May 24, 2023
CTLLS Qualification Guide: Everything You Need To Know
If you’re working in the education sector, we’re going to assume you’ve heard of the CTLLS qualification. Often pronounced as “kettles”, CTLLS, aka the Certificate in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector, is a UK qualification recognised nationally, which has now been replaced by the Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training (CET).
What is a CTLLS qualification?
At its peak, the CTLLS qualification was known as the “golden ticket”, as it was the most recognised teaching qualification for the post-16 sector.
It was designed as a flexible qualification for all those interested in teaching adults, regardless of what subjects they were involved with. There were no significant entry requirements for the CTLLS course other than to have students or trainees you can teach as part of your training practice.
This made it an excellent qualification for those already teaching but lacking formal credentials to prove their teaching prowess.
How was the CTLLS created?
Before CTLLS, if you wanted a qualification in teaching or training adults, you had to earn a qualification known as the 7307 Level 3 City & Guilds Certificate in Teaching Adult Learners Stage 1. This certificate was a big deal at the time because it was the only nationally recognised qualification for teaching adults.
As this was the 1980s/1990s, there were far fewer requirements surrounding teaching and training adults and no sign of regulators such as OFQUAL. So to provide more qualifications and regulations for post-16 education, the now-defunct quango Lifelong Learning UK (LLUK) teamed up with City & Guilds and other Awarding Bodies to create a new set of teaching qualifications.
These qualifications were the PTLLS, CTLLS and DTLLS.
- Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTLLS) was the shorter Level 3 qualification.
- Certificate in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (CTLLS) was the “big brother” Level 4 qualification.
- Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (DTLLS) was the most advanced teaching qualification, sitting at Level 5.
As legislation evolved and the sector became even more regulated, parliament passed the Further Education Teachers’ Qualifications (England) Regulations 2007, which required everyone teaching adults in a college or further education (FE) institute to have a PTLLS qualification as a minimum.
It was commonly thought that CTLLS would be next in line for being made obligatory, and this belief boosted the recognition and popularity of the CTLLS qualification. Which is a status it continues to enjoy today, despite no longer being available as a teaching qualification.
What happened to the PTLLS, CTLLS and DTLLS?
Despite these qualifications being a huge step in the right direction for the education and training sector, as time moved on, the PTLLS, CTLLS and DTLLS became out of date, and new qualifications with up-to-date curriculums and teaching methods were needed.
So even though you may still hear people talk about these three qualifications, they are no longer the active teaching qualifications you can achieve to start or advance your career as a teacher in the UK.
As this guide is about the CTLLS qualification, we’ll give you a detailed breakdown below. But if you’re wondering what happened to the other qualifications, the PTLLS qualification is now known as the Level 3 AET, and the DTLLS has been replaced by the Level 5 DET qualification.
What replaced the CTLLS qualification?
The CTLLS qualification has been replaced by the Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training, also known as the CET. However, many people still refer to this new award as “kettles” or CTLLS!
The CET retains many features of the CTLLS, essentially carrying the same value and covering nearly all the same topics, although with more modern and up-to-date teaching methods.
So if you’re asked if you have a CTLLS qualification and you’ve taken the Level 4 CET, then the answer is – yes!
The CET is a relatively short course, equipping candidates with the skills and knowledge to plan and deliver lessons thoroughly. It’s still an important qualification of the world of teaching, training and education, just as the CTLLS was, although it’s no longer a legal requirement to hold if you’re looking to become a post-16 teacher.
Despite the fact that qualification names and legislation have changed, the importance and prestige of having a Level 4 teaching qualification have remained constant over the years. This makes the Level 4 CET the perfect choice for you if you’re aiming to progress your career in the education and training sector.
What can I teach with a CTLLS or CET qualification?
With a CTLLS or CET under your belt, you are cementing your role in the world of post-16 education and training. With this certificate, you can work as a teacher or trainer in a variety of settings, such as a training centre, workplace, college or within the community.
If you’re hoping to achieve QLTS and become a fully qualified teacher, a CET or CTLLS qualification enables you to progress to the Level 5 DET (DTLLS). After you have completed this course, you’ll have everything you need to apply for QTLS.
Which qualifications do I need for teacher training?
The general minimum requirement for an adult education and training qualification is the Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET). The AET is an introductory qualification designed for individuals with no prior work experience teaching or training adults. So if you’re looking to work as a teacher but don’t have work experience yet, this is the best place to start.
If you’re looking to advance your learning and skills as a teacher and open up doors to more job opportunities, the Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training will provide you with a highly regarded Level 4 teaching qualification to achieve just that.
Many awarding bodies view the CTLLS, and now the Level 4 CET, as a preferred qualification for teaching or training job roles. This means that if you hold a CET or CTLLS qualification, you will have a significant advantage over those with a Level 3 qualification.
If you’ve got your sights set on achieving Qualified Teacher Status (QTLS), and you’ve already earned a Level 4 teaching qualification, then the best course for you is the Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training.
At Carlton Training, all of our courses are available online or in-house, providing you with flexible learning options to advance your career as a teacher or trainer in the UK. Still unsure of the best course for your goals? Our team are happy to help guide you in the right direction, so please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions.
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