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Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training (RQF)

Focus Awards Qualification | Ofqual-Regulated | RQF Level 4 | Flexible Online Study

Develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to plan, deliver and assess effective education and training with the Focus Awards Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training (RQF).

This regulated teaching qualification is suitable for trainee teachers, tutors, assessors, workplace trainers and experienced educators who want to develop their professional practice or gain formal recognition of their teaching skills. It may also support people preparing to move into teaching or training roles in further education, adult learning, community education, vocational training or workplace learning.

Throughout the course, you will explore the responsibilities of teachers and trainers, lesson and session planning, inclusive teaching, learner assessment, teaching resources and reflective professional practice. You will learn how to respond to different learner needs, create engaging learning experiences and use assessment and feedback to support progress.

You will develop knowledge and skills in:

  • Planning structured teaching and training sessions
  • Delivering clear, inclusive and engaging learning
  • Identifying and responding to individual learner needs
  • Assessing learner progress fairly and consistently
  • Providing constructive feedback
  • Selecting and adapting suitable teaching resources
  • Maintaining professional roles, responsibilities and boundaries
  • Reviewing and improving your own teaching practice

The qualification combines theoretical learning with practical assessment. You will build a portfolio showing how you have met the required learning outcomes and assessment criteria. Depending on the selected units and assessment requirements, your evidence may include assignments, lesson plans, teaching resources, assessment records, reflective accounts, witness testimony and observed teaching practice.

The course materials are available online, allowing you to organise your studies around work and personal commitments. Tutor support is provided to help you understand the units, prepare your evidence and complete the required assessments. Some practical evidence must demonstrate how you apply your skills in an appropriate teaching or training environment.

After successfully completing all required units and assessments, you will receive the Focus Awards Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training (RQF). The qualification has a total credit value of 36 and provides a recognised progression route towards higher-level education and training qualifications, including the Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training

Qualification Information

The Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training (RQF) is a nationally regulated teaching qualification awarded by Focus Awards and regulated by Ofqual.

  • Awarding Organisation: Focus Awards
  • Qualification Number: 601/6341/0
  • Qualification Level: RQF Level 4
  • Qualification Credits: 36
  • Guided Learning Hours (GLH): 140 hours
  • Total Qualification Time (TQT): 360 hours

These official qualification details help employers confirm the level, size and regulated status of your learning. After successful completion, you can present a recognised Focus Awards qualification to current or potential employers as evidence of your assessed teaching and training knowledge.

Please note: NextGen Learning is the affiliate partner of Apex Learning. Under the affiliate partnership/program, this Qualification will be delivered and assessed by Apex Learning. 

Key Features of the Certificate in Education and Training Course

Ofqual-Regulated Qualification

Work towards a recognised RQF Level 4 qualification awarded by Focus Awards and regulated by Ofqual.

Practical Teaching Development

Build practical skills in lesson planning, teaching delivery, learner support, assessment and professional practice.

Inclusive Teaching and Learning

Learn how to recognise different learner needs, remove barriers to participation and create respectful learning environments.

Portfolio-Based Assessment

Demonstrate your knowledge and skills through assignments, teaching materials, reflective work, assessment records and practical evidence.

Flexible Online Study

Access course materials online and organise your studies around your work, teaching responsibilities and personal commitments.

Tutor and Assessment Support

Receive guidance to help you understand the units, prepare suitable evidence and work towards the required assessment criteria.

Professional Development

Review your current teaching practice, identify areas for improvement and develop goals for continued professional growth.

Progression Opportunities

Use the qualification as a possible progression route towards higher-level education and training qualifications, subject to the entry requirements of the next programme.

What You Will Learn in the Certificate in Education and Training Course

Understand Your Role as a Teacher or Trainer

Explore the responsibilities, professional boundaries and working relationships involved in education and training. You will learn how teachers and trainers work with learners, colleagues, employers and other professionals.

Plan Teaching and Training Sessions

Learn how to create structured lesson and session plans based on learning aims, assessment requirements and learner needs. You will consider timing, teaching methods, resources and opportunities for learner participation.

Respond to Different Learner Needs

Develop practical approaches for identifying individual learning needs, prior knowledge, abilities and potential barriers. You will learn how to adapt teaching methods and resources to support fair access and participation.

Deliver Inclusive and Engaging Learning

Explore ways to create a safe, respectful and supportive learning environment. You will learn how to encourage participation, maintain learner motivation and use inclusive teaching strategies across different education and training settings.

Assess Learner Progress

Understand the purpose of initial, formative and summative assessment. You will learn how to select suitable assessment methods, make fair decisions, maintain accurate records and check whether learning outcomes have been achieved.

Provide Constructive Feedback

Learn how to give clear, timely and useful feedback that helps learners understand their progress and identify areas for improvement.

Select and Adapt Teaching Resources

Explore how to choose, create and adapt suitable teaching and learning resources. These may include digital tools, presentations, worksheets, visual materials, practical demonstrations and assistive technologies.

Follow Legal and Professional Responsibilities

Develop awareness of the laws, policies, codes of practice and organisational procedures that may apply to education and training. This includes equality, safeguarding, health and safety, data protection and professional conduct.

Reflect on Your Teaching Practice

Learn how to review your performance through self-evaluation, learner feedback, peer feedback and professional discussion. Reflective practice can help you identify strengths, address weaknesses and improve future teaching.

Plan Your Continuing Professional Development

Assess your current knowledge and skills and create a professional development plan linked to your role and career goals. You will consider how training, observation, reading, mentoring and workplace experience can support continued improvement.

Apply Your Knowledge in Practice

Demonstrate your skills through assessed teaching or training activities. Depending on the unit and assessment requirements, this may involve lesson plans, teaching resources, observations, reflective accounts and learner assessment evidence.

Entry Requirements

You do not need a previous teaching qualification to enrol in the Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training (RQF). The course is suitable for beginners, trainee teachers and people who already deliver teaching or workplace training.

Assessment

The Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training (RQF) is assessed through a portfolio of evidence rather than a single final examination.

You must show that you have met the learning outcomes and assessment criteria for each unit. The assessment process is designed to test both your understanding of teaching and training principles and your ability to apply them in practice.

Your work will be reviewed by a qualified assessor. You may receive feedback and be asked to improve or add evidence before a final assessment decision is made.

Your Portfolio May Include

Depending on the units and assessment requirements, your portfolio may contain:

  • Written assignments and reports
  • Lesson or session plans
  • Teaching and learning resources
  • Assessor observations
  • Witness testimonies
  • Reflective accounts
  • Learner and peer feedback
  • Assessment plans and records
  • Written or verbal questioning
  • Projects and worksheets
  • Professional discussion records
  • Evidence from previous learning or experience, where appropriate

You will not necessarily need to submit every type of evidence listed above. Your assessor will explain which evidence is suitable for each unit.

Certification

After completing the course and passing all required assessments, you will receive the Focus Awards Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training (RQF). The qualification is regulated by Ofqual and awarded by Focus Awards.

This nationally recognised qualification confirms that you have met the required standards in lesson planning, teaching delivery, learner assessment and professional practice. You can use it to strengthen your CV, show verified learning to employers and support applications for suitable teaching or training roles across different sectors.

Order Your Certificate

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

Frequently Asked Questions

The Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training (RQF) is a regulated teaching qualification for people who teach or train learners aged 14 and above. It covers lesson planning, teaching delivery, assessment, learning resources, professional responsibilities and inclusive practice.

Yes. This is an Ofqual-regulated RQF qualification awarded by Focus Awards. Its qualification number is 601/6341/0. The regulated status gives employers clear evidence that your work has been assessed against recognised qualification standards.

The course is suitable for trainee teachers, tutors, assessors, workplace trainers and experienced educators who want a formal teaching qualification. It can also support people who wish to move into adult learning, further education, community learning or professional training roles.

Focus Awards does not set a specific prior qualification requirement. However, entry is subject to the training centre’s requirements. You may need suitable English, digital and subject skills, as well as access to any teaching or training practice needed for your assessment evidence.

You do not need many years of teaching experience. The qualification is suitable for trainee teachers as well as people already working in teaching or training. However, you must be able to produce the practical evidence needed to meet each unit’s assessment criteria.

You can study the course materials online and work through the learning resources around your schedule. However, some evidence may need to show how you apply your skills in a suitable teaching or training setting. This may include lesson plans, teaching records, reflective work and assessor observations.

The qualification has 140 guided learning hours and 360 hours of total qualification time. Your actual completion time will depend on your study pace, previous experience and how quickly you complete your assignments and portfolio evidence.

The qualification is internally assessed through a portfolio of evidence. You must show that you have met the learning outcomes and assessment criteria for each unit. There is no single final written examination listed as the main assessment method.

Teaching or training observations may be required to demonstrate your practical competence.

The exact observation and evidence requirements will depend on the units included in your programme and the qualification assessment criteria. Your assessor will explain what you need to complete.

After meeting all unit and assessment requirements, you will receive the Focus Awards Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training (RQF). It is an Ofqual-regulated qualification with qualification number 601/6341/0 and a credit value of 36.

As an Ofqual-regulated qualification awarded by Focus Awards, the Level 4 CET gives employers verifiable evidence of assessed teaching and training skills. It can strengthen your CV and professional portfolio, although each employer will set its own qualification and experience requirements.

The qualification may support applications for suitable roles such as adult-learning tutor, further education tutor, workplace trainer, vocational trainer, community tutor or learning and development trainer. Your eligibility will also depend on your subject knowledge, experience and the employer’s requirements.

The Level 3 Award in Education and Training is an introductory qualification for people beginning a teaching or training career. The Level 4 CET provides broader study of lesson planning, teaching delivery, assessment, learning resources and professional practice, with a larger portfolio of assessed evidence.

After completing this qualification, you may progress to the Focus Awards Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training (RQF) or another suitable higher-level teaching qualification. The official Focus Awards specification identifies the Level 5 Diploma as a progression route.

No. The Level 4 CET does not directly award Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills status. Current QTLS entry requirements include an eligible Level 5 teaching qualification worth at least 120 credits, alongside suitable teaching practice and other eligibility conditions. The Level 4 CET can support progression towards that higher-level route.

The qualification includes five mandatory areas: professional roles and relationships, planning to meet learner needs, delivering education and training, assessing learners and using teaching resources. The NextGen Learning curriculum also includes the specialist Inclusive Practice unit.

Course Curriculum

Induction Form
Registration Entry Form
Unit One
Introduction to the unit
0 – Certificate Units – Information for Delivery 00:06:00
0 – Resource Information and Terms and Conditions of Use 00:09:00
At018c – Pre Course Assessment Certificate 00:09:00
At050c – Sample Action Plan for the Certificate in Education and Training 00:06:00
Pgu1c – Guidance for Evidencing Achievement – Understanding Roles , Responsibilities and Relationships 00:06:00
Self-Assessment
Sau1c – Self Assessment Grid – Understanding Roles, Responsibilities and Relationships 00:06:00
Information leaflet
G9001C – Information leaflet – An introduction to the Certificate in Education and Training 00:12:00
G9002C – Information leaflet – Teaching Roles, Responsibilites, Relationships and Boundaries 00:15:00
G9003C – Information leaflet – Legislation, Regulatory Requirements, Codes of Practice 00:12:00
G9007C – Information leaflet – Promoting Equality and Valuing Diversity 00:15:00
G9008C – Information leaflet – Promoting Appropriate Behaviour and Respect 00:12:00
I0001A – PP – Learner Needs and Points of Referral 01:03:00
I9001C – Information leaflet – Learner Needs and Points of Referral 00:15:00
M9063a – Information Leaflet – Beginners Guide to Referencing 00:15:00
Presentations
G0001C – PP – An Introduction to the Certificate in Education and Training 00:54:00
G0002A – PP – Teaching Roles, Responsibilities, Relationships and Boundaries 00:54:00
G0003A – PP – Legislation, Regulatory Requirements and Codes of Practice 00:45:00
G0007A – PP – Promoting Equality and Valuing Diversity 00:48:00
G0008A – PP – Promoting Appropriate Behaviour and Respect 00:48:00
Handouts
H9001 – Handout – Identifying Inequality 00:03:00
H9002 – Handout – Learner Differences 00:03:00
H9003 – Handout – Ways to promote and advance equality 00:09:00
H9004 – Glossary of educational terms 00:15:00
H9005 – Educational abbreviations and acronyms 00:12:00
H9007 – Demonstrating good practice to promote inclusion 00:08:00
H9008 – Handout – Safeguarding Prevent British Values 00:16:00
H9010 – Handout – Table of examples of teaching roles and responsibilities 00:06:00
H9011a – Handout – Boundaries of Teaching 00:06:00
H9014C – Verbs used in the Certificate in Education and Training units 00:03:00
H9015 – Handout – the Teaching and Learning Cycle 00:06:00
H9020a – Handout – Table of Examples of Potential Needs and Points of Referral 00:06:00
H9051 – Handout – Tips for New Teachers and Trainers 00:09:00
HC004 – Checklist for Equality and Diversity 00:12:00
Hc012 – Checklist for Teaching 00:12:00
I9011- Handout – Equality and Diversity – Glossary of Terms 00:15:00
Unit Two
Introduction to the Unit
0 – Certificate Units – Information for Delivery 00:08:00
0 – Resource Information and Terms and Conditions of Use 00:12:00
Pgu2c – Guidance for Evidencing Achievement – Planning to Meet the Needs of Learners 00:12:00
Self-Assessment
Sau2c – Self Assessment Grid – Planning to Meet the Needs of Learners 00:06:00
Checklist
Atmc01 – Checklist – Minimum Core Personal Skills 00:09:00
Hc012 – Checklist for Teaching 00:12:00
Hc014 – Checklist for Reviewing Own Practice – Planning 00:04:00
Templates
AT005 – Template – Reflective Learning Journal 00:02:00
At007 – Template – Session Plan Pro-forma 00:02:00
At013 – Template – Scheme of Work Rationale 00:06:00
At014 – Template – Scheme of Work 00:02:00
At022 – Template – Initial and Diagnostic Assessment 00:04:00
At023 – Template – Individual Learning Plan 00:03:00
At024 – Template – Group Profile 00:02:00
At025 – Template – Workshop Plan 00:03:00
Information leaflet
C9007 – Information leaflet – Initial and Diagnostic Assessment 00:15:00
C9008 – Information leaflet – Devising a Scheme of Work 00:21:00
C9009 – Information Leaflet – Designing a Session Plan 00:24:00
C9010 – Information Leaflet – the Minimum Core Planning 00:15:00
C9011 – Information Leaflet – Reviewing Own Practice Planning 00:15:00
Presentations
C0007 – Pp – Initial and Diagnostic Assessment 00:40:00
C0008 – Pp – Devising a Scheme of Work 00:54:00
C0009 – Pp – Designing a Session Plan 01:00:00
C0010 – PP – The Minimum Core Planning 00:52:00
C0011 – PP – Reviewing own Practice Planning 00:44:00
C9054 – Group Profile Completed Example 00:05:00
Handouts
A9051a – Handout – Table of Assessment Methods, Approaches and Activities 00:10:00
A9058 – Handout – Table of Strengths and Limitations of Teaching and Learning Approaches 00:51:00
H9012 – Handout – Table of Resources 00:05:00
I9015A – Handout – Example Completed Reflective Learning Journal 00:08:00
M9060 – Handout – Example Completed Scheme of Work 00:05:00
M9061 – Handout – Completed Example Scheme of Work Rationale 00:12:00
M9062 – Handout – Example Completed Session Plan 00:08:00
M9064 – Handout – Five Minute Session Plan 00:05:00
M9065 – Handout – Example Three Stage Session Plan 00:03:00
U9053a – Handout – Table of Objectives at Different Levels 00:05:00
Unit Three
Introduction to the Unit
0 – Certificate Units – Information for Delivery 00:08:00
0 – Resource Information and Terms and Conditions of Use 00:12:00
Pgu3c – Guidance for Evidencing Achievement – Delivering Education and Training 00:14:00
Self-Assessment
Sau3c – Self Assessment Grid – Delivering Education and Training 00:06:00
Checklist
Atmc01 – Checklist – Minimum Core Personal Skills 00:09:00
Hc003 – Checklist for Verbal, Listening, Non Verbal and Written Communication 00:10:00
HC004 – Checklist for Equality and Diversity 00:12:00
Hc005 – Checklist for Demonstrating a Task 00:05:00
Hc012 – Checklist for Teaching 00:12:00
Hc013 – Observation Checklist – Certificate Units 00:21:00
Hc015 – Checklist for Reviewing Own Practice – Delivery 00:08:00
Templates
AT003 – Template – Personal Development Plan 00:02:00
AT005 – Template – Reflective Learning Journal 00:02:00
At009 – Template – Self Evaluation of a Delivered Session Pro-forma 00:03:00
At021 – Template – Teaching Practice Log 00:01:00
At026 – Template – Tutorial Review 00:01:00
Information leaflet
C9006 – Information Leaflet – Reviewing Own Practice Delivering 00:20:00
C9012 – Information Leaflet – Observations and Teaching Practice 00:20:00
C9016 – Information Leaflet – Communication With Learners and Others 00:24:00
C9022 – Information Leaflet – the Minimum Core Delivering 00:18:00
C9023 – Information Leaflet – Teaching and Learning Approaches 00:24:00
C9024 – Information Leaflet – an Inclusive Teaching and Learning Environment 00:21:00
C9025 – Information Leaflet – Teaching and Learning Theories 00:18:00
C9026 – Information Leaflet – Using Technologies in Teaching and Learning 00:18:00
Presentations
C0006 – Pp – Reviewing Own Practice Delivering 00:44:00
C0012 – Pp – Observations and Teaching Practice 00:40:00
C0016 – Pp – Communication With Learners and Others 00:45:00
C0022 – Pp – the Minimum Core Delivering Education and Training 00:45:00
C0023 – Pp – Teaching and Learning Approaches 00:40:00
C0024 – Pp – an Inclusive Teaching and Learning Environment 00:40:00
C0025- Pp – Teaching and Learning Theories 00:48:00
C0026 – Pp – Using Technologies in Teaching and Learning 00:48:00
Handouts
A9058 – Handout – Table of Strengths and Limitations of Teaching and Learning Approaches 00:51:00
A9060 – Handout – Example Completed Personal Development Plan 00:03:00
H9006 – the Environment – Examples of Physical, Social and Learning Aspects 00:05:00
H9012 – Handout – Table of Resources 00:05:00
H9016 – Handout – Teaching Practice Log Information 00:06:00
H9019 – Handout – List of Technologies 00:04:00
H9021 – Handout – Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Technology 00:04:00
H9022 – Handout – Online Safety 00:05:00
H9025 – Examples of Verbal and Non Verbal Communication 00:05:00
H9026 – Handout Examples of CPD activities 00:05:00
H9027 – Handout Working with an LSA 00:08:00
H9031 – Handout Starter and closing activities 00:10:00
H9032 – Handout Reviewing Learner Progress 00:08:00
H9033 – Handout Individual and Group Tutorials 00:08:00
H9034 – Handout Facilitating Group Learning 00:12:00
H9035 – Handout Facilitating Individual Learning 00:06:00
H9036 – Handout Extension Activities 00:04:00
I9015a – Handout – Example Completed Reflective Learning Journal 00:08:00
M9057 – Handout – Example Completed Self Evaluation Form 00:10:00
Unit Four
Introduction to the Unit
0 – Certificate Units – Information for Delivery 00:08:00
0 – Resource Information and Terms and Conditions of Use 00:12:00
Pgu4c – Guidance for Evidencing Achievement – Assessing Learners in Education and Training 00:16:00
Self-Assessment
Sau4c – Self Assessment Grid – Assessing Learners in Education and Training 00:05:00
Checklist
Atmc01 – Checklist – Minimum Core Personal Skills 00:09:00
Hc012 – Checklist for Teaching 00:20:00
Hc013 – Observation Checklist – Certificate Units 00:21:00
Hc016 – Checklist for Reviewing Own Practice – Assessment 00:04:00
Templates
AT001 – Templates – Assessment Records 00:06:00
AT005 – Template – Reflective Learning Journal 00:02:00
At021 – Template – Teaching Practice Log 00:02:00
Information leaflet
C9012 – Information Leaflet – Observations and Teaching Practice 00:20:00
C9017 – Information Leaflet – the Minimum Core Assessing 00:18:00
C9018 – Information Leaflet – Reviewing Own Practice Assessment 00:15:00
C9019 – Information leaflet – Types of Assessment 00:18:00
C9020 – Information Leaflet – Assessment Methods 00:15:00
C9021 – Information Leaflet – Making Decisions Giving Feedback and Keeping Records 00:24:00
Presentations
C0012 – Pp – Observations and Teaching Practice 00:40:00
C0017 – Pp – The Minimum Core Assessment 00:48:00
C0018 – Pp – Reviewing Own Practice Assessment 00:40:00
C0019 – Pp – Types of Assessment 00:30:00
C0020 – PP – Assessment Methods 00:38:00
C0021 – Pp – Making Assessment Decisions, Giving Feedback and Keeping Records 00:52:00
Handouts
A9050 – Handout – Table of Assessment Types 00:12:00
A9051a – Handout – Table of Assessment Methods, Approaches and Activities 00:08:00
A9053 – Handout – Table of Assessment Requirements 00:04:00
A9057 – Handout – Assessor Roles and Responsibilities 00:04:00
A9059 – Handout – Completed Example of Assessment Records 00:15:00
G9052 – Handout – Table of Advantages and Limitations of Peer and Self Assessment 00:04:00
H9016 – Handout – Teaching Practice Log Information 00:06:00
H9050 – Handout – Table of Example Teaching Records 00:03:00
I9015a – Handout – Example Completed Reflective Learning Journal 00:07:00
Unit Five
Introduction to the Unit
0 – Resource Information and Terms and Conditions of Use 00:09:00
0 – Resource Information and Terms and Conditions of Use 00:09:00
Pgu5c – Guidance for Evidencing Achievement – Using Resources for Education and Training 00:12:00
Self-Assessment
Sau5c – Self Assessment Grid – Using Resources for Education and Training 00:03:00
Checklist
Atmc01 – Checklist – Minimum Core Personal Skills 00:09:00
Hc012 – Checklist for Teaching 00:12:00
Hc013 – Observation Checklist – Certificate Units 00:21:00
Hc017 – Checklist for Reviewing Own Practice – Resources 00:06:00
Templates
AT005 – Template – Reflective Learning Journal 00:02:00
At021 – Template – Teaching Practice Log 00:01:00
Information leaflet
C9012 – Information Leaflet – Observations and Teaching Practice 00:15:00
C9013 – Information Leaflet – Using Resources 00:18:00
C9014 – Information Leaflet – the Minimum Core Resources 00:15:00
C9015 – Information Leaflet – Reviewing Own Practice Resources 00:15:00
Presentations
C0012 – Pp – Observations and Teaching Practice 00:40:00
C0013 – PP – Using Resources 00:40:00
C0014 – PP – The Minimum Core Resources 00:48:00
C0015 – Pp – Reviewing Own Practice Resources 00:40:00
Handouts
H9012 – Handout – Table of Resources 00:05:00
H9016 – Handout – Teaching Practice Log Information 00:08:00
H9018 – Handout – Hints and Tips for Creating and Using Handouts and Visual Presentations 00:10:00
H9023 – Handout – Resource Box 00:03:00
H9024 – Handout – Assistive Resources 00:04:00
I9015a – Handout – Example Completed Reflective Learning Journal 00:08:00
Optional Unit - Unit 34 Inclusive practice
Policy and Regulatory Frameworks on Inclusive Practice 00:39:00
Maintaining Inclusive Learning Environment 00:30:00
Inclusive Practice Roles and Responsibilities 00:36:00
Factors-Influencing-Learning 00:24:00
Evaluating Own Inclusive Practice 00:12:00
Assignment: Optional Unit 34 – Inclusive Practice 00:06:00
Submit Your Assignments
Order Your Certificate
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