Thinking about starting a career in teaching? The Level 3 Award in Education and Training is the right place to begin. It is the UK’s most popular entry-level teaching qualification. It is Ofqual regulated and sits on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).

But people often ask: what units are in Level 3 AET?

The answer depends on your provider. But the core structure stays the same. So, are you ready to find out exactly what you will be studying?

What Is the Level 3 AET Qualification?

The Level 3 AET stands for Level 3 Award in Education and Training. It was once called PTLLS. It suits anyone who wants to teach adults in further education or vocational training.

You do not need any teaching background to start. The course builds your foundational teaching skills from scratch. Most providers require learners to be at least 18 or 19 years old, depending on their entry policy.

Studying online means you fit it around your life easily.

How Is the Level 3 AET Course Structured?

To pass the AET qualification, you need 12 credits in total. The exact unit structure may vary slightly depending on the awarding organisation, but all Level 3 AET qualifications cover the same core teaching knowledge and skills.

So the units in your AET course can differ slightly between providers. But the learning goals stay the same no matter where you study.

Let us now look at each AET course unit one by one.

Core Learning Areas in the Level 3 AET

Each unit in the Level 3 Award in Education and Training connects to the next. Together they cover inclusive teaching, learner assessment, and professional responsibilities. Here is what each unit actually involves.

Unit 1: Understanding Roles, Responsibilities and Relationships in Education and Training

This is the only mandatory unit in the whole course. Every single learner must complete it, no matter which provider they choose.

It covers:

• The roles and responsibilities of a teacher or trainer
• Key laws, codes of practice, and professional limits
• Equality, diversity and inclusion in learning environments
• The connections between teachers, pupils and support staff

This unit is foundational to all learning units that follow. Once you understand what you are supposed to do, you see that the rest of your AET experience will not be nearly so overwhelming.

Unit 2: Inclusive Teaching and Learning

This unit is all about planning and delivering sessions that work for everyone.You examine teaching and learning approaches which suit various kinds of learners.

Key topics include:

• Spotting and meeting individual learner needs
• Building sessions using varied, differentiated methods
• Setting up a positive and welcoming learning environment
• Picking the right teaching activities and resources

This unit ties directly to real classroom situations. If you enjoy helping different people learn, this unit will feel very natural to you.

Unit 3: Assessment in Education and Training

This unit breaks down how assessment works in education. You learn to check learner progress in a fair and organised way.

Topics include:

• Formative and summative assessment types
• Providing effective and helpful feedback to students
• Getting learners involved in their own assessment
• Maintaining good records and quality assurance support.

The skills that come with good assessment practices make you a much more effective teacher. This unit provides you with a real sense of tracking progress.

Optional Units in the Level 3 AET

Some providers add extra units to hit the 12-credit total. These depend on what works best for the learner. Depending on the awarding organisation, your qualification may include optional units covering topics such as group learning, using learning resources, or facilitating learning and development.

If you are not working in education yet, avoid providers that require workplace evidence for optional units.

Entry Requirements for the Level 3 AET

There are no formal entry requirements at all. You just need to be aged 19 or over. Basic literacy, numeracy, and ICT skills are expected but no teaching qualification is needed.

Lots of learners come straight from industry. They use the Level 3 Award in Education and Training to shift into a teaching or training role in their own field.

What Can You Do After Completing the Level 3 AET?

Finishing the AET qualification opens real doors in education. Most learners move forward and keep building their credentials.

A solid next step is the Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training. It goes much deeper into teaching practice and is well respected by colleges and employers.

Those wanting senior roles often go further with the Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training. It is the highest teaching qualification below degree level.

Some learners also want to assess learners, not just teach them. The Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement pairs well with the AET and adds real value to your teaching profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many units are in the Level 3 AET?

 Most providers structure the course around three units. One unit is mandatory for all learners. The other two are optional, chosen to make up the required 12 credits for the full qualification.

Is the micro-teach session compulsory?

 It depends entirely on which provider you choose to study with. Some providers include a micro-teach session as part of the course assessment, while others use alternative assessment methods. Always check how your chosen provider delivers the practical element.

Can I study the Level 3 AET online?

 Yes, absolutely. A number of authorized providers provide the complete course online. You work at your own speed which is a lot easier to do with a career or family obligations.

How long does the Level 3 AET take to complete?

Students typically complete the course on a part-time basis in 8-12 weeks. Some providers offer up to 12 months of time, so that you can relax and take your time without pressure.

Conclusion

The Level 3 AET units give you a strong start in teaching. From understanding your roles and responsibilities to building real assessment skills, every unit has a clear purpose.

Whether you are brand new to education or formalising years of experience, the AET teaching qualification is a smart, practical first step worth taking.