Aspiring Teachers & Trainers
Ideal if you want to take your first structured step into teaching or training and develop an understanding of effective professional practice.
ONLINE QUALIFICATION
Level 3 Award in Education and Training (RQF)
Study the Level 3 Award in Education and Training online with SJA. This introductory AET course suits aspiring teachers, workplace trainers, tutors and subject specialists. Complete written assignments and an observed microteaching session with tutor and assessor support. AET is the current qualification associated with the former PTLLS route.
Awarding organisation Focus Awards
Qualification number601/6099/8
Study modeOnline / Flexible
DurationSelf-paced
Credits12
Assessment Written assignments and an observed microteaching session
£106.00
Pay in full: £106.00. Or start with £14.99 and access your course after confirmed payment. Then pay the remaining £91.01 in one final instalment. Total: £106.00, interest-free. First invoice issued 30 days after enrolment. Pay within 20 days of each invoice; overdue course access is suspended. Restore registration by paying the overdue instalment plus £25.00.
Level 3 Award in Education and Training Online
The Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET) is an introductory teaching qualification. It suits people starting in teaching or training. It can also help those who already support learning develop their practice.
Learn about teaching roles, professional responsibilities and learner needs. Explore inclusive teaching and assessment. Use these ideas to plan and deliver a learning session.
Study this AET course online around work and family commitments. Access course materials through SJA’s learning platform. Ask your tutor for guidance as you prepare your assignments.
Put Your Learning into Practice
You will complete an observed microteaching session, sometimes called a micro teach. Plan your session, choose suitable resources and deliver a short learning activity. Reflect on what went well and what you could improve. SJA explains the assessment arrangements and the evidence you need.
The course can support your next step in teaching, workplace training or assessment. Check the entry and practical requirements of any further qualification before you apply.
A Level 3 Teaching Qualification: AET or PTLLS?
If you are looking for a Level 3 teaching qualification, AET provides an introduction to teaching and training. It develops your understanding of teaching responsibilities, inclusive learning and assessment. You do not need to be employed as a teacher before starting, but you must complete the course’s written work and observed microteaching.
People still search for a PTLLS qualification or PTLLS course. Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector is the older qualification name; SJA offers the current Level 3 Award in Education and Training. AET is an introductory award, not a full teaching qualification or an automatic award of school teacher status. If you already hold PTLLS, check your employer’s requirements before assuming you need to repeat an introductory course.
Who Is This Level 3 AET Course For?
The Level 3 AET course is suitable for people at different stages of their teaching and training journey. Whether you are preparing to enter teaching, already delivering training or looking to develop your professional skills, you can study the qualification without already being employed as a teacher or trainer.
Workplace Trainers
Suitable for professionals who deliver induction, staff development, workplace learning or specialist training as part of their role.
Existing Teachers & Tutors
A useful introductory qualification for people already delivering learning who want to strengthen their understanding of teaching, inclusion and assessment.
Assessors
Relevant for assessors who want to broaden their professional skills and develop their understanding of the relationship between teaching, learning and assessment.
Subject Specialists
Suitable for people with occupational or professional expertise who want to develop the skills needed to share their knowledge effectively with learners.
Career Changers & Professionals
Suitable for professionals who want to move into teaching or training, or add teaching and training responsibilities to their existing professional expertise.
What You Will Learn
Through the AET course, you will develop knowledge and practical understanding of the principles that support effective teaching, learning and assessment. The qualification is designed to provide an introduction to teaching and training and can support your development if you are preparing to teach, already involved in training or working as an assessor.
As part of your learning, you will explore how to:
- Understand the roles, responsibilities and relationships of teachers and trainers.
- Promote equality, diversity and inclusive practice in education and training.
- Identify and respond to individual learner needs and different learning requirements.
- Create safe, supportive and effective learning environments.
- Plan inclusive teaching and learning appropriate to learners and their needs.
- Use suitable teaching and learning approaches to support effective learning.
- Select and use appropriate learning resources to support teaching and learner engagement.
- Understand the purpose and use of assessment within education and training.
- Explore assessment methods and practices appropriate to different learning situations.
- Understand the importance of feedback in supporting learner development.
- Reflect on teaching and training practice and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Develop practical teaching skills through the required teaching activity and observation arrangements within SJA's assessment process.
Qualification Structure and Units
The Level 3 Award in Education and Training is structured to develop essential knowledge and practical skills across three key areas: professional roles and responsibilities, inclusive teaching and learning, and assessment.
Learners complete Unit 1 and Unit 2, followed by one assessment unit from the two Group C options. This allows learners to choose an assessment unit that best supports their future professional and qualification progression.
Unit 1 Understanding Roles, Responsibilities and Relationships in Education and Training
Unit Reference: H/505/0053
Credits: 3
Develop your understanding of the teacher or trainer’s role, including professional responsibilities and boundaries, equality and diversity, individual learner needs, maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment, and working effectively with other professionals.
Unit 2 Understanding and Using Inclusive Teaching and Learning Approaches in Education and Training
Unit Reference: D/505/0052
Credits: 6
Develop your understanding and practical application of inclusive teaching and learning. You will explore how to plan learning, select appropriate teaching and learning approaches and resources, engage and motivate learners, respond to individual learner needs, use assessment to support learning, provide constructive feedback and evaluate your own teaching practice.
Group C Choose One Assessment Unit
Learners choose one of the following assessment units:
Option 1 — Understanding Assessment in Education and Training
Unit Reference: R/505/0050
Credits: 3
Develop your understanding of assessment within education and training, including the purposes and different methods of assessment, involving learners in the assessment process, peer and self-assessment, providing constructive feedback and maintaining appropriate assessment records.
OR
Option 2 — Understanding the Principles and Practices of Assessment
Unit Reference: D/601/5313
Credits: 3
Develop your understanding of the principles and practices that underpin effective assessment. This includes planning assessment, selecting appropriate assessment methods, making assessment decisions, involving learners and others in the process, quality assurance, managing assessment information and meeting relevant legal and good-practice requirements.
Progression Advantage
Choosing Understanding the Principles and Practices of Assessment (D/601/5313) can provide an additional progression benefit if you plan to continue to a Level 3 Assessor qualification.
Because this unit is also included within relevant Level 3 assessor qualification pathways, successful achievement may be recognised when you progress to an assessor qualification containing the same unit. This means you would normally not need to repeat that unit, subject to the applicable qualification rules and recognition of prior achievement.
For learners considering a future role in assessment as well as teaching or training, Option 2 can therefore provide a particularly useful progression route.
Entry Requirements
The AET course is suitable for learners aged 19 and over who want to develop their understanding of teaching and training.
Focus Awards does not specify any other mandatory entry requirements for this qualification. Entry is at the discretion of the centre, and SJA Global Academia may consider individual circumstances when confirming suitability for enrolment.
Practical and Workplace Requirements
You do not need to be employed as a teacher or have a permanent teaching placement to enrol on this course.
As part of SJA Global Academia’s delivery of the qualification, you will complete an observed microteaching session that allows you to demonstrate practical teaching skills.
You do not need to have your own permanent class or be employed by a school, college or training provider to complete this requirement.
SJA Global Academia will provide guidance on the requirements of the microteaching assessment so that you understand how to prepare, deliver and provide the required evidence for your session.
How You Will Be Assessed
There are no traditional written examinations. The AET course is assessed through written assignments and practical teaching evidence.
Written Assignments
Complete assignments against the unit learning outcomes and assessment criteria. Cover teaching responsibilities, inclusive learning, learner needs and assessment practice. Your assessor reviews your work and explains any further evidence you need.
Observed Microteaching Session
Plan and deliver an observed microteaching session to show your teaching skills. SJA explains how to prepare, what to deliver and which evidence to submit. This practical activity supports the knowledge shown in your written assignments.
How Online Learning Works
Studying the Level 3 Award in Education and Training online gives you greater flexibility to organise your learning around your work, family and other commitments.
After enrolment, access your learning materials and assessment guidance online. Plan study at a manageable pace around your commitments. You do not attend regular scheduled classroom sessions.
As you progress through your AET course online, you will develop your knowledge, complete written assignments and prepare for your observed microteaching session with appropriate guidance and support.
Choose when and where to study online. The same qualification requirements and assessment criteria still apply.
Tutor Support When You Need It
You have tutor support throughout your AET course. Use the SJA Learning Management System (LMS) to access study materials and assessment guidance. It explains what to study and submit.
Study at your own pace around work and family life. There are no compulsory regular live online classes.
Ask your tutor for help by email or WhatsApp. You can ask about course content, tasks or your next step. A one-to-one tutorial can be arranged if you need extra help.
Your assessor gives feedback on submitted work. This explains your progress and any further evidence you need.
Support Available Throughout Your Course
✓ LMS Learning Materials — Access structured study materials and resources online throughout your course.
✓ Clear Study Guidance — Follow guidance within the LMS explaining what to study, what to complete and how to progress through your qualification.
✓ Email Support — Contact your tutor when you need clarification or guidance about your learning or assessment.
✓ WhatsApp Support — Access a convenient communication channel when you need additional guidance.
✓ One-to-One Tutorials When Needed — Individual tutorial support can be arranged where more focused help is required.
✓ Assessment Feedback — Receive constructive feedback on your submitted work, including guidance where further evidence or development is needed.
No compulsory regular online classes — learn flexibly, access your materials through the LMS and receive personal support when you need it.
Certification & Recognition
Complete all required units and assessments. Your assessor checks that you have met every assessment criterion. Your work then passes through quality assurance before certification.
Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) follows the assessor’s decision. External Quality Assurance (EQA) and awarding organisation approval also apply where required. You must provide any further evidence requested during these checks.
Certification usually takes 3–5 weeks after formal completion and assessor confirmation. All quality checks and awarding organisation requirements must be met. This is an estimated timescale.
You receive an e-certificate for the Focus Awards Level 3 Award in Education and Training (RQF). A printed certificate costs an extra £7 plus postage or courier charges. You pay delivery charges for UK and international addresses.
AET is a regulated qualification. It provides a foundation for teaching and training and supports further study.
Progression Routes After the Level 3 AET
Completing the AET course can provide a foundation for further development in teaching, assessment and quality assurance.
Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training
Progress to a higher-level teaching qualification designed to develop broader teaching knowledge and practice.
Assessor Qualifications
If your career involves assessing vocational knowledge or workplace competence, you may progress to an appropriate Level 3 assessor qualification.
Why Choose SJA Global Academia?
Choosing the right provider for your AET course online is about more than finding a course. It is about finding a learning route that combines affordability, flexibility, quality and meaningful support.
- Affordable by Design — We aim to reduce financial barriers to professional education without compromising the quality learners deserve.
- Start from £14.99 — Eligible learners can begin their qualification with a manageable initial payment rather than paying the full fee at the outset.
- Pay as You Progress — Spread the cost of learning through a flexible approach with no interest or administration fees.
- Flexible Online Learning — Study this online teacher training course around your work, family and personal commitments.
- Tutor and Assessor Support — Receive guidance with learning, assignments, assessment feedback and preparation for microteaching.
- Progression-Focused Learning — Build a foundation that can support further teaching, assessor and quality assurance qualifications.
- Affordable • Accessible • Extraordinary
Frequently Asked Questions
The Level 3 Award in Education and Training is an introductory teaching qualification designed for people who want to begin or develop responsibilities in teaching and training. It covers teaching roles and responsibilities, inclusive teaching and learning, and assessment practice.
The Level 3 Award in Education and Training is commonly associated with the former PTLLS route. If you are searching for a PTLLS course, the Level 3 AET is the current introductory education and training qualification commonly considered by learners looking for this type of pathway.
Yes. You can study the AET course online through flexible learning with SJA Global Academia. Learning materials, assessment guidance and tutor support are provided online, while you will also need to complete the required observed microteaching assessment.
No. You do not need to already be working as a teacher or hold a previous teaching qualification to enrol. The course is suitable for aspiring teachers and trainers as well as people already involved in teaching, training or assessment.
Learners should be 19 years of age or above.
You will be assessed through written assignments and an observed microteaching session. There is no traditional written examination.
Microteaching is a practical teaching activity that allows you to demonstrate relevant teaching skills in a structured session. SJA Global Academia will provide guidance to help you understand the requirements and prepare for your assessment.
No. You do not need to be employed by a school, college or training provider to enrol. You will, however, need to meet the practical microteaching assessment requirement.
The qualification is awarded by Focus Awards and is a regulated Level 3 qualification on the RQF.
Depending on your goals and circumstances, progression may include higher-level education and training qualifications, assessor qualifications or Internal Quality Assurance qualifications.
No. The Level 3 Award in Education and Training is an introductory teaching qualification and does not, by itself, confer Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status.
Pay in full: £106.00. Or start with £14.99 and access your course after confirmed payment. Then pay the remaining £91.01 in one final instalment. Total: £106.00, interest-free. First invoice issued 30 days after enrolment. Pay within 20 days of each invoice; overdue course access is suspended. Restore registration by paying the overdue instalment plus £25.00.
Use the Start with £14.99 button to choose this course at checkout. Subsequent payments use invoice payment links; your card is not automatically charged.
Ready to Start Your Teaching and Training Journey?
Take your next step with the Level 3 Award in Education and Training online. Study flexibly, receive tutor and assessor support, and develop the knowledge and practical teaching skills needed to begin or strengthen your journey in education and training.