The Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET) is a must-have qualification if you are in the training industry or want to progress your training career.

The AET course helps candidates develop the skills to become competent trainers who understand the variables in setting up an effective adult learning environment. 



Skip to a specific section to learn more about the Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET) course:



About the Level 3 Award in Education and Training 

QN UK awards the Level 3 Award in Education and Training. It replaces the commonly titled ‘Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector’ or ‘PTLLS’ qualification. 

The AET course helps candidates develop the skills, knowledge, and understanding of preparing, planning, delivering, and evaluating teaching and learning sessions. 

RLSS UK offers two course enrolment options for the AET qualification.  

  1. You can complete the AET qualification as a distance learning course via an online platform within a 12-month period. 
  2. OR you can attend a 5-day face-to-face AET course held at RLSS UK Headquarters (Worcester, England). 

Book your AET course today



Download and print the Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET) qualification fact sheet using the button below:



Prerequisites to do the Level 3 Award in Education and Training 

Candidates must be a minimum of 19-years old at the time of taking the Level 3 Award in Education and Training course. No prior training experience is necessary. 



Who is the Level 3 Award in Education and Training Course Recommended For? 

The Level 3 Award in Education and Training is the perfect course for: 

  • Anyone who works in the training industry and wants to improve their training skills. 
  • Individuals who would like to become an RLSS UK First Aid Trainer Assessor (TA). 
  • RLSS UK Trainer Assessors who would like to become an RLSS UK Mentor.



Level 3 Award in Education and Training Course Content 

The Level 3 Award in Education and Training consists of 3 units: 

  • Unit 1: Understanding Roles, Responsibilities and Relationships in Education and Training 
  • Unit 2: Understanding and Using Inclusive Teaching and Learning Approaches in Education and Training 
  • Unit 3: Understanding Assessment in Education and Training 



Assessment Criteria 

The Level 3 Award in Education and Training has a variety of assignment types. 

  • Units 1, 2, and 3 are assessed via assignments. 
  • Additionally, Unit 2 requires you to submit evidence of a 15-60 minute micro-teach. The micro-teach should consist of the following evidence: 
    • A complete lesson plan and any resources/handouts which complement the lesson.  

    • An Assessors Observation Report. The observer must hold a Level 4 Certificate of Education, equivalent* or higher.  

    • Feedback from a minimum of two peers.  

    • A reflective journal and action plan (detailing short, medium, and long-term goals).  

    • Evidence of observing other trainers and providing constructive and developmental feedback.  

    • You must be involved in the teaching and learning cycle for a minimum of 60 minutes (Including evidence of your teaching and observations).  

Candidates can submit each assignment two times – the first submission should be a first draft, and then the second submission should be the final assignment for assessment. Additional submissions are accepted, but each extra submission will incur a surcharge of £20+VAT (£24 inc. VAT) per submission. 

Candidates have a 12-month deadline to complete all work required to pass the Level 3 Award in Education and Training course. Candidates do not have to complete work within specific timeframes or milestone points; instead, they can work through the tasks at their own pace. A realistic and achievable timeframe for completing the course is around 4-6 months, but all candidates are given 12 months if they need it.  

If the AET course is not completed before the 12-month deadline, candidates will be charged a £60+VAT (£72 inc. VAT) reactivation fee. This reactivation fee is only valid within 28 days of your AET course expiration date. After the 28-day expiry period, you will have to register as a new candidate and pay the associated new candidate fees again. 



Specification for the Level 3 Award in Education and Training 

You can view the full Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET) specification here.



How to Book a Level 3 Award in Education and Training Course (AET)     

RLSS UK offers distance learning and face-to-face courses for the AET qualification. 

How to apply for the Level 3 Award in Education and Training online course: 

Apply for the AET distance learning course

The online AET course costs £240+VAT (£288 inc. VAT). 

If you have any issues assessing or completing the form via the button above, please email the RLSS UK Training Team at [email protected]. 

How the application process works to become an AET distance candidate: 

Step 1) Complete and submit your application to become an AET distance learning course candidate. 

Step 2) After reviewing your application, you will have a Microsoft Teams call with an RLSS UK Training Team member who will verify your ID and provide access to the AET online learning platform. This call is also your opportunity to ask any initial questions about the course or any concerns you have.  

Step 3) You will be allocated a Guidance Assessor as your support contact.



How to book a face-to-face Level 3 Award in Education and Training course: 

All RLSS UK Level 3 Award in Education and Training courses are currently held at our charity headquarters in Worcester, England. Find out when our next AET courses are being held. 

The face-to-face AET course costs £280+VAT (£336 inc. VAT). 

Book a Level 3 Award in Education and Training course