Last reviewed 18 Oct 2026.
Start with occupational competence
You need skills and experience in the subject you will teach or assess. Each awarding body and training centre sets its own rules for tutors, so check their requirements before you book.
Teach: VTCT Level 3 Award in Education and Training
The starting teaching qualification is the VTCT Skills Level 3 Award in Education and Training (ET3A1, QAN 601/2758/2), on the Ofqual register. Entry is 19 or over, with good English and experience in your subject. You complete e-learning, submit assignments at least 2 weeks before an onsite session, and deliver a micro-teach for final assessment. Classes are up to 6. See the Level 3 Award in Education and Training course page for dates and the current fee, or course prices.
Assess: VTCT Level 3 CAVA
To assess learners, take the VTCT Skills Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (AVC03, QAN 501/1746/4), known as CAVA. Entry is 19 or over, with full competence in the subject. You complete e-learning, then a one-day in-person session, then a portfolio assessed through simulation and real learners. See the CAVA assessor course page.
Quality assure: VTCT Level 4 IQA
For people who already assess, the next step is the VTCT Skills Level 4 Award in the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice (AG40220, QAN 501/0515/2). Delivery is one onsite day plus a portfolio. See the Level 4 IQA course page.
Go further: Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training
The Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training is a fuller teaching qualification for further education, adult education, private training or work-based learning. See the Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training course page.
Teaching and assessing package
If you want teaching and assessing together, see our VTCT teaching and assessing package.
Which teaching or assessing qualification do I need?
| Role | Qualification | Entry | How it is delivered | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trainer | VTCT Skills Level 3 Award in Education and Training | 19 or over, good English, experience in your subject | E-learning, then an onsite micro-teach; classes of up to 6 | AET course |
| Assessor | VTCT Skills Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (CAVA) | 19 or over, with full competence in the subject | E-learning, one-day in-person session, then a portfolio | CAVA course |
| Internal quality assurer | VTCT Skills Level 4 Award in Internal Quality Assurance | People who already assess | One onsite day plus a portfolio | IQA course |
| Fuller teaching qualification | Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training | See the course page | See the course page | Level 5 DET |
- Start with occupational competence in the subject you will teach or assess.
- AET is for teaching, CAVA for assessing, and IQA for quality assuring assessors.
- Each awarding body and centre sets its own tutor rules.
Related VTCT courses to explore next
Regulated VTCT qualifications at our Orpington training centre, near London.
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VTCT Level 4 Plasma Pen
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VTCT Level 4 Radio Frequency and Ultrasound
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VTCT Level 6 Mesotherapy
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VTCT Level 4 Laser Hair Removal
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Not sure where to start?
Use the course selector or see how the Pathway to Aesthetics builds from beginner to advanced.