About this qualification

This qualification is designed to provide trainee teachers with the knowledge and skills to teach in a range of contexts.

This qualification mirrors the outcomes within the Learning and Skills Teacher occupational standard (ST0149).

Who is it suitable for?

This qualification has been developed for those intending to work in the further education sector.

What are the entry requirements?

Centres are responsible for ensuring that all learners are capable of achieving the learning outcomes (LOs) and complying with the relevant literacy, numeracy, and health and safety requirements. Learners should have achieved level 2 in mathematics and English prior to undertaking this qualification. A level of competence in digital skills is also required.

Learners are not required to have achieved a Level 3 Award in Teaching or a Level 4 Certificate in Teaching before undertaking a Level 5 Diploma in Teaching. However, some learners may already have completed one or both of these qualifications. This is a level 5 qualification and therefore learners need to demonstrate an ability to study at level 5.

How is this qualification structured?

The qualification comprises of five mandatory units and seven optional units, at least three of which learners will need to take alongside the mandatory units to achieve this qualification.

How is it assessed?

Learners must produce a portfolio of evidence, which will be internally assessed and externally quality assured. This qualification must be assessed in line with the Education and Training Foundation’s guidance for qualifications in education and training.

How many credits are required to complete it?

120 credits, 90 from the 5 mandatory units and at least 30 from 3 of the 7 optional units.

How long will it take to complete this qualification?

This qualification will take at least one year to complete.

Do you need to be working to take this qualification?

Learners do not need to be working to undertake this qualification. This qualification requires learners to complete a mandatory work/industry placement experience throughout the duration of this qualification before certification. The minimum required placement hours are 250 hours.

This is a competence-based qualification (CBQ). A CBQ may be based on National Occupational Standards and is a job-ready qualification that requires learners to demonstrate the skills and knowledge required to work in a specific industry. A CBQ must be assessed in the workplace.

What related qualifications can you progress to?

Qualifications within:
• teaching and learning
• tutoring and mentoring
• further education

Funding for our qualifications

Find out more about funding for this and other qualifications on our funding page.

Which type of job roles can you apply for on completion?

On completion, learners could consider applying for positions as a tutor within:
• further education colleges
• adult and community education providers
• offender education
• work-based learning providers
• the third/voluntary sector
• independent training organisations