May 12, 2026

Award in Education and Training Level 3 Online: Is AET the Right Teaching Course for You?

Award in Education and Training Level 3 online course with Gateway Workshops

If you want to teach, train, or pass on your professional knowledge, the Award in Education and Training Level 3 online course is a recognised starting point for adults who want to move into teaching or training.

Also known as AET Level 3, this qualification is designed for people who want to move into teaching or training, whether that is within private training, further education, workplace training, therapy, beauty, wellness, fitness, IT, trades, or another professional field.

At Gateway Workshops, the AET Level 3 course is an Ofqual regulated online qualification awarded through Training Qualifications UK, also known as TQUK. It is open to complete beginners, delivered through distance learning, and includes tutor support throughout.

This guide explains what the course is, who it is for, what you learn, how assessment works, and how it compares with other teaching and education courses.

Contents

What is the Award in Education and Training Level 3?

The Level 3 Award in Education and Training, often shortened to AET Level 3, is an introductory teaching qualification for people who want to teach or train adults.

It replaced the older PTLLS qualification and provides a recognised starting point for those entering the teaching and training sector. It is commonly used by people who want to teach in private training, further education, adult learning, workplace training, or professional skills education.

The Gateway Workshops AET Level 3 online course is regulated by Ofqual and approved through Training Qualifications UK, an Ofqual recognised awarding organisation.

This matters because not all online teaching courses carry the same level of recognition. If your aim is to build a professional teaching or training pathway, choosing a regulated course gives you a stronger foundation than taking a short generic certificate with limited recognition.

Who is the AET Level 3 online course for?

This course is suitable for a wide range of students and professionals. You do not need to already be working as a teacher or trainer to enrol.

It may be suitable if you:

  • want to become a tutor or trainer
  • want to teach what you are already qualified in
  • work in massage, beauty, therapy, wellness, fitness, IT, trades, coaching, or another professional field
  • have recently started teaching or training
  • want a recognised qualification before creating your own courses
  • want a short qualification to help you decide whether teaching is the right route
  • want to build confidence in planning, delivering and assessing learning

Many students use this qualification as a first step into teaching. It can also support professionals who already have a skill, trade, therapy, treatment, or specialist subject and want to begin teaching that subject to others.

For example, a massage therapist may want to teach massage skills. A beauty professional may want to train others in treatments. A gym instructor may want to deliver workshops. A business professional may want to teach workplace skills. The course gives the teaching foundation, while your existing subject qualification provides the subject knowledge.

View the AET Level 3 online course if you are ready to compare the full course details, price and study requirements.

Can beginners take the AET Level 3 course?

Yes. The Gateway Workshops AET Level 3 online course is open to complete beginners.

You do not need a previous teaching qualification before starting. However, because the course includes written assignments and a short micro teach, it is advisable that students have a good level of written and spoken English, basic numeracy, IT literacy, and access to a computer, printer, scanner, phone and the internet.

Students should also be at least 19 years of age.

This makes the course a realistic first step for people who know they want to teach but do not yet have formal teaching experience.

What do you learn on the AET Level 3 online course?

The course is built around 3 modules, 8 videos and tutor supported online learning. Students receive access to an easy-to-use online platform, with course lessons, course videos, lesson plan templates, scheme of work templates, supplementary resources, a reading list and a messaging area.

The structure is designed to help students understand the role of a teacher or trainer, how to support learners, how assessment works, and how to use inclusive teaching methods.

Module 1: Understanding roles, responsibilities and relationships in education and training

This module introduces the core responsibilities of a teacher or trainer. It helps students understand what is expected within a teaching role and where professional boundaries sit.

Topics include:

  • teaching roles, responsibilities and boundaries
  • legislation, regulatory requirements and codes of practice
  • maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment
  • equality, diversity and meeting students’ needs
  • module 1 assessment

Module 2: Understanding assessment in education and training

This module focuses on how learners are assessed and how teachers make fair, consistent assessment decisions.

Topics include:

  • assessment types
  • assessment methods
  • involving learners and others in the assessment process
  • making assessment decisions and providing feedback
  • records of assessment
  • module 2 assessment

Module 3: Understanding and using inclusive teaching and learning approaches

This module helps students understand how to plan and deliver learning in a way that supports different learners and encourages engagement.

Topics include:

  • inclusive teaching and learning
  • teaching, learning and assessment approaches
  • induction, icebreakers and ground rules
  • engaging and motivating learners
  • providing opportunities for English, maths, ICT and wider skills
  • self-evaluation and continuing professional development
  • module 3 assessment, assignment and micro teach

How is the AET Level 3 course assessed?

To complete the course, students need to provide evidence that they have met the required learning outcomes.

The assessment includes:

  • 3 written assignments
  • a 15-minute micro teach, which can be completed from home

The micro teach is a short teaching activity that allows you to demonstrate how you would deliver learning. This is an important part of the course because it connects the theory to practical teaching delivery.

Gateway Workshops provides tutor support throughout the course. Students receive guidance if further work is needed on their assessments.

How long does the AET Level 3 online course take?

The Total Qualification Time is 120 hours.

Students have up to 1 year to complete the course, which gives flexibility for those fitting study around work, family, clients, or other commitments.

If you have time available and want to move faster, the course can be completed sooner. The live course information explains that students may be able to complete it within 8 weeks if they have the time to dedicate to it.

What can you do after completing AET Level 3?

After successful completion, students achieve the Ofqual regulated Level 3 Award in Education and Training.

This can support your teaching or training pathway in several ways. It may help you move towards teaching in private training, adult learning, further education, workplace training, or your own professional course delivery.

If you want to teach your own subject, the key point is this: AET Level 3 gives you a regulated teaching qualification. You still need to be appropriately qualified in the subject you want to teach.

For example, if you want to teach beauty, massage, coaching, wellness, IT, or another profession, you should already have the relevant subject knowledge and qualifications in that area.

If you want to certify your own students, you would also need to write your own course content and go through the accreditation process with the awarding body or professional body of your choice. The AET qualification is an important teaching foundation, but it does not automatically accredit your own future course materials.

AET Level 3 vs CET Level 4: which course should you choose?

For most beginners, AET Level 3 is the right first step because it provides an introductory teaching qualification without requiring you to already be in a teaching role.

The Certificate in Education and Training Level 4 may be more suitable for students who need a higher level teaching qualification or who are already progressing further into teaching.

Some colleges or educational establishments may require Level 4 as a minimum, while others may accept Level 3. This depends on the setting and the role.

Gateway Workshops also offers the Level 4 Award in the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice, but this is a different type of qualification. It is more relevant for people involved in assessment quality assurance, rather than beginners starting their teaching pathway.

You can explore the full range of education and business training online courses if you are comparing teaching, training, leadership and professional development routes.

Common mistakes when choosing an online teaching course

Choosing a course without checking recognition

Not every online teaching course is regulated or recognised in the same way. If your goal is professional teaching or training, check whether the course is Ofqual regulated and who the awarding organisation is.

Assuming a teaching qualification automatically accredits your own course

AET Level 3 helps you build the teaching foundation. If you want to certify your own students, your own course still needs to be written, structured and accredited through the relevant awarding body or professional body.

Choosing the wrong level too early

Level 3 is often the best starting point for beginners. Level 4 or Level 5 may be relevant later, especially if you need further teaching qualifications or practical teaching hours. Starting with the right level helps avoid unnecessary complexity.

Ignoring tutor support

Teaching qualifications involve assignments, assessment evidence and practical demonstration. Tutor support can make a major difference to confidence and completion.

Why study AET Level 3 with Gateway Workshops?

Gateway Workshops provides accredited online training designed to support students and professionals who want flexible, trusted learning from home.

The AET Level 3 online course is written by experienced, qualified tutors and includes access to real tutor support. Students learn through an online platform with 24-hour access, course videos, assignments, resources and structured guidance.

Gateway Workshops has been established since 1998 and is trusted by students, therapists and professionals who want clear, practical training with proper support.

Clients that regularly trust Gateway Workshops for professional training

You can also read more about Gateway Workshops, view student reviews and testimonials, or visit the support and FAQ page before choosing your course.

If you are building a wider teaching, training, coaching, or professional development pathway, these related online courses may also be useful:

FAQs about the AET Level 3 online course

What is the Award in Education and Training Level 3?

The Award in Education and Training Level 3 is an introductory teaching qualification for people who want to teach or train adults. It is suitable for those entering private training, further education, workplace training, or professional skills teaching.

Is AET Level 3 the same as PTLLS?

The AET Level 3 qualification replaced the older PTLLS course. It is now a recognised route for people who want an introductory teaching qualification.

Can I complete the AET Level 3 online?

Yes. The Gateway Workshops AET Level 3 course is completed online through distance learning. You do not need to attend in person, and the micro teach can be completed from home.

Is the Gateway Workshops AET Level 3 course Ofqual regulated?

Yes. The course is a regulated Ofqual qualification with Training Qualifications UK, also known as TQUK, an Ofqual recognised awarding organisation.

Is AET Level 3 suitable for beginners?

Yes. The course is open to complete beginners. There are no formal prerequisite qualifications, although students should have a good level of written and spoken English, basic numeracy, IT literacy and access to the required equipment.

What can I do after completing AET Level 3?

After successful completion, you achieve the Ofqual regulated Level 3 Award in Education and Training. This can support your pathway into teaching or training. If you want to certify your own students, you will still need to write your own course and go through the relevant accreditation process.

How is the AET Level 3 course assessed?

The course is assessed through 3 written assignments and a 15-minute micro teach. Students receive tutor support and guidance if further work is needed on their assessments.

Should I take AET Level 3 or CET Level 4?

AET Level 3 is usually the best first step for beginners. CET Level 4 may be more suitable if you need a higher level teaching qualification or if a specific college, employer, or education setting requires it.

Ready to start your teaching pathway?

If you want a recognised first step into teaching or training, the Award in Education and Training Level 3 online course is a strong place to begin.

You can study from home, receive tutor support, complete your assignments online and work towards an Ofqual regulated teaching qualification at your own pace.

View Course & Book Online

You can also browse all education and business training courses or view the full collection of Gateway Workshops online courses.

Last updated: May 2026

Written by Sue Bailey