This certificate is aimed at candidates who:

• Would like or require an introduction to delivering teaching/training
• Are seeking progression within their area of work
• May not currently be teaching/training, therefore are unable to follow other programmes

Objective of the qualification

The Level 3 certificate in Teaching, Training & Assessment (QCF) is an introductory teaching qualification. Achieving this certificate will provide sufficient evidence that the learner has acquired the necessary skills and knowledge to prepare, plan, deliver and evaluate basic teaching and learning sessions, in a variety of teaching or training contexts. This introductory, knowledge-based teaching qualification has no minimum teaching practice requirement. Therefore, it may be undertaken by individuals who are not in a teaching role. However, there is a minimum requirement to take part in micro–teaching.

It can meet the needs of a range of trainee teachers, including:

• individuals not currently teaching or training
• individuals currently teaching and training, including those who have just begun or are about to begin
• individuals currently working as assessors who wish to achieve a qualification providing an introduction to teaching.

It gives learners the opportunity to:

• develop knowledge related to teaching and learning
• develop skills in teaching and learning
• achieve a nationally-recognised Level 3 qualification
• develop their own personal growth and engagement in teaching and learning.

Progression opportunities

Learners who have achieved the Level 3 certificate in Teaching, Training & Assessment (QCF) can progress to the Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training (QCF) or the Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training (QCF).

The Award unit Understanding Roles, Responsibilities and Relationships in Education and Training is a mandatory unit in the Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training and the appropriate credit transfer can apply for those wishing to progress to the Certificate. There is no equivalent credit transfer directly from the Award to the Level 5 Diploma as there are no common units of assessment within the rules of combination.

Achievement of the Diploma in Education and Training permits a maximum of 12 credits at Level 3 and learners wishing to undertake the Award must be aware of this, or must consider it in their selection of optional units.