Can I go straight onto a CTLLS or DTLLS, or do I have to take all of them?

You can do either depending on what you will be teaching and whether you have previous teaching experience and a specialist subject. If you are new to teaching and/or want to have a "taster course" that gives you an overview of what teaching and learning is all about, then the PTLLS is a good starting point. If you are an Associate Teacher, then it makes sense for you to start with the CTLLS. To get admission straight onto the DTLLS you would normally be an experienced Teacher with a degree, or at least a higher qualification and/or significant occupational experience in your subject specialism(s).

If I already have a PTLLS or CTLLS, do I get APL towards CTLLS or DTLLS?

Yes, it is possible that you would get APL, but it depends on how long ago it was you completed the qualification. Normally, you can carry 6 credits forward from your PTLLS  to your CTLLS or DTLLS, and 15 credits from your CTLLS to your DTLLS.

Can I claim APL if I have an A1/V1 or a D32/33?

This will be decided by Standards Verification UK. Keep an eye on the tariff of legacy qualifications on the SVUK website for information on this. To access this, go to the LLUK website www.lluk.org.uk and click on the link for the Standards Verification UK, and then on the link for the Tariff of Initial Teaching Qualifications.

How long are the qualifications?

PTLLS, CTLLS and DTLLS are based on Guided Learning Hours (GLH), i.e. the time spent on tutor-led work and activities. This can include things like tutorials, lessons, supervised work and other activities. PTLLS has 30 GLH, CTLLS has 90 GLH and DTLLS has 240 GLH. In addition, all three qualifications require that you spend at least as many hours of work on independent learning and preparation of assignments. For CTLLS and DTLLS you also have to do 30 and 150 hours respectively of teaching practice. For CTLLS three of those hours will be abserved and assessed, for DTLLS eight of them will be observed and assessed.

How are the qualifications assessed?

There are no exams for the Teacher Training qualifications, but you need to prepare a number of assignmnets that will be internally assessed and then both internally and externally verified. In addition, you will also need to deliver lessons that will be observed and asssessed.

How much teaching practice do I have to do?

PTTLS requires a minimum of 15 minutes observed micro teaching with a further 45 minutes of observing others teach. For candidates who are actually teaching, this can be done as a full teaching hour in their normal setting. For CTLLS the requirement is currently 30 hours and for DTLLS it is 150 hours. 

Why is there a Level 3 and a Level 4 qualification for PTLLS and CTLLS?

The learning outcomes are the same for each qualification, but learners can complete assessments at either Level3 or Level 4 depending on the level at which they are able to study. Level 3 involves describing, explaining and some evaluation and referencing. Level 4 is much more theoretical, and involves the ability to critically analyse,use specific referencing, and carry out detailed reflection and evaluation.

If I currently hold a Cert Ed, do I need to do a CTLLS or DTLLS?

These qualifications are primarily aimed at those who are new to teaching or training. If you hold a Cert Ed and are currently teaching you do not need to do the new qualification(s). However, if you gained your qualification several years ago and have not been teaching since; you will need to seek advice on whether any updating is necessary.

What regulations apply to these qualifications?

The government regulations which apply to these qualifications are available on the LLUK website. New teachers must achieve Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector within one year of appointment and then complete the qualification appropriate to their role and a period of professional formation. A document entitled “Guidance for Work Based Learning Providers: Reforms to the Training and Qualifications of teachers, tutors, trainers and instructors” is also available from the LLUK website www.lluk.org.uk.

What does the term associate role mean?

It means a teaching role which carries less than the full range of teaching responsibilities (ie does not require the teacher to demonstrate extensive knowledge and application of curriculum development, curriculum innovation or curriculum delivery strategies)

What does the term "full" role mean?

It means a teacher with the full range of teaching responsibilities. 

Are there any exemptions for experienced teachers?

Some of the exemptions which apply are as follows:

- Under the September 2007 regulations, anyone employed as a teacher before 1 September 2001 does not have to gain a generic teaching qualification appropriate to their role as an Associate Teacher or Teacher with full responsibilities.

If you have not taught before you are allowed a maximum of one year from the date you took up post to achieve the PTLLS, on condition that you are provided with professional support by a qualified person. 

Do these qualifications apply to work based learning?

The regulations require all new teachers in FE Institutions from 1 September 2007 and those who have an element of teaching in their role, to complete the Preparing to Teach Award. They will then need to achieve a further qualification appropriate to role.

“Teachers” means anyone who is responsible for planning and carrying out teaching or learning activities with a learner or learners – irrespective of the amount of hours they do.