By Ayo Bamgbose ACIM, Assoc CIPD, MA, MSc, BSc
If you are already training, mentoring, or demonstrating skills in the beauty, spa, or wellness industry, an education and training qualification helps you formalise what you are already doing.
This page outlines the key differences between the Level 3 Award and the Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training, so you can decide which route best fits your current role and future goals.
Level 3 Award in Education and Training
Best suited for:
Industry professionals who are training others in the workplace and want a recognised teaching qualification without formal teaching prerequisites.
What you need to know:
No prior teaching qualification required
Suitable for trainers, therapists, managers, and practitioners
Commonly accepted as a starting teaching qualification
Course structure:
3 modules
3 written assignments
1 micro-teach assessment
How the assessment works:
You deliver a short teaching session in your workplace or training environment
The session is recorded as a single, unedited recording
The recording is submitted and assessed remotely
Typical completion time:
Around 3–4 months, depending on pace.
Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training
Best suited for:
Those working in, or aiming to work in, formal post-16 education settings such as colleges, academies, or structured training environments.
Important to consider:
The Level 4 Certificate is an advanced qualification and includes assessed teaching practice. You must be able to meet the teaching, observation, and assessment requirements while completing the course.
Course structure:
8 modules in total
6 written assignments
2 assessed practice units
Teaching practice requirements:
To complete the Level 4, you must:
Document a minimum of 30 hours of teaching practice during the qualification
Teach real learners in a live setting
Deliver teaching sessions that can be observed
Observation and assessment requirements:
You will need access to:
A qualified teacher at Level 5 or above (or an internationally recognised regulated equivalent) to observe you teaching
A qualified assessor to observe you assessing learners on two separate occasions
All observers and assessors must be verified and approved before observations take place
If you do not have access to a suitable observer or assessor, this can be outsourced. Observation packages are available at an additional cost, subject to availability and verification.
Typical completion time:
Up to 12 months, depending on pace.
Which Level Should I Choose?
Level 3 is often the most suitable starting point for workplace trainers and industry professionals
Level 4 is better suited to those working in formal education or preparing for college-based teaching
Many learners complete Level 3 first and progress to Level 4 later, once teaching requirements are easier to meet
There is no requirement to complete Level 4 immediately if your current role does not allow you to meet the teaching practice criteria.
Still Unsure?
If you are unsure which qualification is right for you, you are welcome to get in touch to discuss your current role and goals before applying.