatever teaching experience you've got. Whether you've completed Level 3, worked as an assessor, or just delivered training sessions, this certificate takes you deeper into teaching pedagogy and practice.

Assessor-to-Teacher Pathway

Specifically designed for assessors wanting to become teachers. We'll help you transition from judging competence to actually teaching people how to become competent - different skills that build on assessment expertise.

Employer-Accepted Credentials

Get a qualification that FE colleges and training providers recognize for teaching positions. While Level 5 is the gold standard, many employers accept Level 4 for part-time or developing teacher roles.

Stepping Stone Structure

This isn't a dead end. Complete Level 4, gain more teaching experience, then progress to Level 5 when you're ready for the full professional qualification. Build your career in manageable stages.

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Course Content

Mandatory units

  • Understanding roles, responsibilities and relationships in education and training
  • Delivering education and training
  • Using resources for education and training
  • Assessing learners in education and training
  • Planning to meet the needs of learners in education and training

Optional Units

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What Students Say

I recommend these courses to everyone, and wish you, guys, luck with the new studies! Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipisicing.

Mark Alen

Apps Developer

I am grateful for your wonderful course! Your tutors are the best, and I am completely satisfied with the level of professional teaching.

James Smith

CFO Apple Corp

I am grateful for your wonderful course! Your tutors are the best, and I am completely satisfied with the level of professional teaching.

John Dowson

UX Designer

Your Path to Teaching Qualification

Get going in three practical steps

1

Enroll and Start Learning

Sign up online quickly. Choose full payment or monthly installments. Access your learning platform immediately with all teaching materials, planning templates, and your tutor's contact details.

2

Teach and Build Your Portfolio

Work through teaching theory modules at your speed. Deliver teaching sessions to real learners regularly. Complete written assignments on pedagogy and practice. Undergo teaching observations. Build your portfolio with tutor guidance throughout.

3

Achieve Your Certificate

Submit your completed portfolio showing competent teaching practice. Receive your Focus Awards Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training. Use it for teaching employment or progress to Level 5 Diploma when ready.

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Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training FAQs

What's the difference between Level 3, 4, and 5?

Level 3 (12 credits) is your introduction to teaching. Level 5 (60+ credits) is the full professional qualification. This Level 4 (36 credits) sits in between - more substantial than Level 3 but not the complete diploma. Think of it as building blocks.

Should I do Level 4 or go straight to Level 5?

If you've got limited teaching experience, Level 4 lets you develop skills progressively without committing to the full Level 5 intensity. If you're already teaching regularly and ready for professional qualification, jump to Level 5. Depends on your experience and career timeline.

Can I teach in colleges with this qualification?

Many FE colleges accept Level 4 for part-time or sessional teaching roles. For full-time permanent lecturer positions, most prefer Level 5. Check specific employer requirements, but this certificate opens doors to teaching work.

I'm an assessor - can I transition to teaching with this?

Yes, that's one of the main purposes of this Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training. It's designed for assessors who want to become teachers. You'll learn teaching delivery, resource design, and facilitation skills that go beyond assessment.

How much teaching practice do I need?

You'll need regular teaching practice throughout to gather portfolio evidence. Expect to deliver 30-50 hours of teaching minimum across different sessions and learner groups to demonstrate competent practice at this level.

Is this recognized for apprenticeship delivery?

Yes, many apprenticeship training providers accept Level 4 for trainers delivering off-the-job learning and teaching elements. Check specific funding rules, but this Ofqual-regulated certificate generally meets requirements.

Can I get QTLS with Level 4?

No, you need Level 5 Diploma to apply for QTLS (Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills) status. But you can complete Level 4, gain experience, then progress to Level 5 and eventually achieve QTLS.

What if I've already done Level 3?

Perfect. Your Level 3 experience provides foundation. Level 4 goes deeper - more credits, more teaching practice, more assignments, stronger portfolio. You're building on what you learned, not starting over.

How's this different from PGCE?

PGCE is for school teaching (ages 5-18). This Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training is for post-16 and adult education. Different sectors, different qualifications. This is specifically for further education and skills teaching.

Can I teach online courses with this qualification?

Yes, teaching qualifications apply to online and face-to-face delivery. You'll learn pedagogical principles that work in any teaching environment, including virtual classrooms and e-learning platforms.

Will employers value this if I've got Level 3?

Yes. Level 4 shows progression and deeper teaching competence. It demonstrates you're serious about teaching as a career and have developed beyond introductory level. Employers recognize the difference.

Can I claim RPL if I've got teaching experience?

Possibly. SJA Academia offers Recognition of Prior Learning for experienced teachers. If you've been teaching for years, you might get credit for some units, reducing your study time. Discuss your background with our team.

Want to know which teaching qualification is right for you?

Email info@sjaacademia.co.uk or call 020 XXXX XXXX - we'll assess where you're at and recommend whether Level 4 or Level 5 fits your teaching career better!

Transform your teaching career with professional certification. Our QTLS application support gives you the expert guidance you need to succeed.