Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training (CET Course, formally CTLLS)
This Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training (CET Teacher Course) replaces the old Level 3 Certificate in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector and the Level 4 Certificate in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector qualifications (CTLLS). The course is designed for candidates working in a variety of environments where teaching takes place such as gyms, care homes, and schools. There is no stipulation regarding the minimum age of your learners.
About this qualification
Coursetopia encourages candidates to submit naturally occurring evidence. We welcome other evidence such as prior learning. Candidates are expected to complete within 10 to 20 weeks depending on the combination of units.
Course Structure
To achieve the Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training, learners must achieve 21 credits at Level 4 towards a minimum total of 36 credits across mandatory and optional units.
| Unit Number | Unit Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Understanding roles, responsibilities and relationships in education and training | 3 |
| 2 | Planning to meet the needs of learners in education and training | 3 |
| 3 | Delivering education and training | 6 |
| 4 | Assessing learners in education and training | 6 |
| 5 | Using resources for education and training | 3 |
| 6 | Inclusive Practice | 15 |
Learners who hold the PTLLS or AET qualification are exempted from Unit 1 (Understanding roles, responsibilities and relationships in education and training).
Combined Options
Coursetopia offers bundled units and course combinations to help candidates achieve popular qualifications in Learning and Development. These options enable you to qualify as an NVQ Assessor, an Internal Quality Assurer, or both alongside your CET qualification. Bundling your units is a highly cost-effective alternative compared to completing each qualification separately.
Course Delivery and Support
Classroom
Interactive classroom-based learning led by experienced tutors, providing structured face-to-face instruction and group discussion opportunities.
Blended Learning
A flexible combination of online study and structured face-to-face or virtual tutorial sessions, offering guidance adapted to your schedule.
Online (Distance Learning)
Flexible distance learning via our dedicated online portal, allowing you to study at your own pace from anywhere with comprehensive support from a personal tutor.
How long is this certificate in education course?
Key Facts
The time taken to complete the CET course depends on several factors, including your existing teaching experience and the number of hours you can dedicate to study each week. Candidates can expect to complete the qualification within 3 to 12 weeks.
Entry Requirements
The Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training is open to anyone who can evidence a minimum of 30 hours of teaching practice. Candidates require basic numeracy, literacy and IT skills. Coursetopia occasionally offers in-house placements for suitable candidates who require teaching practice. Learners must be committed and serious about their studies, with reliable access to the internet and a word processor.
Assessment
Assessment is completed through a portfolio of evidence. This may include prior learning, written assignments, reflective accounts, witness statements, questioning, observations of practice and work products. The course requires four assignments, 30 hours of teaching practice, and a minimum of 3 hours of observed practice recorded across at least 3 separate occasions, with each observation lasting a minimum of 30 minutes.
What can I do after completion?
Upon completion, you can work as a qualified tutor or trainer across a wide range of educational and vocational settings. You can also go on to complete the Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (Further Education and Skills) or progress into higher education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CTLLS still a valid qualification, or do I need the CET instead?
CTLLS has been fully retired and can no longer be enrolled on. The CET is its direct replacement, covering the same professional purpose with updated content.
Do I need to already be teaching to take the CET?
Yes - you need at least 30 hours of teaching practice to enrol. Coursetopia occasionally offers in-house teaching placements for eligible candidates who don't yet have this.
Am I exempt from any units if I already hold AET or PTLLS?
Yes - holders of AET or PTLLS are exempt from Unit 1 (Understanding roles, responsibilities and relationships in education and training).
What can I do after completing the CET?
Work as a qualified tutor or trainer across a wide range of educational and vocational settings, or progress to the Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (Further Education and Skills) or other higher education routes.
CET vs CTLLS: What's the Difference?
If you've come across the term CTLLS (Certificate in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector) while researching teaching qualifications, it's worth knowing upfront: CTLLS is a retired qualification, and you can't enrol on it today. The Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training (CET) is what replaced it, and it's the qualification you actually need.
What was CTLLS?
CTLLS was part of an older suite of UK teaching qualifications (alongside PTLLS and DTLLS) used across the post-16 and further education sector. When that framework was overhauled, CTLLS was withdrawn and replaced by the Certificate in Education and Training, which covers largely the same ground - the same professional purpose, a similar unit structure - brought up to date with current teaching standards and practice.
Does my old CTLLS certificate still count?
If you already hold a CTLLS certificate from before it was retired, that qualification remains yours and continues to be recognised - being retired means new candidates can no longer enrol on it, not that existing certificates stop counting. It's only if you're starting from scratch now that CET is the one to go for.
So which one do I need?
If you're researching this today, the answer is straightforward: the CET, not CTLLS. There's no live choice to make between them - CTLLS simply isn't available to enrol on anymore. The Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training is the current, regulated qualification covering that same space, and if you already hold AET or PTLLS you're exempt from its first unit.
Not sure whether CET is the right level for you rather than the AET or the Level 5 Diploma? See our guide comparing all three teacher training courses.
Enrolment (Costs and Signing up)
Enroling on the Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training with Coursetopia is simple and straightforward through our online booking system.
The Full cost is £495. The course can also be paid by 6 monthly instalments. Each instalment is £88.
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