Choosing your qualification route

All teachers who teach in the lifelong learning sector who started after September 2001 need a teacher training qualification.

At City Lit we offer a full teacher training route for teachers in the sector, whether you are teaching in further, adult or community learning. Please note, however, that we do not offer courses suitable for those who want to teach in schools, or specialist qualifications for teachers of ESOL, Literacy or Numeracy.

If you are an intending or practising teacher, the guide below is designed to help you choose your teacher training course.

► I have no teacher training qualification

Award in Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (City and Guilds 7303 PTLLS)

All lifelong learning teachers need to achieve PTLLS. If you started after 2007, you need it to teach in the sector, but your employer may ask you to complete it even if you started before then.

At City Lit we offer both a level 3 award (for intending teachers) and a level 4 award for practising teachers (2 hours a week or equivalent).

We also offer shorter trainer training versions of PTLLS at Level 3 for workplace trainers/volunteer teachers. These shorter courses are designed for those who predominantly teach one day workshops, or train in their workplace

Award Course Codes:
City and Guilds 7303 Level 3 (full course) TD501; TD503
City and Guilds 7303 Level 3  (shorter course for workplace trainers/volunteers) TD502; TD511
City and Guilds 7303 Level 4 TD504; TD506


►  I have PTLLS (or a similar qualification).  What should I do next?

You should continue EITHER to the Certificate OR the Diploma (Cert Ed/PGCE). Which you choose will depend on your teaching role and/or your career choice.

• If you are a sessional teacher/trainer, teaching a few hours a week, and teaching is not your main career, choose the Certificate.
• If you are teaching 3 – 5 hours a week or more, and you see teaching as your main career, or are substantially committed to it, choose the Diploma (Cert Ed/PGCE)


Certificate in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (C&G 7304)

The Certificate is designed for teachers who do not have a full teaching role in the sector. It is appropriate for sessional or workshop teachers or trainers.

To gain the Certificate you need to have obtained PTLLS (see above) at either level 3 or 4 (or an equivalent), and be teaching groups of adults (30 hours in total).

On the Certificate you will gain the following units:

• Planning and Enabling Learning (9 credits)
• Enabling Learning and Assessment (3 credits)
• Equality and Diversity (6 credits)
• Supporting language, literacy, numeracy and ICT in your teaching

You can be credited for some units of the Certificate if you have a legacy qualifications, such as City and Guilds 7407 Stage 1. 

Certificate Course Codes
City and Guilds 7304 Level 4 Certificate (Part 1) TD505
City and Guilds 7303 Level 4 Certificate (Part 2) TD519



Diploma in Teaching: Certificate in Education (Cert Ed) or Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)

This 2 year qualification is the full national teacher training qualification for teachers in lifelong learning. The Cert Ed/PGCE is appropriate for you if you:
• Teach 3-5 hours a week or more (or equivalent p.a.)
• Design courses and materials that you evaluate
• Are responsible for assessment on your programme

You do not have to complete the two years in one go. You can leave at the end of Year 1 with a Certificate in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (through the University of Westminster) and return at a later date.

PGCE/Cert Ed (DTLLS) Course Codes:
Certificate in Education/Professional Graduate Certificate in Education Year 1 (DTLLS) TD507; TD508
Certificate in Education/Professional Graduate Certificate in Education Year 2 (DTLLS) TD509


► I have some teacher training qualifications already.

The government through SVUK recognises ‘legacy’ qualifications. There is a tariff on the SVUK website which shows you what your old qualification is equivalent to. You can also check with us for more advice.

http://www.standardsverificationuk.org/3600.htm



►How to I register as a professional teacher?
The Institute for Learning (www.ifl.ac.uk) registers teachers who work in this sector and awards practitioner status. There are 3 levels of recognition (see below) depending on your role and the qualification you achieve.

Please note you need to demonstrate you are at level 2 in English and Maths to apply for associate or full professional status (ATLS or QTLS).

Threshold licence to teach
You need Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning sector (C and G 7303) to gain this. Equivalent qualifications are also recognised.

Associate Teacher, Learning and Skills (ATLS)
The Certificate in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector CTLLS (City and Guilds 7304) is needed to apply for professional teaching status as an Associate.

Qualified Teacher, Learning and Skills (QTLS)
QTLS is a full licence to practice in the sector. A Diploma in Teaching: PGCE/Cert Ed is needed in order to apply for full status.


Browse full range of courses

Click to view Click to close browse courses box

Contact us

Teacher & management training

Tel: 020 7492 2537

training@citylit.ac.uk

Why City Lit?

If you are looking for a great choice of inspiring courses; a bright, modern environment to learn in located in central London; the opportunity to have fun and meet like-minded people, we look forward to seeing you at City Lit!

More