Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training

You’ve Mastered the Basics. Now Master the Classroom.

So, you have your Level 3 AET (or PTLLS). You’ve been delivering training for a while. You enjoy it. But you are starting to feel the limitations.
Maybe you are tired of being supervised. Maybe you want to design your own curriculum. Or maybe you just want to command a higher day rate as a “Qualified” trainer rather than an “Associate” one.

The jump to the full Level 5 Diploma (DET) is huge—it takes two years and costs thousands. But staying at Level 3 feels like running in place.

The Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training (CET)—formerly known as CTLLS—is the bridge. It is designed for trainers who are teaching practically and want to deepen their skills, develop resources, and teach without constant supervision.

At National Training GB, we help you bridge the gap between “Starter” and “Pro” with a flexible, observation-based approach.

What is the Level 4 CET Qualification?

The Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training (CET) is an Ofqual-regulated qualification for individuals teaching in the Further Education (FE) and Skills sector. It replaces the legacy CTLLS qualification. Unlike the introductory Level 3 AET, the CET focuses on developing teaching resources and requires candidates to log at least 30 hours of teaching practice.

Level 3 vs. Level 4 vs. Level 5: Which Do You Need?

This “Goldilocks” table solves the confusion instantly.

Feature	Level 3 AET (Intro)	Level 4 CET (Intermediate)	Level 5 DET (Advanced)
Old Name	PTLLS	CTLLS	DTLLS
Teaching Hours Required	Micro-teach (15 mins)	30 Hours (Real Teaching)	100 Hours
Observations Required	1 (Simulated)	3 (Real Classroom)	8 (Real Classroom)
Best For…	Beginners / Part-time	Career Trainers / Developers	Full-Time Teachers / QTLS seekers
Status	Associate Teacher	Qualified Teacher	Fully Qualified

The Verdict: If you are teaching regularly but aren’t ready to commit to a 2-year Diploma, Level 4 CET is your perfect next step.

Core Curriculum: From “Presenting” to “Teaching”

At Level 3, you learned how to present a slide deck. At Level 4, you learn how to educate.

1. Planning and Enabling Learning

You move beyond basic lesson plans. You will learn to:

Use initial assessments to tailor your course to individual student needs.
Manage group dynamics (and handle disruptive students effectively).
Embed functional skills (English, Math, ICT) into your vocational lessons.

2. Developing Teaching Resources

Stop using other people’s handouts. You will learn to:

Design your own curriculum materials.
Create inclusive resources that work for dyslexic or neurodiverse learners.
Use technology in the classroom (Blended Learning).

3. The Practical Requirement (30 Hours)

This is the filter. To pass, you must log 30 hours of teaching practice.

This can be paid or voluntary teaching.
It can be with individuals or groups.
Crucial: You must be observed for 3 hours of this time by a qualified observer.

Instructor’s Insight:
“The biggest worry students have is: ‘How do I get observed if I’m studying online?’ At National Training GB, we accept

Who is This Course For?

This IS for you if:

You are already teaching: You have a role (or a volunteer placement) where you can rack up those 30 hours.
You want more autonomy: Level 4 qualifies you to teach effectively without the high level of supervision required for Level 3 holders.
You want to specialize: This qualification allows you to take optional units relevant to your specific sector.

This is NOT for you if:

You have zero access to students: You strictly need 30 hours of teaching. If you cannot get a placement, stick with Level 3 AET for now.
You want QTLS status: Only the Level 5 DET allows you to apply for QTLS (Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills) status. Level 4 is a stepping stone, not the final destination.

Overcoming the “Hidden” Obstacles

“I don’t have a placement.”
You can’t fake the 30 hours. However, you can be creative. Can you deliver training at your workplace? Can you volunteer at a local charity or community center? As long as you are teaching adults (14+), it counts.

“Is it much harder than the AET?”
It is more in-depth. The assignments require more research and reflection. But it isn’t “academic” in the university sense. It is vocational. You write about what you do in the classroom. If you are teaching regularly, the assignments will feel natural.

“Why not skip straight to Level 5?”
You can! But Level 5 requires 100 hours of teaching and 8 observations. Many people find that overwhelming alongside a full-time job. Level 4 splits the difference, allowing you to upskill without burning out.

Why Choose National Training GB?

We understand that you are likely working while you study.

Remote Observations: We are pioneers in video assessment. Record your lessons on your phone/camera and upload them. Simple.
Flexible Timeline: You have up to 12 months to complete the course, but many finish in 3-4 months. You set the pace.
Resource Library: We give you access to templates, lesson plan builders, and example assignments to stop you staring at a blank page.
Tutor Mentorship: Your tutor isn’t just a marker; they are a qualified teacher who can help you solve real problems you face in your classroom.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need the Level 3 AET before taking Level 4 CET?
Technically, no. The awarding bodies allow you to jump straight to Level 4 if you can demonstrate you have the necessary reading/writing skills and access to teaching practice. However, most people do Level 3 first to get the basics.

Can I teach in schools with this?
This is a Further Education (FE) qualification. It is designed for colleges, adult learning, and private training. It does not grant QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) for primary/secondary schools.

What counts as “Teaching Practice”?
Lectures, workshops, 1-to-1 training, and virtual classroom delivery (Zoom/Teams) can all count towards your 30 hours.

Upgrade Your Status

There is a difference between someone who “delivers training” and a “Qualified Teacher.”
The Level 4 CET is the badge that proves you understand the science of learning. It builds your confidence, improves your students’ results, and justifies a higher salary.

If you are serious about this profession, don’t stop at Level 3. Take the next step.

[Enroll Now: Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training (Distance Learning)]