Differences

  • Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTLLS) was the previous version of the current Award in Education and Training (AET).

  • The Certificate in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (CTLLS) was the previous version of the current Certificate in Education and Training (CET).

  • The Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (DTLLS) was the previous version of the current Diploma in Education and Training (DET). It will become the Diploma in Teaching (FE and Skills) from September 2024.

  • If you hold any of PTLLS, CTLLS or DTLLS, you do not have to take the newer version.

This page will explain the differences between the older and current versions.


 

Level 3 Award in Education & Training (AET) and PTLLS

  • The Award is available at level 3, PTLLS was both level 3 and level 4 to allow for differentiation.

  • The Award can be achieved by taking three units, PTLLS had four units. 

  • However, the content of the units is very similar and both have 12 credits.

  • The first unit is in both qualifications (Understanding Roles, Responsibilities and Relationships) and must be taken by everyone, whereas other units could be substituted with units from the Learning and Development qualification (subject to the rules of combination, credit values and any additional teaching practice observations).

  • For example, the Award unit Understanding assessment in education and training can be substituted with the Learning and Development unit Understanding the principles and practice of assessment. They are both 3 credits at level 3.

  • Guided learning hours (GLH) is a minimum of 48.

  • As the content of the Award’s units are very similar to the PTLLS units, anyone who holds PTLLS will not need to take the Award.


Level 4 Certificate in Education & Training (CET) and CTLLS

  • The Certificate is available at level 4, CTLLS was both level 3 and level 4 to allow for differentiation.

  • The Certificate has five mandatory units (21 credits), four of which include the minimum core skills. Three of the units are linked to teaching practice observations.

  • The first unit (Understanding Roles, Responsibilities and Relationships) is also in the Award in Education and Training and is at level 3. CTLLS included PTLLS, whereas the Certificate only includes one unit from the Award.

  • There are optional units which must total at least 15 credits, some of which can come from the Learning and Development qualification (subject to the rules of combination, credit values and any additional teaching practice observations).

  • The content of the Certificate units are very similar to CTLLS and both have 36 credits. To achieve the Certificate, 21 credits must be at level 4.

  • 30 hours of teaching practice must be undertaken, with at least three hours of observed practice (the minimum session being half an hour). There is no requirement to evidence working with groups, however, practice must be in a teaching and learning environment.

  • Guided learning hours (GLH) is a minimum of 140.

  • As the content of the Certificate’s units are very similar to the CTLLS units, anyone who holds CTLLS at level 4 will not need to take the Certificate (CET).


Level 5 Diploma in Education & Training (DET) & DTLLS

  • Both the Diploma and DTLLS are at level 5. However, some previous versions of DTLLS could be taken at a higher level with a university.

  • The Diploma has four mandatory units (75 credits), two of which include the minimum core skills. Two of the units are linked to teaching practice observations.

  • The four mandatory units (at level 4) from the Certificate can be substituted for the Teaching, learning and assessment mandatory unit of the Diploma.

  • Anyone achieving the Certificate prior to taking the Diploma can bring forward 20 hours of teaching practice and two observations of teaching practice.

  • There are optional units which must total at least 45 credits, some of which can come from the Learning and Development qualification (subject to the rules of combination, credit values and any additional teaching practice observations).

  • The content of the Diploma units are very similar to DTLLS and both have 120 credits.

  • 100 hours of teaching practice must be undertaken, with at least eight hours of observed practice (the minimum session being half an hour).

  • There is a requirement to evidence working with groups.

  • Guided learning hours (GLH) is a minimum of 360.

  • As the content of the Diploma’s units are very similar to the DTLLS units, anyone who holds DTLLS will not need to take the Diploma.

Please note: the DET is due to be replaced for implementation from September 2024. It will be called the Diploma in Teaching (FE and Skills)

Why was there a change?

  • The change came about mainly due to what became known as the interim and final Lingfield Reports: Professionalism in Further Education, March and October 2012. Amongst other things, these reports reviewed PTLLS, CTLLS and DTLLS and recommended renaming and updating them. 

  • The final report recommended renaming the qualifications, and removal of the 2007 Regulations which made it mandatory for teachers in the FE, skills and training sector in England to hold a teaching qualification, and to partake in continuing professional development (CPD).

  • Click this link for details of The Award, Certificate and Diploma in Education and Training.


How does the change benefit learners?

  • Learners are able to take units which are relevant to them/their job roles. For example, if they are taking the Award and are pre-service (not currently teaching), they can deliver a micro-teach session to their peers. If they are in-service (currently teaching), they can take units from the Learning and Development qualification which relate to teaching individuals or groups. A YouTube video on how to deliver an effective micro-teach session (by me) can be seen by clicking here and scrolling down the page.

  • Academic writing and referencing is not a requirement for the Level 3 Award, however, it is good practice.

  • Centres offering the qualifications are able to choose their own methods of delivery and assessment, providing the assessment criteria can be met by the learners. However, this should be agreed with the relevant awarding organisation.


How do the text books help learners?

  • Details of all my books can be found by clicking here

  • My books are written in clear English, to help anyone new to teaching to understand theory in an easy way.

  • Learners don’t have to read the whole book, they can look up relevant topics in the index to locate areas of interest at the time.

  • The blue book (below) also covers preparing for and delivering the micro-teach session, the minimum core skills, teaching practice, study skills and academic writing.

  • If learners don’t want to buy a book, they can purchase extracts in the form of electronic information leaflets, as well as other resources useful for teaching, learning, assessment and quality assurance (prices start at 50p) by clicking here


What has happened to the ‘Lifelong Learning Sector’'?

The Lifelong Learning Sector still exists, but it is now known as the further education (FE), skills and training sector.



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