Can I Teach With AET? What the Level 3 Award Does (and Doesn't) Cover
The Level 3 Award in Education and Training is a widely held qualification, but there is genuine confusion about what it allows — and does not allow — you to do. This guide sets out the position clearly and honestly.
What the AET Demonstrates
The Level 3 AET demonstrates that you have foundational knowledge and skills in teaching and training. It shows that you understand how to plan a learning session, deliver it, and reflect on your practice.
It is a genuine, regulated qualification — not a tick-box course. Completing it means you have engaged with the principles of effective teaching and have demonstrated basic delivery skills through a micro-teach.
For many roles in workplace training and vocational instruction, the AET is a recognised and sufficient qualification to support your practice.
Where the AET Is Typically Accepted
Many organisations that employ workplace trainers, health and safety instructors, in-house skills coaches, or vocational tutors will accept the AET as a relevant teaching qualification.
It is widely recognised in further education and vocational training contexts as an entry-level teaching qualification.
Whether the AET is sufficient for any specific role depends on the employer, the subject area, and the regulatory context of the training being delivered.
What the AET Does Not Cover
The AET does not qualify you to teach in a school. Primary and secondary school teaching requires different, specific qualifications such as a PGCE or QTS. The AET is not a route into school teaching.
The AET is not equivalent to a full teaching qualification such as the Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training (DET), which is required for roles as a qualified teacher in further education colleges.
Some further education organisations and publicly funded programmes specify that teaching staff must hold a Level 5 DET or equivalent — in those cases, the AET alone would not be sufficient.
Using the AET in Vocational and Workplace Training
In vocational and workplace training contexts — which is where most AET holders work — the qualification is generally well received.
If you are delivering in-house training, running toolbox talks, delivering NRSWA or construction safety training, or supporting apprenticeship delivery in a training capacity, the AET is a relevant and appropriate qualification for your role.
Always check with your specific employer or contracting organisation what qualification level they require. Requirements vary.
Next Steps From the AET
If you want to develop further in education and training, the Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training (DET) is the next recognised step. It is a substantial qualification that leads to recognised teacher status in further education.
If your primary role is assessing rather than teaching, the Level 3 CAVA is likely more relevant to your professional development than progressing further up the teaching qualification route.
Speak to us if you are unsure which direction best fits your current role and career plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
In some cases, AET holders are employed in associate or hourly-paid teaching roles in further education while they work toward a full teaching qualification. This depends on the individual college and subject area. It is not a standard route to a substantive college teaching post.
This depends entirely on the employer and the role. For many workplace and vocational training roles, yes. For formally regulated or publicly funded teaching posts, a higher-level qualification is typically required. Check directly with any employer you are considering.
The AET demonstrates teaching competence, but delivery of specific regulated courses (such as first aid) typically requires the relevant subject qualification as well. Check the requirements of the specific course you want to deliver.
No. A PGCE is a postgraduate teaching qualification for school or further education teaching. The AET is a Level 3 award designed for vocational and workplace training contexts. They are different qualifications serving different purposes.
The AET qualification does not have an expiry date once awarded. However, if you are working in a regulated training context, your employer or contracting organisation may require evidence of continuing professional development (CPD).
The AET (Award in Education and Training) and CET (Certificate in Education and Training) are different levels of the same qualification family. The AET is a shorter, entry-level award. The CET is a more substantial qualification with a higher credit value.
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