Why You Shouldn’t Do the Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training

The Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training (CET) sounds like the perfect qualification for stepping up as an educator, but I’ll be honest, not everyone should do it. In fact, enrolling in this qualification without fully understanding what it entails could set you up for frustration, wasted time, and even disappointment.

So before you dive in, let’s have a frank conversation about why this might not be the right course for you.

1. You’re Not Currently Teaching at Least 5 Hours Per Week

A key requirement for the Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training (CET) is that you must be actively teaching for at least five hours per week. This isn’t a course where you simply learn theory. You need to apply your knowledge in real teaching settings to develop essential skills.

A major part of the qualification involves logging 30 teaching hours. If you're not currently in a teaching role, you may struggle to meet this requirement. Without regular teaching experience, it can be challenging to put skills like lesson planning, classroom management, and learner engagement into practice.

If you’re still in the early stages of your transition into education and don’t yet have a steady teaching role, a better starting point might be the Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET). This qualification doesn’t require a teaching placement and provides a strong foundation before progressing to Level 4.

If you already have regular teaching hours, then the Level 4 CET is a great next step to formalising your expertise. If not, consider gaining hands-on teaching experience first so that you feel fully prepared and set up for success.

Still not sure which level suits you?

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2. You Haven’t Checked the Modules of Your Chosen Course

Not all Level 4 CET qualifications are the same. Different providers structure their courses differently, and it’s crucial to check the modules before enrolling.

At Developing Educators Academy, our Level 4 includes eight modules, with a strong emphasis on assessment. Other institutions might only have six modules, which may seem easier but could leave you missing key skills.

Assessment is a fundamental part of teaching. Whether you want to work in colleges, private academies, or within a spa, beauty, or wellness organisation, you’ll likely be assessing students or employees in their workplace. Some Level 4 qualifications don’t include as many assessment-focused units, which could put you at a disadvantage when applying for jobs.

So when comparing providers, don’t just look at what’s included, think about what’s missing. Make sure you’re covering the core and relevant modules needed in today’s education and training sector.

3. You Don’t Want the Responsibility of Assessing Learners

Many assume the Level 4 CET is just about learning to teach, but it’s also about assessing learners. Assessment is a core part of teaching, happening throughout the learning process, not just at the end. This is where formative and summative assessments come into play, helping learners develop their skills over time and ensuring they meet required standards.

At Level 4, you want to be an all-rounder educator, equipped to both teach and assess learners effectively. This ensures you’re fully prepared to work in a college, training academy, or workplace setting where assessment is an essential part of the role. If you’re looking to progress in the education sector, understanding how to assess learners, give constructive feedback, and measure progress is just as important as delivering lessons.

Therefore, if you do not want to take on the responsibility of assessing learners, reviewing assignments, or providing structured feedback, this qualification may not be the right fit for you. However, if you’re committed to becoming a well-rounded educator, Level 4 will give you the skills, confidence, and credibility to step into your role fully prepared.

4. You Struggle with Self-Directed Learning

Unlike traditional classroom-based qualifications, the Level 4 CET is fully online, meaning you need to be comfortable with independent study. However, that doesn’t mean you’re left to figure everything out on your own.

At Developing Educators Academy (DEA), you’ll have an appointed tutor who will support you throughout your learning journey, answer your questions, and encourage you when you need guidance. You’ll also receive in-depth assignment and assessment feedback to help you improve and refine your teaching and assessment skills.

If you’ve struggled with online learning in the past, don’t let that hold you back. With the right support system, including structured resources, clear guidance, and expert feedback, you’ll have everything you need to succeed. The key is to be proactive, reach out, ask questions, and take advantage of the tailored support available to you.

5. You’re Not Ready for a Long-Term Commitment

The Level 4 CET is a step up from Level 3 and requires a deeper level of engagement. While many learners complete it within 8 to 12 months, it takes consistent effort to stay on track. If you struggle with managing long-term projects, meeting deadlines, or balancing study with work and personal life, you may find this qualification challenging.

That said, success comes from planning, staying organised, and using the support available to you. At Developing Educators Academy (DEA), you’ll receive structured guidance, assignment feedback, and tutor support to help you stay motivated. If you’re serious about becoming an educator, this qualification will equip you with the skills and confidence needed for the next stage of your career.

Before enrolling, ask yourself: Can I dedicate time each month to studying, completing assignments, and logging teaching hours? If not, it might be better to start with the Level 3 AET, which provides a strong foundation without the same level of commitment.

However, if your goal is to teach in colleges, private academies, or within an organisation, the Level 4 CET is the right path. It prepares you to handle both teaching and assessment, ensuring you’re fully equipped for a rewarding career in education.

6. You’re Not Passionate About Education

Teaching is more than just standing in front of a class and delivering information. It requires patience, adaptability, and a genuine passion for helping others grow. If you’re considering the Level 4 CET purely for career progression or to tick a box on your CV, you may find the journey frustrating rather than fulfilling.

At this level, you’ll be expected to engage with learners, assess their progress, and support their development. Education is about more than delivering content, it’s about mentoring, guiding, and inspiring others to achieve their full potential. If you don’t enjoy explaining concepts, answering questions, or adapting your teaching approach to different learning styles, this qualification may not be the right fit for you.

That said, if you do have a passion for education but feel unsure about your abilities, don’t let self-doubt hold you back. Many great educators start with imposter syndrome, questioning whether they are good enough to teach. The truth is, passion and a willingness to learn are more important than perfection. With proper training, support, and experience, you can develop the skills needed to be an effective educator.

If you’re unsure whether teaching is your true calling, consider your long-term goals. Do you enjoy mentoring, coaching, or sharing your expertise? Do you get satisfaction from seeing others improve under your guidance? If so, the Level 4 CET can be incredibly rewarding, setting you up for a fulfilling career in education.

So, Who Should Do the Level 4 CET?

If you’re already teaching, love educating others, enjoy assessing learners, and can commit to self-paced study over a year, then this course is an excellent step toward advancing your career as an educator.

More importantly, if you’re aiming to teach in a beauty therapy college, beauty school, or academy, this is the qualification you need. The Level 4 CET provides the depth required to properly equip you for the education sector.

However, if any of the points above made you pause and think, you might be better off considering alternative routes first.

What’s Next?

If you’re looking for a different route into education, check out the Level 3 Award in Education and Training, which offers a great foundation without the teaching hour requirement.

📩 Want more guidance? Download the CIBTAC Level 3 & Level 4 brochure.

If you’re unsure whether the Level 4 CET is right for you, I can help! Let’s chat in the comments.