Level 3 Aet Course

What is the Level 3 Award in Education & Training (AET) Course?

The AET is the “threshold license to teach.” It is the gold standard for anyone entering the post-16 education sector, including FE colleges, private training providers, and corporate environments. Unlike higher-level diplomas, you don’t need to be currently working in a classroom to enroll.
Are you feeling stuck in a career that has hit a ceiling, or perhaps you’re overwhelmed by the mountain of teaching “jargon” required to start training others? It is exhausting to have the expertise but lack the piece of paper that proves you can actually teach it to someone else. We understand that transition can feel daunting.

The Level 3 Award in Education & Training (AET), formerly known as PTLLS, is an regulated entry-level teaching qualification designed for individuals looking to teach or train adults. It provides the essential skills for lesson planning, delivering inclusive sessions, and conducting learner assessments within the further education and skills sector.

At Level 3: Award in Education & Training Course Overview – Where Knowledge Meets Success, we provide the streamlined path to your certification so you can stop worrying about compliance and start making an impact.

Technical Specifications:

Regulated By: recognised UK-wide.
Total Qualification Time (TQT): 120 Hours.
Guided Learning Hours (GLH): 48 Hours.
Level: 3 (RQF).
Credits:

Instructor’s Insight: Think of the AET as your “learner’s permit” for teaching. It doesn’t just teach you what to say; it teaches you how learners actually process information.

Core Components & Curriculum

The course is built around three fundamental units that take you from a subject expert to a professional educator.

Unit Number	Unit Title	Key Focus Area
Unit 1	Understanding Roles, Responsibilities, and Relationships	Legal duties, equality, diversity, and professional boundaries.
Unit 2	Understanding and Using Inclusive Teaching Approaches	Lesson planning and delivering your 15-minute “Micro-teach.”
Unit 3	Understanding Assessment in Education and Training	Types of assessment, giving feedback, and record keeping.

Who is this for?

This qualification is highly versatile. You are the ideal candidate if you are:

Aspiring Tutors: Looking to enter the Further Education (FE) sector.
Industry Experts: Professionals in beauty, construction, IT, or fitness wanting to certify others in their trade.
Corporate Trainers: HR staff or managers responsible for internal staff development.
Current Trainers: Those already teaching who lack a formal, regulated qualification to back up their experience.

The “Hidden” Obstacles (And How We Solve Them)

Many students hesitate because of two main fears: the Micro-teach and the Academic Writing.

“I’m terrified of public speaking.”

The Micro-teach is a 15-minute session delivered in a safe, supportive environment. If you choose our online option, you can even record this at home or via Zoom. Our tutors guide you through the structure so you aren’t just “winging it”—you’re following a proven plan.

“I haven’t written an essay in years.”

The AET isn’t a university thesis. It’s about demonstrating practical understanding. Our AET Courses team provides 24/7 access to the GoLearn Virtual Learning Environment, filled with templates and examples that take the guesswork out of your assignments.

Pro Tip: Your Micro-teach doesn’t have to be about “Education.” Teach us something you love—whether it’s how to change a tire or how to bake a cake. The goal is the technique, not the topic.

Why Choose AET Courses for Your Qualification?

We don’t just give you a login and leave you to it. We provide a hybrid learning experience that balances speed with depth.

Flexible Pricing: Start from just £250 for self-paced online learning, with interest-free installment plans available.
Speed to Market: While you have up to a year, many of our dedicated students complete the course in just a few weeks.
Expert Support: Reach our tutors via email or phone. You’re never a number; you’re a future colleague.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I teach in primary or secondary schools with an AET?

The AET is designed for the post-16 sector (adults). To teach in primary or secondary schools, you typically need a PGCE and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). However, the AET is an excellent first step for support roles.

2. How long does the certificate last?

The Level 3 Award in Education and Training is a lifelong qualification. Once you have earned it, it does not expire, though we recommend keeping your skills sharp through CPD (Continued Professional Development).

3. Is there an exam at the end of the course?

No. There is no traditional “sit-down” exam. Assessment is based on a portfolio of evidence, including written assignments for each unit and the successful completion of your Micro-teach session.

4. What are the entry requirements?

There are no formal entry requirements, but you must be 19 or over and have a reasonable command of English and Maths (Level 2/GCSE equivalent) to support your learners and complete the coursework.

5. What is a “Micro-teach”?

A Micro-teach is a short, 15-minute teaching session you deliver to a small group. It allows you to practice planning, delivery, and assessment techniques in a controlled, low-pressure environment with peer and tutor feedback.

Stop Thinking, Start Teaching!

You’ve been thinking about this for a while, haven’t you? Every month you wait is another month of missed opportunities, passed-over promotions, and the “same old” routine. The gap between where you are and where you want to be is simply a 15-week (or less!) commitment.

Imagine three months from today. You aren’t just someone with “experience”—you are a Qualified Educator. You’re earning more, commanding more respect in your industry, and finally seeing that “Teacher” title on your business card or LinkedIn profile.

The paperwork and admin? Leave that to us. Our team at Where Knowledge Meets Success handles the heavy lifting of registration and accreditation so you can focus on your craft.

Click here to view our AET Course dates and claim your seat today—your future students are waiting.

Take the next step and head over to Advance Training Academy to enroll in the Level 3 Award in Education & Training instantly.