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Focus Awards Level 3 Award in Education and Training (RQF)

Start your journey into teaching or workplace training with a recognised, regulated qualification.

The Focus Awards Level 3 Award in Education and Training (RQF) is an Ofqual-regulated teaching qualification. It is designed for people who want to teach or train adults in further education, vocational learning, community settings or the workplace.

You do not need previous teaching experience to begin. The course gives you a clear introduction to the skills, duties and knowledge needed to plan, deliver and assess learning.

You will learn how to:

  • Understand the role and responsibilities of a teacher or trainer
  • Plan inclusive and engaging learning sessions
  • Support learners with different needs
  • Use suitable teaching and assessment methods
  • Give clear and helpful feedback
  • Promote equality, diversity and respect
  • Follow relevant laws, policies and professional boundaries
  • Review and improve your own teaching practice

You will also complete a practical microteaching activity. This gives you the chance to plan and deliver a short teaching session and receive feedback on your work.

Gain a Recognised and Regulated Qualification

This is not a general attendance certificate or an unregulated short course.

The qualification is:

  • Regulated by Ofqual
  • Listed on the Regulated Qualifications Framework at Level 3
  • Awarded by Focus Awards
  • Worth 12 regulated qualification credits
  • Supported by clear learning outcomes and assessment standards
  • Recognised as an introductory education and training qualification

After successful completion, you can add the qualification to your CV and show employers that you have completed assessed learning in teaching and training.

This may help you stand out when applying for roles in workplace training, adult learning, vocational education and learning support. The qualification can also support your professional development if you already teach, train or assess learners.

Employment is not guaranteed, and some roles may require further qualifications or relevant subject experience.

Important delivery information: NextGen Learning is an affiliate partner of Apex Learning. Under this partnership, the qualification is delivered and assessed by Apex Learning. The final regulated qualification is awarded by Focus Awards.

Who Is This Qualification For?

The Focus Awards Level 3 Award in Education and Training is suitable for:

  • People who are new to teaching or training
  • Employees who want to become workplace trainers
  • Subject experts who want to teach their skills to others
  • Existing teachers or trainers who need a recognised qualification
  • Assessors who want to improve their teaching knowledge
  • People interested in adult or community learning
  • Vocational trainers and instructors
  • Learning and development staff
  • People who want to progress to a higher teaching qualification

No previous teaching experience is required. However, learners should normally be aged 19 or over.

How This Qualification Can Support Your Career

Employers often look for clear proof that a candidate understands how to plan learning, support learners and assess progress.

By completing this regulated qualification, you can show that you understand:

  • Professional teaching roles and boundaries
  • Inclusive teaching and learning
  • Lesson and session planning
  • Learner needs and support
  • Communication in education
  • Assessment and feedback
  • Record keeping
  • Equality, diversity and safeguarding
  • Self-evaluation and professional development

The qualification may support applications for roles such as:

  • Workplace trainer
  • In-house trainer
  • Training facilitator
  • Vocational trainer
  • Adult learning tutor
  • Community learning tutor
  • Learning and development assistant
  • Subject-specific instructor

This Level 3 Award is an introductory teaching and training qualification. It does not provide Qualified Teacher Status and does not qualify you to teach in every type of UK school.

Qualification Information

Qualification Detail Information
Qualification Title Focus Awards Level 3 Award in Education and Training (RQF)
Awarding Organisation Focus Awards
Regulator Ofqual
Qualification Framework Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF)
Qualification Level Level 3
Qualification Number 601/6099/8
Credit Value 12 Credits
Guided Learning Hours 48 Hours
Total Qualification Time 120 Hours
Delivery and Assessment Apex Learning
NextGen Learning’s Role Affiliate Partner

What Do GLH and TQT Mean?

Guided Learning Hours (GLH) are the hours spent receiving teaching, guidance or supervised learning.

Total Qualification Time (TQT) includes guided learning as well as independent study, assignment work, assessment preparation and practical activities.

Qualification Purpose

The Focus Awards Level 3 Award in Education and Training gives you an introduction to teaching and training.

It helps you understand the roles, responsibilities and professional relationships involved in education. You will learn how to use inclusive teaching methods, support individual and group learning, and assess learners fairly.

The qualification is suitable for people who:

  • Are not currently teaching
  • Have recently started teaching or training
  • Already deliver training but do not hold a formal teaching qualification
  • Work as assessors and want to develop their teaching knowledge

The course combines teaching theory with practical activities. This helps you build both knowledge and confidence.

Key Features of the Course

Ofqual-Regulated Qualification

Complete a genuine RQF Level 3 qualification regulated by Ofqual and awarded by Focus Awards.

Suitable for Beginners

You can enrol without previous teaching or training experience.

Flexible Online Learning

Study course materials online and work through the programme around your existing commitments.

Practical Microteaching

Plan and deliver a short teaching session to demonstrate your practical teaching skills.

Inclusive Teaching Skills

Learn how to support learners with different needs, experiences and abilities.

Assessment Knowledge

Explore assessment methods, decision-making, feedback and record keeping.

Planning Resources

Use practical templates for session plans, schemes of work, personal development plans and assessment records.

Tutor-Assessed Work

Your portfolio, assignments and microteaching evidence will be assessed by Apex Learning.

Professional Development

Learn how to review your performance and continue improving your teaching practice.

Employer-Recognised Evidence

Use the completed qualification to show employers that you have met formal, assessed teaching and training standards.

What You Will Learn

Roles, Responsibilities and Relationships

You will learn what teachers and trainers are expected to do.

This includes:

  • Teaching roles and responsibilities
  • Professional relationships
  • Limits and boundaries
  • Learner support and referral
  • Safeguarding responsibilities
  • The Prevent Duty
  • British values
  • Equality and diversity
  • Relevant laws and codes of practice

You will also explore the teaching, learning and assessment cycle.

Inclusive Teaching and Learning

You will learn how to plan lessons that support a wide range of learners.

Topics include:

  • Inclusive teaching methods
  • Learning theories
  • Communication skills
  • Learner needs
  • Ground rules and induction
  • Icebreaker activities
  • Teaching resources
  • Session plans
  • Schemes of work
  • English, maths, digital and wider skills
  • Self-evaluation
  • Continuing professional development

You will use planning templates and completed examples to help you prepare your own work.

Microteaching

Microteaching allows you to practise teaching in a short and focused session.

You will learn how to:

  • Select a suitable topic
  • Set clear learning aims
  • Plan a structured session
  • Choose suitable teaching activities
  • Communicate clearly
  • Include different learners
  • Check understanding
  • Review your own performance
  • Use feedback to improve

This practical activity helps you turn teaching theory into real teaching practice.

Assessment in Education and Training

You will learn how assessment supports teaching and learning.

This includes:

  • Initial, formative and summative assessment
  • Different assessment methods
  • Peer and self-assessment
  • Involving learners in assessment
  • Making fair assessment decisions
  • Giving constructive feedback
  • Keeping accurate records
  • Understanding the assessor’s role
  • Recognising prior learning

By the end of the course, you will understand how to plan learning, support learners and assess progress in a fair and inclusive way.

Assessment

This qualification is internally assessed by Apex Learning.

You must create a portfolio of evidence that shows you have met the learning outcomes and assessment criteria for each unit.

Your portfolio may include:

  • Written assignments
  • Projects and reports
  • Worksheets
  • Assessor observations
  • Witness statements
  • Learner-produced work
  • Records of written or oral questions
  • Learner and peer reports
  • Recognition of prior learning evidence
  • Session plans and schemes of work
  • Reflective accounts
  • Microteaching evidence

All required assignments must be submitted through the online learning platform.

Microteaching Assessment

As part of Unit 2, you must take part in at least one hour of microteaching activity.

This must include:

  • At least one teaching session lasting a minimum of 15 minutes
  • Observation and evaluation by a tutor
  • Additional microteaching or observation of other teaching sessions for the remaining time

You will receive course guidance to help you prepare your topic, teaching plan and supporting materials.

Your microteaching work forms part of the evidence needed to complete the regulated qualification.

Certification

After you complete all required units and assessments, you will receive the:

Focus Awards Level 3 Award in Education and Training (RQF)

The qualification is:

  • Awarded by Focus Awards
  • Regulated by Ofqual
  • Placed at Level 3 on the RQF
  • Identified by qualification number 601/6099/8
  • Worth 12 credits

The certificate provides formal evidence that you have met the required learning and assessment standards.

You can use it to support:

  • Your CV
  • Job applications
  • Internal promotion opportunities
  • Workplace training responsibilities
  • Professional development records
  • Applications for further teaching qualifications

NextGen Learning acts as an affiliate partner. Apex Learning delivers and assesses the programme, while Focus Awards awards the final regulated qualification.

Progression Route

After completing this Level 3 Award, you may continue your professional development through a higher-level teaching qualification, such as:

You may also choose to develop your skills in areas such as:

  • Assessing vocational achievement
  • Internal quality assurance
  • Learning and development
  • Subject-specific teaching
  • Further education and adult learning

Progression and job requirements can vary between employers and education settings. You should check the requirements of the role you wish to pursue.

Take Your First Step into Teaching and Training

Build the knowledge and practical skills needed to support learners with confidence.

With an Ofqual-regulated qualification awarded by Focus Awards, you can provide employers with clear evidence of assessed teaching and training knowledge.

Enrol in the Focus Awards Level 3 Award in Education and Training (RQF) and begin working towards a recognised qualification that can support your career and professional development.

Order Your Certificate

To order your Certificate, we kindly invite you to visit the following link

Frequently Asked Questions

The Focus Awards Level 3 Award in Education and Training is an introductory teaching and training qualification. It helps you understand teaching roles, inclusive learning, lesson planning, assessment and feedback.

It is suitable for people who are new to teaching, current trainers and assessors who want to develop their teaching knowledge.

Yes. This is an Ofqual-regulated qualification placed at Level 3 on the Regulated Qualifications Framework.

Focus Awards is the awarding organisation. The qualification number is 601/6099/8. It carries 12 credits, with 48 Guided Learning Hours and 120 hours of Total Qualification Time.

The Level 3 Award in Education and Training is the current introductory qualification that replaced the former PTLLS award.

Some learners and employers still search for “PTLLS”, but the certificate you will work towards is the Focus Awards Level 3 Award in Education and Training (RQF).

No. You do not need to be working as a teacher or trainer before starting.

The qualification is designed for new teachers, existing teachers and trainers, and assessors who want an introduction to teaching.

Yes. This course can help you build key knowledge for Teaching Assistant and school support roles. It covers communication, child development, safeguarding, school organisation, and professional relationships.

Entry is decided by the approved delivery centre. Learners should normally be aged 19 or over.

Focus Awards does not set other standard entry requirements. However, Apex Learning may apply reasonable enrolment, identification, English-language or assessment requirements.

The learning materials and written assignments are provided through an online learning platform. This allows you to study around your work and personal commitments.

You must also complete the required practical microteaching activity under the assessment arrangements provided by Apex Learning.

You will learn how to:

  • Understand teaching roles and professional boundaries
  • Identify and support different learner needs
  • Plan inclusive teaching sessions
  • Use suitable teaching and learning methods
  • Promote equality, diversity and respect
  • Follow relevant laws and professional guidance
  • Use different assessment methods
  • Give useful feedback
  • Keep accurate assessment records
  • Review and improve your teaching practice

The course also includes practical planning resources, completed examples and microteaching guidance.

You must create a portfolio of evidence that shows you have met every learning outcome and assessment criterion.

Your evidence may include written assignments, worksheets, projects, observation records, witness statements, questioning records, learner work, reflective accounts and recognition of prior learning. The qualification is internally assessed.

Microteaching is a short, practical teaching activity. It gives you the chance to plan and deliver a lesson while an assessor reviews your teaching skills.

For the selected inclusive teaching unit, you must complete at least one hour of microteaching activity. This includes at least one observed teaching session lasting a minimum of 15 minutes. The remaining time may include further teaching or observing other sessions.

NextGen Learning is an affiliate partner of Apex Learning.

Under this partnership, Apex Learning delivers the course and assesses your work. NextGen Learning provides access to the qualification through the affiliate partnership.

The course includes four main units: communication and professional relationships, schools as organisations, child and young person development, and safeguarding the wellbeing of children and young people.

After you successfully complete all required units and assessments, your regulated qualification certificate will be issued by Focus Awards.

The certificate will confirm that you have achieved the Focus Awards Level 3 Award in Education and Training (RQF).

The qualification has:

  • 48 Guided Learning Hours
  • 120 hours of Total Qualification Time

Total Qualification Time includes guided learning, independent study, assignment preparation, assessment work and practical activities.

Your personal completion time will depend on your study schedule, assessment progress and the time needed to complete your microteaching evidence.

The qualification gives you formal evidence of assessed teaching and training knowledge. You can add it to your CV and show it to current or future employers.

It may support applications for roles such as workplace trainer, training facilitator, vocational trainer, adult learning tutor or subject-specific instructor. However, employers set their own entry requirements, and the qualification does not guarantee employment.

No. The Level 3 Award in Education and Training does not provide Qualified Teacher Status.

QTS is normally required to teach in maintained primary, secondary and special schools in England. You do not need QTS to teach in further education, although employers may require other teaching qualifications, experience or subject knowledge.

Yes. The qualification provides formal evidence that you have completed regulated and assessed learning.

You can use it to support your CV, professional development record, internal promotion application or request for workplace training responsibilities. The outcome will depend on your employer’s requirements.

A suitable progression route is the Focus Awards Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training (RQF).

You may also develop your skills through qualifications in vocational assessment, internal quality assurance, learning and development or subject-specific teaching.

No. You must first complete all required units and pass every assessment.

Once your portfolio and microteaching evidence have met the required standards, Focus Awards can issue the regulated qualification certificate through the approved delivery and assessment process.

Course Curriculum

Getting Started
Getting Started AET 00:09:00
Application Form 00:00:00
Induction Form
Induction Form 00:00:00
Registration Entry Form
Registration Entry Form 00:00:00
Assignment Preparation Guideline
Assignment Preparation Guideline 00:09:00
Beginners Guide to Referencing 00:15:00
Unit 1: Understanding Roles, Responsibilities and Relationships in Education and Training
Self-Assessment Grid
Self-Assessment Grid – Understanding Roles, Responsibilities and Relationships in Education and Training 00:03:00
Guidance For Achieving The Unit
Guidance For Achieving the Unit – Understanding Roles, Responsibilities and Relationships in Education and Training 00:06:00
Information Leaflets
An introduction to the Level 3 Award in Education and Training 00:48:00
Teaching Roles, Responsibilities, Relationships and Boundaries in Education and Training 00:54:00
Legislation, Regulatory Requirements and Codes of Practice 00:12:00
Promoting Equality and Valuing Diversity 00:15:00
Promoting Appropriate Behaviour and Respect for Others 00:12:00
Learner Needs and Points of Referral 01:03:00
Handouts
Table of Examples of Teaching Roles and Responsibilities 00:06:00
Table of Example Boundaries of Teaching 00:06:00
The Teaching, Learning and Assessment Cycle 00:06:00
Table of Potential Learner Needs and Points of Referral 00:06:00
Identifying Inequality 00:03:00
Learner Differences 00:03:00
Ways to Promote and Advance Equality 00:09:00
Ways to Promote Inclusion 00:06:00
Safeguarding, Prevent Duty and British Values 00:12:00
Tips for Teachers and Trainers 00:09:00
Equality and Diversity – Glossary of Terms 00:15:00
Checklists
Teaching, Learning and Assessment Checklist 00:12:00
Advancing Equality and Diversity Checklist 00:12:00
General Items
Pre-Course Assessment Form 00:07:00
Action Plan Template for Achievement of The Award 00:06:00
Course Evaluation Form 00:03:00
Beginner’s Guide to Referencing 00:15:00
Verbs Used in The Award’s Assessment Criteria with Their Meanings 00:03:00
Glossary of Educational Terms 00:15:00
Educational Abbreviations and Acronyms 00:09:00
Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria
An introduction to the Level 3 Award in Education and Training 00:48:00
Teaching Roles, Responsibilities, Relationships and Boundaries in Education and Training 00:54:00
Legislation, Regulatory Requirements and Codes of Practice 00:45:00
Promoting Equality and Valuing Diversity 01:12:00
Promoting Appropriate Behaviour and Respect for Others 00:12:00
Learner Needs and Points of Referral 01:03:00
Video Tutorials
Award in Education and Training Level 3 Workshop Objectives 00:16:00
Understanding Roles, Responsibilities and Relationships in Education and Training 01:38:00
Unit 2: Understanding and Using Inclusive Teaching and Learning Approaches in Education and Training
Self-Assessment Grid
Self-Assessment Grid – Understanding and Using Inclusive Teaching and Learning Approaches in Education and Training 00:06:00
Guidance For Achieving The Unit
Guidance For Achieving the Unit – Understanding and Using Inclusive Teaching and Learning Approaches in Education and Training 00:09:00
Micro Teaching
Micro Teaching 00:05:00
Detailed Guide to Micro-Teaching Session 00:18:00
Information Leaflets
Inclusive Teaching and Learning 00:42:00
Teaching, Learning and Assessment Approaches 00:48:00
Providing Opportunities for English, Maths, ICT and Wider Skills 00:21:00
Theories of Learning 00:56:00
Communication 00:15:00
Induction, Icebreakers and Ground Rules 00:40:00
Creating a Scheme of Work 00:15:00
Creating a Session Plan 00:18:00
Self-Evaluation and Continuing Professional Development 00:12:00
Handouts
Table of Resources Which Could Be Used for Teaching, Learning and Assessment 00:05:00
Table of Teaching and Learning Approaches and Activities 00:25:00
Table of Objectives 00:05:00
The Environment – Examples of Physical, Social and Learning Aspects 00:05:00
Templates
Template – Induction Checklist 00:03:00
Template – Icebreaker – Bingo 00:03:00
Template – Icebreaker – Getting to Know You 00:02:00
Templates and Completed Examples
Template – Rationale for a Scheme of Work 00:06:00
Completed Example of a Rationale for a Scheme of Work 00:10:00
Template – Scheme of Work 00:01:00
Completed Example of a Scheme of Work 00:05:00
Template – Session Plan 00:01:00
Completed Example of a Session Plan 00:06:00
Template – Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Record 00:01:00
Completed Example of a Personal Development Plan 00:03:00
Template – Reflective Learning Journal 00:01:00
Completed Example of a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Record 00:03:00
Template – Summary and Action Plan 00:01:00
Completed Example of a Reflective Learning Journal 00:06:00
Template – Personal Development Plan 00:01:00
Completed Example of a Summary and Action Plan 00:05:00
Checklist
Verbal, Listening, Non-Verbal and Written Communication Skills Checklist 00:09:00
Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria
Inclusive Teaching and Learning 00:18:00
Teaching, Learning and Assessment Approaches 00:21:00
Providing opportunities for English, Maths, ICT and Wider Skills 00:48:00
Theories of Learning 00:24:00
Communication 00:40:00
Induction, Icebreakers and Ground Rules 00:18:00
Creating a Scheme of Work 00:45:00
Devising an Inclusive Teaching and Learning Plan (Session Plan) 00:48:00
Self-Evaluation and Continuing Professional Development 00:35:00
Video Tutorials
Understanding and Using Inclusive Teaching and Learning Approaches in Education and Training 01:41:00
Unit 5: Understanding Assessment in Education and Training
Self-Assessment Grid
Self-Assessment Grid – Understanding Assessment in Education and Training 00:05:00
Guidance For Achieving The Unit
Guidance For Achieving The Unit – Understanding Assessment in Education and Training 00:06:00
Information Leaflets
Assessment Types 00:40:00
Assessment Methods 00:40:00
Involving Learners and Others in the Assessment Process 00:50:00
Making Assessment Decisions and Providing Feedback 00:21:00
Record Keeping 00:12:00
Handouts
Table of Assessment Methods, Approaches and Activities 00:06:00
Table of Assessment Types 00:09:00
Table of Advantages and Limitations of Peer and Self Assessment 00:03:00
Table of Example Teaching Records 00:03:00
Assessor Roles and Responsibilities 00:03:00
Templates and Completed Examples
A Full Set of Assessment Record Templates 00:07:00
Completed Example of A Full Set of Assessment Records 00:15:00
Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria
Assessment Types 00:15:00
Assessment Methods 00:15:00
Involving Learners and Others in the Assessment Process 00:18:00
Making Assessment Decisions and Providing Feedback 00:54:00
Record Keeping 00:34:00
Video Tutorials
Understanding Assessment in Education and Training 00:31:00
Assignments
Assignments 01:30:00
Resubmission
Resubmission 00:00:00
Submit Your Assignments
RQF Submit Your Assignment 00:00:00

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