Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training

Whether you are stepping into teaching for the first time or formalising years of training experience, this Level 4 Certificate gives you a nationally recognised qualification — built around flexible online study.

STARTING FROM

£895 + VAT

Learners outside the UK may be VAT exempt

Focus Awards Accredited

OFQUAL Regulated

36 Credits, Level 4

Level 5 DET Pathway

4.7 (200+ Reviews)

You may already be teaching — just not qualified yet

Thousands of workplace trainers, assessors, instructors and subject matter experts deliver effective learning every day without formal recognition. This Certificate changes that — giving you the nationally recognised qualification to match the work you already do.

"This qualification is designed for people who understand learning — and need the formal certificate to prove it."

Fully online and portfolio-based. No written exams. You build your evidence from real teaching and training activity with dedicated tutor support throughout. Focus Awards accredited, OFQUAL regulated, and trusted by trainers, assessors and educators across the UK.

No written exams

You are assessed entirely through a portfolio of evidence drawn from your real teaching practice. No time-pressured tests.

Flexible and fully online

Study at your own pace around work, family and other commitments. No fixed timetable or attendance requirements.

Recognised across sectors

The CET is the standard entry teaching qualification across further education, adult learning, vocational training and workplace delivery.

Practical teaching included

You develop real skills in planning, delivery, assessment, inclusive teaching and resource use — not just theory.

Clear progression pathway

A direct route to the Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training (DET) for those who want to go further.

Dedicated tutor support

You have a named tutor supporting you throughout — not just a platform to work through on your own.

Not sure if this is right for you?

We are happy to talk through your background and help you decide whether this is the right route before you commit to anything.

01

Initial call

We talk through your background, your teaching context and whether this qualification is the right fit for your goals.

02

Enrolment and induction

You enrol, meet your tutor and receive a full introduction to the course structure, units and what you will need to produce.

03

Mandatory units

You work through the five mandatory units, building evidence of your teaching knowledge, planning, delivery, assessment and resource use.

04

Optional units

You select optional units from a broad range to meet your individual professional needs and specialist area.

05

Portfolio completion

Your tutor reviews your portfolio throughout, giving feedback and guidance until your evidence meets the required standard.

06

Certification and progression

You receive your Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training — and a clear route to the Level 5 DET if you choose to continue.

Your tutor is with you from day one

Dedicated tutor support throughout — reviewing your evidence, answering questions and guiding you through each unit.

Core teaching units — required for all learners

These five units form the foundation of the Certificate. They cover the essential knowledge and practice every teacher or trainer needs, from planning and delivery through to assessment and inclusive practice.

Optional Units

You choose optional units to make up the remaining 15 credits. These allow you to tailor the qualification to your specialist area and professional context. Optional units include areas such as inclusive practice, coaching and mentoring roles, working with specific age groups, equality and diversity, action research, and specialist delivery techniques — among many others.

Your tutor will help you select the optional units that best match your teaching context and career direction.

For you

For employers

Focus Awards Accredited

Recognised awarding body

Level 4 Certificate

36 credits, RQF regulated

OFQUAL Regulated

Quality assured nationally

4.8 on Trustpilot

Trusted by past learners

Level 5 DET Pathway

Clear progression route

Do I need teaching experience to enrol?

You do not need prior teaching experience to start, but you will need to be able to undertake teaching or training activity during the course to generate your portfolio evidence. Many learners are already delivering training when they enrol.

Are there any exams?

No. Assessment is entirely portfolio-based. You demonstrate your knowledge and practice through evidence gathered from real teaching activity — no written exams at any stage.

How long does the course take?

The timeline is flexible and depends on your pace and availability. Most learners complete within 9 to 18 months. You have access to a tutor throughout and can progress as quickly as your evidence allows.

What are the optional units?

You choose optional units from a broad list to meet your specialist area and professional needs. These cover areas including inclusive practice, coaching, mentoring, working with specific age groups, action research, equality and diversity, and specialist delivery. Your tutor helps you choose the most relevant ones.

Do I need to be observed teaching?

The Level 4 Certificate requires you to demonstrate teaching practice through portfolio evidence. Where practical teaching observation is required, this is arranged with your tutor and can take place in your existing workplace setting.

Where does this qualification lead?

The Level 4 CET is the standard entry-level teaching qualification across further education and training. From here you can progress to the Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training, advanced teaching roles, or specialist pathways in learning and development.