What Is Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training?

Most Commonly Asked Questions People Have Regarding Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training

What is the Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training?

The TQUK Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training (RQF) is a nationally recognised qualification regulated by Ofqual. It is designed for those who are already working in a teaching or training role and want to develop their practical and theoretical understanding of education in adult and post-16 learning environments.

The course is more in-depth than the Level 3 Award and includes a minimum of 30 hours of teaching practice, alongside theory-based assignments and practical observations. It’s a mid-level teaching qualification that sits between the introductory Level 3 and the full teaching diploma at Level 5.

View the full qualification specification from TQUK

Who is the Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training for?

This qualification is ideal for:

• Individuals who are already delivering teaching or training in a paid or voluntary capacity.
• Teachers and trainers in the further education or skills sector who want to progress their careers.
• Workplace trainers, assessors, or mentors who deliver structured training sessions.
• Level 3 Award holders ready to take the next step in their professional development.
• People who want to work towards full teacher status in the post-compulsory education sector.

You must have access to a teaching environment to complete the required hours of practice and be observed delivering lessons as part of your assessment.

How is the Level 4 qualification different from the Level 3 qualification?

While the Level 3 Award in Education and Training is suitable for beginners with little or no teaching experience, the Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training is designed for those who are already teaching and want to develop their practice further.

Key differences include:

• Teaching practice requirement: Level 4 includes at least 30 hours of teaching, whereas Level 3 can be completed without teaching experience.
• Observation requirement: You must be observed delivering teaching at Level 4. Level 3 only includes an optional microteach.
• Depth of study: Level 4 explores broader topics, including curriculum design, wider professional practice, and learning theories.
• Progression pathway: Level 4 is a stepping stone towards the Level 5 Diploma and ultimately QTLS (Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills status).

What does the Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training involve?

According to TQUK’s official specification, the qualification includes both mandatory and optional units, allowing some flexibility depending on your teaching context.

Core topics include:

• Planning to meet the needs of learners
• Delivering education and training
• Assessing learners in education and training
• Using resources to support learning
• Understanding theories, principles and models in education and training

Assessment methods include written assignments, teaching observations, reflective journals, and portfolio evidence.

What jobs can I get with a Level 4 qualification?

A Level 4 education and training qualification can lead to a wide range of job opportunities within adult learning and skills-based education, including:

• Further education lecturer (in some cases)
• Trainer in workplace or apprenticeship settings
• Tutor in private or charitable training organisations
• Community education officer
• Internal trainer or learning and development (L&D) practitioner

While it may not qualify you for full-time teaching in all colleges, it demonstrates a strong level of professional teaching competence that many employers value highly.

What can I teach with a Level 4 Education and Training RQF qualification?

With the Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training, you can teach in adult learning environments, particularly in subjects where you already hold professional qualifications or substantial experience.

For example:

• An accountant can teach bookkeeping or payroll courses.
• A chef can deliver food hygiene or culinary skills training.
• An IT professional can run software or hardware-based training courses.

The qualification focuses on how to teach effectively, while your subject specialism determines what you’re qualified to teach.

What can I do with a Level 4 Education and Training qualification?

This qualification offers several progression routes and career development opportunities:

• Progress to Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training (DET) – required for QTLS.
• Apply for higher-level teaching roles – especially if you already have relevant subject experience or qualifications.
• Start your own training business – deliver regulated or non-regulated courses in your field.
• Enhance your current employment – especially in HR, coaching, or L&D roles where staff training is a key responsibility.

The Level 4 Certificate not only strengthens your CV but also demonstrates your commitment to professional teaching standards.