Do you have a teaching career in mind, but you are not sure which one between the Level 3 Award in Education and Training and the Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training is correct? The two are similar teaching qualifications that are popular in the UK and are used at different levels.

Level 3 AET is best suited to beginners, whereas Level 4 CET is best suited to those with a bit of experience or even larger ambitions in their career. The crucial one is which one suits your current level and where you want to move to further.

What is Special about the Level 3 Award in Education and Training?

Level 3 Award in Education and Training (commonly referred to as AET) is the ideal beginner award if you have never taught before. It provides you with the fundamentals of lesson planning, the learning process of people, and classroom management.

Numerous novice tutors complete this course and feel prepared to have their first teaching lessons. Wonder what this qualification actually entails and where it will take you? Our informative guide to what a Level 3 teacher qualification means has everything down to a T.

What Is Level 4 CET and Who Should Take It?

Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training (CET) takes it a step further. It is geared towards individuals who have some teaching experience already or are interested in teaching more complicated courses in colleges and adult education.

You are taught how to develop whole schemes of work, apply various teaching strategies and how to meet the needs of learners with additional needs. This qualification demonstrates to employers that you are committed to a long-term career in the field of education.

To prepare, you can read our article on 5 essential skills every future educator needs to help you create the necessary skills before you begin.

Comparison of Level 3 AET and Level 4 CET 

The reason behind choosing the right option lies in understanding the difference between the two, AET vs CET. The following breakdown is evident:

Entry Requirements

The Level 3 AET does not require high-level English and maths, as well as the desire to teach. Level 4 CET typically requires some previous experience of teaching or the AET.

What You Will Learn

AET concentrates on the fundamentals of planning and delivery of sessions. CET imparts more sophisticated skills, such as inclusive education and quality control.

How Long Does It Take

The majority of the AET is completed in 3-6 months on a part-time basis. The CET usually takes 6-12 months of time since it requires more practical hours of teaching.

Assessment Methods

They are both based on the use of assignments and observations, though in the CET, you will be working with real learners and more extensively reflecting on your practice.

Is AET the Best Entry-Level Teaching Course in the UK for Beginners?

Yes, to most of the new teachers it is. Level 3 Award in Education and Training provides you with a recognised qualification in a short time without being overbearing on you.

It is particularly effective when you are to teach in community colleges, private training centres or even in workshops of corporations. When you do it, you often advance to such positions as tutor, trainer, or teaching assistant.

What is Career Progression After AET?

The Level 3 Award in Education and Training can open numerous exciting opportunities. The following are the most popular subsequent actions:

• Progress to the Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training to acquire more advanced teaching skills.
• Include a qualification to assess the work of learners and get additional income.
• Advance to Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) with higher pay and responsibility.
• Specifically, focus on such areas as functional skills or training in health and care.

Want some real-life examples of jobs you can get as soon as AET? Read our guide on what jobs you can get with a Level 3 AET qualification. It is also fully complemented by the Level 3 CAVA to enable many learners to become fully qualified assessors – see our post Everything You Need to know about the Level 3 CAVA qualification to find out more.

Suggestions on which of these Teaching Qualifications to Select?

Consider what you are presently experiencing and desire to improve at what pace. As a beginner teacher, consider using the AET first of all – it will boost your confidence and provide you with a solid basis. In case you are already a small-time teacher and wish to become more responsible, then the CET will assist you.

Whilst either choice will allow you to pursue good career advancement following AET and further. Our learners have been known to become full teachers, trainers, or even start their own education companies.