Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s be honest

The world of qualifications has a serious love affair with acronyms. Sometimes we’re convinced they invent new ones just for fun. 😉

This qualification is officially called the Level 3 Award in Education and Training – mercifully shortened to AET.

You may sometimes see it written as “EAT”. We’ve even called it EAT 3 ourselves on many occasions (it is so much easier to say EAT than AET – try it)

Which tells you everything you need to know about how confusing this can get. 😂 (And yes, we have also briefly wondered why a teaching qualification sounds like lunch.)

For clarity, and to keep the awarding bodies happy:

👉 The correct acronym is AET. 👉 We keep it simple and call it The Level 3 Teaching Qualification.

Same qualification. Zero faff.

The Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET) is an Ofqual-regulated, entry-level teaching qualification for adults who want to begin teaching, training, facilitating, or sharing their expertise.

It’s the modern replacement for the old PTLLS qualification and is widely recognised across the UK.

In real-life language, it gives you:

• A strong foundation in how to teach adults
• Confidence to step into a teaching or training role
• A recognised qualification that opens doors in education, training, and facilitation

If you’ve ever thought, “I’d love to teach what I know”, this is where that journey begins.

The AET includes three core units that gently (and practically) introduce you to teaching:

• Understanding roles, responsibilities and boundaries in education and training
• Planning and delivering inclusive teaching and learning
• Understanding assessment principles and practices

Translation?

You’ll learn how to:

• Plan and deliver engaging sessions
• Support different learning styles
• Create inclusive learning environments
• Assess learning confidently and fairly

No stuffy classrooms. No soul-destroying jargon. Just real, usable teaching skills.

The Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET) is an Ofqual-regulated, entry-level teaching qualification for adults who want to begin teaching, training, facilitating, or sharing their expertise.

It’s the modern replacement for the old PTLLS qualification and is widely recognised across the UK.

In real-life language, it gives you:

• A strong foundation in how to teach adults
• Confidence to step into a teaching or training role
• A recognised qualification that opens doors in education, training, and facilitation

If you’ve ever thought, “I’d love to teach what I know”, this is where that journey begins.

No scary exams. No sitting in silence with sweaty palms. No surprise pop quizzes. (Promise.)

Assessment is based on a workbook and a short micro-teaching presentation.

In simple terms, you’ll be asked to:

• Reflect on what you’ve learned
• Show your understanding of teaching principles
• Design and deliver a short teaching session

It’s practical, supportive, and very achievable.

We don’t crack the whip, but we do walk alongside you with steady encouragement, gentle nudges, and a lot of belief in your ability. We pride ourselves on this approach. It works.

(There’s a reason we’re known for our 100% pass rate.)

Let’s keep this real and transparent.

We suggest allowing up to 3 full days to complete your workbook. Some learners finish quicker. Some like to potter and reflect a little longer.

Both are perfectly okay.

Your submission date is usually 4–6 weeks after the course, giving you breathing space to fit study around real life.

No last-minute panics. No unrealistic expectations. Just steady progress.

Nothing scary here either.

We ask that you:

• Can write at Level 3 descriptive standard (This is reflective, thoughtful writing not academic essays.)
• Have access to a laptop or computer with a camera (for online delivery)
• Have access to Microsoft Word to type your workbook
• Have access to PowerPoint, Canva, or similar to design your presentation

Tiny honest note:

We don’t teach PowerPoint or Canva in the course (time is precious!). However, designing presentations is one of our bespoke toolkit talks.

If you ask us nicely, we’re very friendly. 😉

The course runs over 4 days.

Typically:

• Two days in Week One
• Two days a week or two later

For organisations, we’re flexible you can choose dates that suit your team.

Contact time is usually 9:30am – 4:00 pm, with flexibility where needed.

Humans before timetables. Always.

You are never left to wobble alone.

We offer:

• Ongoing tutor support
• Optional one-to-one support if needed
• Friendly check-ins
• A cohort model, so you move through with a peer group

We place learners into cohorts intentionally because:

• You encourage each other
• You share ideas
• You realise you’re not the only one having a “what am I doing?” moment

It’s amazing what happens when people qualify together.

Once your workbook is submitted and internally verified, certificates are issued promptly.

We know you’re keen to start using your qualification, and we love celebrating your success.

Warm. Supportive. Encouraging. Human.

We don’t believe in pressure-based learning. We believe in steady support that gets results.

And yes we really don’t have a 100% pass rate for nothing. 😉

In a word?

Yes.

In a few more words?

Also, yes, with a little extra sparkle. ✨

“Train the Trainer” is a phrase many people recognise, and to be completely fair, we often use it ourselves when explaining what we do.

However, AET 3 is the accredited and qualified version.

Here’s why:

Many courses labelled “Train the Trainer” are CPD-style courses (great for development, but not always a formal teaching qualification).

The Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET) is:

• Ofqual regulated
• Nationally recognised
• A proper teaching qualification

So it doesn’t just feel like Train the Trainer… It actually qualifies you to teach and train.

We’ll also happily admit:

It took us an embarrassingly long time to realise that most people type “train the trainer course” into Google.

Long before they type “Level 3 Award in Education and Training”.

So yes you’re searching for the right thing.

Think of it like this:

Train the Trainer = the idea AET = the accredited, official, grown-up version of that idea

Same destination. Better ticket. 😉

Short answer?

Many.

Longer answer?

Also many. 😄

If a job involves training humans, sharing knowledge, or helping people learn new skills, chances are this qualification is either required or highly desirable.

Have a peek at most training or facilitation job descriptions, and you’ll often see something along the lines of:

“Teaching qualification or Level 3 Award in Education and Training desirable.”

That’s this one.

Some examples include:

• In-house Trainer
• Learning & Development (L&D) Facilitator
• Workplace Trainer
• Corporate Trainer

• Compliance Trainer
• Health & Safety Trainer
• Construction / Trades Trainer
• First Aid Trainer
• Safeguarding Trainer
• Community Education Tutor
• Adult Education Tutor
• College Session Tutor
• Freelance Trainer / Facilitator
• Workshop Leader
• Course Creator

If you’re training staff, delivering internal training, or teaching anything where compliance, quality, and professionalism matter (and they usually do), this qualification is incredibly valuable.

It shows employers and organisations that:

👉 You can teach properly 👉 You understand inclusive learning 👉 You know how to assess learning 👉 You meet recognised teaching standards

Which makes you a very attractive human to hire.

Yes.

Many of our learners go on to:

• Create their own training companies
• Deliver workshops and courses
• Work freelance with organisations
• Add teaching as an additional income stream

It’s a beautiful foundation qualification for building something of your own.

Yes and this is a big one.

The AET is a lifetime award.

No expiry date. No compulsory re-sits every few years. No “oh no, my qualification has run out” moments.

Once you have it, you have it.

Forever.

(Which we think is rather lovely.)

In summary:

If you want to:

• Teach adults
• Train staff
• Deliver workshops
• Share your expertise
• Create income through training

This qualification provides a solid, recognised, and enduring foundation.

Basically It’s one of those qualifications that just keeps quietly paying you back.