Checking the level 3 award in education and training entry requirements takes ten minutes and saves you from wasting a term on the wrong qualification.
TL;DR
The level 3 award in education and training entry requirements are lighter than most people expect: no formal teaching experience, no degree, and no minimum GCSE grades in most cases — just a reasonable standard of English, numeracy, and access to a teaching or training environment for the micro-teach. Verdict: eligible for most adults who can access a classroom, workshop, or training room, even part-time or voluntary. Bright Pathway's Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET) runs fully online in 2026, with the assessed micro-teach the only real hurdle. If you're weighing PTLLS vs AET first, check that comparison before you enrol on anything.
Why this matters
AET, formerly PTLLS, is the entry-level teaching qualification recognised across further education, adult learning, corporate training, and apprenticeship delivery in the UK. Providers list it as the minimum requirement for tutoring, assessing, or training roles in 2026 — but the entry bar to start the course itself is low by design. Confusing the entry requirements with the exit standard is the most common mistake applicants make, and it's the one that causes people to delay enrolling for months over a barrier that doesn't exist.
Getting this wrong costs time. Getting it right means you can be teaching your first micro-session within weeks, not waiting for a qualification you don't actually need first.
What you'll need
- Age 19 or over — most awarding bodies set this as the practical minimum, though some accept 18+ with provider approval
- Functional English and maths at a reasonable standard — no certificate required for most providers, but you'll need to read course materials and write short assignments
- Access to a group to teach — even five people for ten minutes works; this can be colleagues, volunteers, family, or an existing class
- 8-12 hours for the guided learning hours, spread across a few weeks if studying part-time
- A laptop or tablet with internet access for the online learning platform
- No prior teaching qualification and no degree — AET is the starting point, not a top-up
The Level 3 Award in Education and Training page has the current course structure if you want to see exactly what's covered before checking eligibility further.
The steps to confirm you're eligible and enrol
1. Confirm your age and basic literacy level
This rules out almost nobody. If you left school with GCSEs or equivalent, or you've worked in any role requiring written communication, you meet this bar. Providers rarely ask for proof of English/maths qualifications at Level 3 AET stage — it's assessed implicitly through your written assignments. Common mistake: assuming you need a specific GCSE grade in English; you don't, for the vast majority of providers in 2026.
2. Identify who you'll teach for the micro-teach
Every AET course requires a short observed teaching session, typically 10-20 minutes, delivered to a real group. It doesn't need to be a classroom — workplace colleagues, a community group, or even a small online session can work depending on the provider's rules. Sort this out before you enrol, not after, because a missing audience is the single biggest cause of delayed completions. If you want the exact format and marking criteria, the guide on passing the micro-teach first time covers what assessors actually look for.
3. Check whether you need PTLLS or AET specifically
PTLLS was replaced by AET, but some job adverts and older policy documents still reference the old name. They're functionally the same qualification at the same level, so don't let outdated terminology send you looking for a course that no longer exists. If your employer's job spec still says PTLLS, AET satisfies it.
4. Choose delivery mode: online, blended, or in-person
Most 2026 providers run AET fully online with tutor support, which suits working adults and career-changers best. Blended delivery adds occasional live sessions; fully in-person delivery is now rare outside colleges. Common mistake: picking a provider based on price alone without checking whether the micro-teach assessment is done live, via recorded video, or through a written reflection — this affects how much preparation you need.
5. Gather your evidence and enrol
Once you've confirmed access to a teaching audience and picked a delivery mode, enrolment itself is quick — usually same-day online sign-up with no interview or entry test. You'll need an email address, basic personal details, and payment or funding confirmation. Compare a shortlist against the roundup of best Level 3 AET courses online in the UK before committing, since guided learning hours and assessment formats vary between providers.
6. Complete the written units alongside the micro-teach
AET has three core units covering roles and responsibilities in education, understanding inclusive teaching, and using resources for inclusive practice. These are assessed through short written tasks, not exams. Common mistake: leaving all three units until after the micro-teach — spreading them across your study period keeps the workload manageable and avoids a last-minute crunch before your certificate deadline.
Troubleshooting
- "I don't have anyone to teach for the micro-teach." Ask your workplace, a local volunteer group, or a friend's book club — providers accept small, informal groups; five people is often enough.
- "My English isn't strong — will I fail the written units?" Most providers offer tutor feedback drafts before final submission; use them, and don't submit your first attempt as your final one.
- "I'm under 19 — can I still do AET?" Some providers accept 18-year-olds case by case; contact the provider directly rather than assuming you're excluded.
- "I already have a Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning — do I still need AET?" They cover different content; STL is classroom-support focused, AET is the teaching qualification itself, so check the Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning page if you're unsure which fits your role.
- "How long is my micro-teach video kept, and does it need editing?" No editing is required — providers assess raw delivery, not production quality, so don't waste time polishing footage.
- "Can I do AET without a job in teaching yet?" Yes — most 2026 candidates take AET before securing a training role, since it's the qualification employers ask for at the interview stage, not after.
Tools and resources
- The main Level 3 Award in Education and Training course page for current entry criteria and study format
- The PTLLS vs AET comparison if you're unsure which name applies to your situation
- The micro-teach pass guide for assessment criteria and common pitfalls
- The best Level 3 AET courses online roundup for comparing providers before you enrol
- A notebook or document template for drafting your three written units before final submission
What to do next
Once AET is confirmed and booked, look ahead to progression. Many learners move on to a Level 4 or Level 5 teaching qualification within a year or two of finishing AET, so it's worth reading how Level 4 CET compares against Level 5 DET now, rather than researching it cold once you've finished this course.
FAQ
What are the level 3 award in education and training entry requirements?
Most providers ask only for a minimum age around 18-19, a reasonable standard of English and maths, and access to a group to deliver a short micro-teach session — no prior teaching qualification or degree is needed.
Do I need GCSEs to start AET?
No formal GCSE certificate is typically required; providers assess your written English ability through the course assignments themselves rather than requiring proof upfront.
Is PTLLS the same as AET?
Yes, PTLLS was renamed AET (Award in Education and Training) several years ago and the two terms refer to the same Level 3 qualification, just under different names.
How long does the Level 3 AET take to complete?
Most online providers set guided learning hours around 8-12 hours, with candidates typically finishing in 4-8 weeks depending on how quickly the micro-teach and written units are completed.
Can I do the micro-teach without a real classroom?
Yes — a small group of colleagues, friends, or a community group works for most providers, since the assessment focuses on delivery skills rather than the setting itself.
Is AET enough to become a teacher?
AET qualifies you to teach or train in many adult and further education settings, but roles requiring QTLS or a formal teaching post in schools usually need progression to Level 4 or Level 5 afterward.
Does AET expire?
No, the Level 3 Award in Education and Training doesn't expire once awarded, though many employers expect ongoing CPD alongside it to keep skills current.
What's the difference between AET and CAVA?
AET is a teaching qualification; CAVA (Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement) qualifies you to assess other people's competence, so they serve different roles even though both sit at Level 3.
One last thing
The part candidates worry about most — the micro-teach — is also the part with the lowest genuine failure rate, because assessors are grading delivery basics, not performance polish; showing up prepared with a clear ten-minute plan clears the bar for almost everyone who reaches that stage in 2026.
