This blog is for you if you’ve started Googling teaching qualifications, you’ve fallen into the AET vs CET rabbit hole and now you’re wondering which one you actually need. Maybe you're asking yourself...
Do I need both?
Is Level 4 better than Level 3?
Can I skip Level 3 altogether?
Will one actually help me get work?
We’re here to help you decide what you actually need, not what sounds most impressive on paper.
First things first: what’s the difference?
The AET is a level 3 introductory teaching qualification. It’s designed to help you understand the basics of teaching, training or assessing adults and to get you started in the sector.
The CET at level 4 goes a step further. It’s about developing you as a teacher. It requires you to be actively teaching and to reflect on your practice over time.
Neither is “better” by default. They serve different purposes at different stages.
The Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET)
The AET is often the first teaching qualification people complete. It’s widely recognised, accessible and, for many roles, it’s exactly what employers ask for.
The AET might be right for you if:
you’re new to teaching or training
you need a recognised qualification to support a job application
you’re setting up a training centre
teaching is part of your role, but not the whole role
you want to test whether teaching is right for you
your budget is smaller
At Level 3, the focus is on understanding the role of a teacher, planning and delivering sessions, assessing learners and reflecting on practice. You’ll complete assessments and a microteach session, but it’s very much an introduction.
For many teachers, this is enough!
The Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training (CET)
The CET is a different experience.
It is designed for people who are already teaching and want to improve their practice over time. It involves observed teaching, detailed feedback and reflection, research into theory and applying that theory to real sessions.
The CET might be right for you if:
you’re already teaching regularly
you want in-depth feedback on your delivery
you enjoy reflecting and improving your practice
you’re looking to strengthen your career prospects
you want a higher-level qualification but not a full Level 5 Diploma (or maybe you don’t meet the teaching requirements for level 5…because they are huge and very specific now!)
At Level 4, you’re not rushing through. It works best when you give yourself time to grow into it.
Can I skip level 3 and jump straight to level 4?
Sometimes, yes.
If you’re already teaching and can evidence at least 30 teaching hours, you may be able to jump straight to the Level 4 Certificate. One of the core units from Level 3 also appears in the Level 4 course, so you won’t miss out.
That said, not all providers allow this, and not all learners benefit from skipping Level 3 (we allow it if you can meet the teaching requirements!).
A useful question to ask yourself is:
Do I want an introduction to teaching or am I ready to analyse and improve my practice in depth?
What about the Level 5 Diploma?
The Level 5 Diploma in Teaching is a significant commitment. Following changes in 2024, it now involves more coursework, more teaching hours, multiple placements, mentors and extensive evidence requirements.
It’s absolutely worth doing if you have the time, funding and suitable teaching roles in place. But many people don’t.
For those learners, the CET is often the ideal middle ground. Higher than Level 3; more manageable than Level 5.
Which one do employers want?
Most employers ask for the AET as a minimum.
Some will prefer or reward higher qualifications, which means that holding a Level 4 can give you an edge, but it’s rarely essential.
That’s why choosing the right qualification matters more than choosing the highest one.
A few questions to help you decide
Before enrolling on anything, ask yourself:
Do I need a qualification to get started, or to improve my practice?
Am I teaching regularly right now?
Do I want feedback and reflection, or just the foundations?
Am I choosing this because it fits my career or because it sounds better?
So… AET or CET?
For many people, the Level 3 Award in Education and Training is the right starting point.
For others, especially those already teaching, the Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training offers depth, confidence and professional growth.
And for some, the journey includes both.
If you’re unsure which route fits your situation, ask. A good provider will help you choose what’s right for you, not what costs more.
Where this learning can take you
At The EMG, we deliver both the AET and CET with flexibility and a strong focus on real-world teaching. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to deepen your practice, we’ll help you choose the qualification that supports your goals, not overwhelms them.
If you’d like to talk it through, get in touch.
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