AET Level 3 vs CET Level 4: Which Teaching Qualification Do You Need?

If you are choosing between the Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET) and the Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training (CET), the right answer depends on the teaching role you are working towards and the practical assessment you can complete.

AET Level 3 is the introductory route. CET Level 4 is broader and includes substantial real teaching practice.

Neither qualification should be chosen simply because one has a higher number. The useful question is: which course matches what you need to do next?

Explore AET Level 3 Explore CET Level 4

Contents

• AET vs CET: the quick answer
• AET Level 3 vs CET Level 4 comparison table
• What are the practical requirements?
• What does Total Qualification Time mean?
• Which course should you choose?
• Example situations
• What if you want to teach in further education?
• Can you progress from AET to CET?
• Gateway course perspective
• FAQs
• Trusted sources

AET Level 3 vs CET Level 4: the quick answer

AET Level 3 is an introductory teaching qualification. Our course includes three written assignments and an assessed 15-minute micro-teach that can be completed from home.

CET Level 4 is a larger qualification. Our course includes six assignments, 30 hours of teaching practice and three lesson observations. The theory is studied through distance learning, but the practical teaching requirement still takes place in a real teaching setting.

For detailed AET course content, read our AET Level 3 online course guide. For options after qualification, read What Can You Do With an AET Level 3 Qualification?

AET Level 3 vs CET Level 4 comparison table

What are the practical requirements?

This is the most important difference between the two courses.

For AET, the practical element is an assessed 15-minute micro-teach. It can be completed from home with tutor guidance.

For CET, learners need 30 hours of genuine teaching practice. Our course information explains that this can be arranged with a suitable private training provider, school, college or other appropriate learning setting. Learners who are not already teaching should secure access to these hours before booking.

CET also includes three lesson observations. The tutor arranges the observation process with the learner. Although the course theory and assignments are completed through distance learning, the teaching hours and observations are completed in the learner's chosen teaching setting rather than being replaced by an online simulation.

What does Total Qualification Time mean?

Total Qualification Time (TQT) is the estimated overall learning and assessment commitment for a qualification. It includes guided learning and independent work such as study, preparation, practice and assessment.

AET has a TQT of 120 hours. CET has a TQT of 360 hours.

The CET teaching-practice requirement forms part of the qualification's overall commitment. It is not 360 hours of online lessons followed by another separate 30-hour course.

Which teaching qualification should you choose?

AET Level 3 may be the better fit if:

• you are taking your first formal step into adult teaching or training
• you want an introductory regulated teaching qualification
• you do not currently have access to a 30-hour teaching placement
• your intended employer, insurer, accreditor or training model accepts Level 3

CET Level 4 may be the better fit if:

• your intended role or employer expects Level 4
• you need a broader teaching qualification
• you can complete 30 hours of real teaching practice
• you can complete the required lesson observations

Always check the requirements of the role, employer, college or professional setting you are working towards before enrolling.

Example situations

A therapist preparing to teach short professional courses

If the person is already appropriately qualified in the therapy they plan to teach and wants an introductory teaching qualification, AET may be the logical starting point if Level 3 meets the requirements of their insurer, accreditor and training model.

Someone moving into a role with regular teaching responsibility

If the intended role specifically asks for Level 4 and the learner can secure suitable teaching practice, CET may be more appropriate.

Someone considering college or further-education teaching

Check the exact role requirements first. The Department for Education identifies the Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (Further Education and Skills) as the main full FE teaching qualification, so some career routes require progression beyond both AET and CET.

What if you want to teach in further education?

AET and CET can both sit within a further-education teaching pathway, but neither should automatically be presented as the full qualification required for every FE teaching role.

The Department for Education describes AET as an introductory qualification often taken by people delivering short courses. It describes CET as suitable for those with a limited teaching timetable and teaching responsibility.

Check the requirements of the specific vacancy or institution before choosing your qualification.

Can you progress from AET Level 3 to CET Level 4?

Yes. AET can provide a useful foundation before progressing to Level 4.

You do not have to complete our AET course before taking our CET course, provided CET is suitable for your intended role and you can meet its practical requirements.

The decision should be based on where you need to get to, not on collecting qualifications unnecessarily.

Gateway course perspective

Our AET course tutor is Kate Parish. Kate has 20 years of teaching experience, PGCE Qualified Teacher Status and qualifications in assessment and internal quality assurance.

Published AET learner reviews repeatedly mention the value of prompt feedback and tutor guidance. That matters whichever level you choose, but CET also requires the learner to organise a suitable teaching setting and complete observed practice.

In practical terms, AET is easier to start without an existing placement. CET is appropriate when the role requires Level 4 and the learner can commit to the real teaching evidence.

FAQs about AET Level 3 vs CET Level 4

Is CET higher than AET?

Yes. AET is Level 3 and CET is Level 4. That does not automatically make CET the correct starting point for every learner.

Do I need AET before CET?

No. Our CET course does not require AET as a compulsory prerequisite, but you must be able to meet the CET teaching-practice and observation requirements.

Can AET be completed without a teaching placement?

Yes. Our AET course includes a 15-minute assessed micro-teach but not CET's 30-hour teaching-practice placement.

Can CET be completed entirely from home?

The course theory and assignments are completed through distance learning. The 30 teaching hours and lesson observations take place in the learner's chosen teaching setting.

Are the CET teaching hours included within the 360-hour TQT?

The 360-hour TQT represents the overall estimated qualification commitment. The required teaching practice forms part of the qualification rather than being an additional separate course.

Which is better for a beginner?

AET is the introductory route. CET can still be suitable for somebody without a previous teaching qualification if their intended role requires Level 4 and they can complete the practical requirements.

Explore AET Level 3 Explore CET Level 4

Trusted sources and further reading

• TQUK Level 3 Award in Education and Training (RQF) specification, 601/1831/3
• UK Government qualification record: TQUK Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training (RQF), 601/2136/1
• Department for Education: Qualifications for teaching in Further Education
• Gateway Workshops: AET Level 3 course
• Gateway Workshops: CET Level 4 course

Qualification and course information checked: 22 October 2026