Picking the right teaching qualification isn’t just another box to tick, it shapes your career in education or training. If you’re choosing between Level 4 Education and Training and AET Level 3, the smartest way to decide is to understand how each stage supports teaching qualification progression. While AET Level 3 is designed to help you step into teaching with confidence, Level 4 Education and Training is built for those ready to plan, deliver, and assess learning with more independence. In other words, both matter, but they fit different points in your journey.
At Oxfordian College, we support learners at both stages and help you move smoothly from the fundamentals of teaching to the level where you can run your own sessions professionally and confidently.
AET Level 3: Starting With the Teaching Essentials
AET Level 3 is where most new teachers and trainers begin. It covers the core foundations: planning sessions, engaging learners, understanding assessment basics, and knowing your safeguarding responsibilities. It’s ideal if you’re just stepping into education or training, or if you want to test the waters before taking on a bigger teaching role.
This isn’t about being thrown in at the deep end. Instead, AET Level 3 helps you build confidence and get comfortable with the basics of what good teaching looks like, without expecting you to manage everything independently straight away.
Level 4 Education and Training: Teaching Qualification Progression in Action
Level 4 Education and Training takes your skills further and is a clear step in teaching qualification progression. This level suits people who are already teaching (or are ready to do so) and want to handle more responsibility. Here, you’re not just delivering content, you’re expected to design learning, deliver sessions effectively, assess learner work, and reflect on your practice to improve outcomes.
The focus shifts to stronger professional practice: inclusive teaching strategies, effective assessment methods, tracking learner progress, and building real confidence in independent delivery.
The Real Difference: Responsibility and Independence
The biggest difference is responsibility. AET Level 3 gives you the foundation and confidence to begin teaching. Level 4 Education and Training expects you to take the lead, planning lessons, delivering learning, assessing progress, and improving your practice over time.
Employers often see Level 4 as stronger evidence that you can manage a teaching role with less supervision and deliver consistently to a professional standard.
How AET Level 3 Supports Teaching Qualification Progression
Don’t think of Level 4 Education and Training as a replacement for AET Level 3. These qualifications are designed to work in stages. Many learners start with AET Level 3, gain experience, and then progress to Level 4 when they’re ready for more responsibility.
That’s the most natural path for teaching qualification progression, skills built step by step, and you grow into the role rather than forcing it too early.
Who Should Choose Level 4 Education and Training?
Level 4 Education and Training suits trainers, tutors, and educators who are already delivering learning or are preparing to do it independently. It’s a strong fit for further education, adult learning, private training providers, and vocational settings.
If you’re aiming for higher responsibility, more stable teaching roles, or progression into areas like curriculum support, assessment, or internal quality roles later on, Level 4 helps position you as a capable professional.
Career Impact: Which Qualification Helps You Stand Out?
AET Level 3 helps you get started; it’s often the entry point. Level 4 Education and Training helps you stand out. Many employers view Level 4 as proof you can manage real teaching responsibilities confidently, which can support progression into better roles, stronger contracts, or longer-term career development in education and training.
Flexible Study Options at Oxfordian College
Oxfordian College offers Level 4 Education and Training online, so you can keep working while you study. This also means you can apply what you’re learning in real time, which makes the course more practical, especially if you’re balancing work, family, and commitments.
So, Which One’s Right for You?
It comes down to where you are now. If you’re new and want the right foundation, AET Level 3 is the logical start. If you’re already teaching (or ready to teach with more responsibility), Level 4 Education and Training is the next step in your teaching qualification progression.
Choose the qualification that matches your experience today, and it will move you forward faster and more confidently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Level 4 Education and Training higher than AET Level 3?
Yes. Level 4 Education and Training builds on AET Level 3 and involves greater teaching responsibility and assessment duties.
Do I need AET Level 3 before Level 4?
In most cases, yes. AET Level 3 provides the foundation that supports progression to Level 4.
Can I study Level 4 Education and Training online?
Yes. Oxfordian College offers flexible online learning for working professionals.
Does Level 4 allow independent teaching?
Yes. It prepares learners to plan, deliver, and assess learning independently.