Level 3 Award in Education & Training — The Qualification That Turns Expertise Into a Teaching Career
You've built the skills and knowledge in your field. Now gain the nationally recognised qualification to teach, train and develop others — through flexible distance learning that fits around your existing practice.
CIMSPA Endorsed • Ofqual Regulated • Awarded by Focus Awards
What Is the Level 3 Award in Education & Training?
The Level 3 Award in Education & Training (AET) is the entry-level teaching qualification for anyone who wants to formally develop their skills as an educator, trainer or instructor — in any field.
Whether you're a fitness professional looking to move into tutoring and course delivery, a coach or practitioner who wants to run workshops or CPD sessions, or someone in any industry looking to formalise the training role they already play — this qualification gives you the recognised foundation to do it properly.
Delivered through distance learning — with both hard copy course manuals and a digital workbook — the AET is a practical, accessible qualification designed around your existing commitments. Study at your own pace, apply the learning directly to your professional context and graduate with a qualification that is CIMSPA endorsed, Ofqual regulated and nationally recognised across education and training environments.
A Qualification the Industry Trusts
The Level 3 Award in Education & Training is endorsed by CIMSPA — the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity — and carries 10 CIMSPA CPD points. It is awarded by Focus Awards and regulated by Ofqual, placing it on the national qualifications framework alongside the sector's most respected credentials.
Motion Fitness Education is a CIMSPA Enhancing Status Education Partner — independently recognised for delivering education that raises the standard of the sector. When you study with MFE, your qualification carries that credibility from day one.
Level 3
Online Study
CIMSPA Endorsed
No Pre Req
£395
What You'll Learn on the Level 3 Education & Training Course
This course develops the foundational knowledge, planning skills and delivery techniques that underpin effective education and training practice — whatever your subject area.
You'll learn how to:
Understand the roles, responsibilities and professional boundaries of a teacher or trainer — and how to operate effectively within them
Identify and respond to the needs of different types of learners — including learning preferences, barriers to learning and how to adapt your approach
Plan and prepare inclusive, well-structured teaching and training sessions with clear aims, outcomes and activities
Deliver engaging, learner-centred sessions — developing your communication, questioning and classroom management skills
Use a range of teaching strategies, resources and methods to support varied learners and learning objectives
Assess learning effectively and provide meaningful feedback that supports learner development
Reflect on your own teaching practice and identify areas for continuous professional development
How Is the Level 3 Education & Training Course Assessed?
Assessment is practical and reflective — designed to develop and confirm your ability to teach and train effectively in your own professional context:
Written Worksheets — Structured tasks completed throughout the course, testing your understanding of education and training theory and how you apply it in practice
Teaching Observation — A structured observed teaching or training session, assessed against professional education and training standards
Full guidance on both assessments is provided within your course materials — so you know exactly what to expect and how to prepare.
Is This Course Right for You?
The Level 3 Award in Education & Training is open to anyone who teaches, trains or develops others — or who wants to. There are no prerequisites, and no requirement to be in a specific industry or profession.
This course is ideal if you:
Are a fitness professional — PT, gym instructor, Pilates teacher, sports massage therapist — who wants to move into tutoring, course delivery or CPD facilitation
Deliver training, workshops or coaching in any professional context and want a recognised qualification to back it up
Are looking to develop a second income stream through teaching, training or assessing in your field
Work in a role that includes training or mentoring others and want to formalise those skills
Are considering a career in education, training or assessor roles and need the recognised entry-level qualification
Want to pair this with the Level 3 Award in Assessing Competence to become a fully qualified trainer and assessor
Prerequisite:
The Level 3 Award in Education & Training is open to all. You don't need a teaching qualification, a specific professional background or any formal experience in education to get started — just the knowledge and expertise you've built in your own field, and the motivation to share it effectively.
DISTANCE LEARNING — STUDY AT YOUR OWN PACE, WITH REAL COURSE MATERIALS
The Level 3 Education & Training Award is delivered through distance learning — combining physical course manuals with a digital workbook, so you have everything you need to study flexibly and at your own pace.
Hard Copy Course Materials
Your course materials are delivered directly to you — structured, comprehensive manuals that guide you through the full content of the qualification. No need to stare at a screen for everything; your core learning materials are tangible, annotatable and yours to keep.
Flexible Distance Learning
Study when and where it suits you. The AET is designed to fit around your existing professional commitments — most learners complete it in six to eight weeks working consistently, with the flexibility to go at whatever pace your schedule allows.
Digital Worksheets
Your worksheets and assignment tasks are completed digitally — keeping your submissions organised and simple to submit throughout the course.
Student Support Throughout
Direct access to support from enrolment to qualification — for questions, guidance and feedback at every stage.
Your Education & Training Qualification
On successful completion of this course, you'll receive:
Qualification: Level 3 Award in Education & Training (RQF)
Qualification Number: 601/6099/8
Awarding Organisation: Focus Awards
Regulated by: Ofqual (Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation)
Endorsed By: CIMSPA — 10 CPD points
This qualification is recognised across education, training and professional development environments in the UK. It is the standard entry-level teaching qualification for those moving into a formal educator or trainer role — and the natural foundation for the Level 3 Award in Assessing Competence in the Work Environment.
Become a Fully Qualified Trainer and Assessor
The Level 3 Award in Education & Training pairs directly with the Level 3 Award in Assessing Competence in the Work Environment — the qualification for those who want to formally assess learners in vocational and professional settings. Together, they give you the complete foundation to not just teach, but to assess and verify the competence of others.
EDUCATION & TRAINING ONLY
The recognised entry-level teaching qualification — for anyone who trains, teaches or develops others professionally.
£395.00
Pay in full or 5 × £79/month
EDUCATION & TRAINING + ASSESSOR
The complete trainer and assessor package — qualify in both and have the full credentials to teach and formally assess in your professional field
£600.00
Pay in full or 5 x £120/month
Questions before you enrol? Book a free careers call and we'll help you find the right course.
LEVEL 3 EDUCATION & TRAINING — FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Everything you need to know before you enrol.
Q: Do I need any teaching experience or qualifications to enrol?
No — the Level 3 Award in Education & Training has no prerequisites. It is an entry-level teaching qualification designed for people at the start of their education and training journey. Whether you've never formally taught before or have been informally training others for years, this qualification provides the structured, recognised foundation your practice needs.
Q: What is the AET and what has it replaced?
The Level 3 Award in Education & Training (AET) is the current standard entry-level teaching qualification in England — replacing the former Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTLLS) award. It is regulated by Ofqual, sits on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) and is nationally recognised across education, training and vocational assessment environments.
Q: What kind of roles does this qualification support?
The AET is relevant across a wide range of education and training contexts. For fitness professionals, it provides the recognised foundation to move into tutoring, CPD delivery or course facilitation. More broadly, it supports anyone in a training, mentoring or development role — including workplace trainers, coaches, subject experts moving into education, and those looking to work in further education or vocational training.
Q: How is this course delivered — do I need to attend any sessions?
The course is delivered entirely through distance learning. You'll receive hard copy course manuals by post and complete your worksheets digitally. Your teaching observation can be arranged in your own professional context — you don't need to travel to a specific venue to complete it. Full guidance on how to arrange your observation is provided within your course materials.
Q: How long does the course take to complete?
Most learners complete it in six to eight weeks working at a consistent pace. The course is fully self-paced — take your time if needed, or move faster if your schedule allows. There are no fixed deadlines or cohort dates. You have up to 2 years from your enrolment date to complete your qualification.
Q: What is the Level 3 Award in Assessing Competence and why does it pair well with the AET?
The Level 3 Award in Assessing Competence in the Work Environment is the qualification for those who want to formally assess learners in vocational and professional settings — verifying that others have met the required standard of competence in their field. Together with the AET, it gives you the complete foundation to both teach and formally assess. The two qualifications are available as a bundle from MFE at a saving of £190. Book a free careers call for more details.
Q: Is this course CIMSPA endorsed?
Yes. The Level 3 Award in Education & Training is endorsed by CIMSPA and carries 10 CIMSPA CPD points — making it a meaningful addition to your professional development record as well as a nationally recognised qualification.
Q: What payment options are available?
The course is £395 in full, or available on a 5-month payment plan at £79 per month by Direct Debit. The Education & Training + Assessing Competence bundle is £600 in full, or available on a 5-month plan at £120 per month. Payment plan enrolment is handled at checkout or arranged directly with our team for the bundle.
Q: Is there an age limit for the course?
You must be 16 or over to enrol. There is no upper age limit.
If you have any further questions please speak to our careers team who will be ableto answer and specific questions.
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LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR COURSE
Download the FREE Course Guide and learn more about our Level 3 Award in Education & Training qualification.
READY TO TURN YOUR EXPERTISE INTO A TEACHING CAREER
Enrol in the Level 3 Award in Education & Training today — distance learning, no prerequisites, and the recognised qualification to share what you know professionally.
Want the complete trainer and assessor package? View the Education & Training + Assessing Competence bundle and save £190.
Want to explore everything MFE offers? Download the Course Guide and see the full range.
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