To teach in further education (FE) in England, the recognised professional qualification is the Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training (DET) — formerly known as DTLLS (Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector). While QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) is not required for FE teaching, most colleges and independent training providers expect newly appointed teachers to hold the DET or to work towards it during their first two years of employment.
Quick answer: The Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training (DET) is the standard FE teaching qualification in England. You do not need a degree to teach in FE, but you must have strong subject expertise. The DET requires a minimum of 100 hours of teaching practice in a relevant setting. Qualvera offers the Level 5 Teaching in Further Education course at £59.99/month, with flexible online study and a named qualified tutor.
What are the FE qualification requirements in England?
Further education in England is regulated differently from school teaching. Unlike the compulsory school sector, FE colleges, sixth form colleges, adult education providers, and independent training providers are not required by law to employ teachers with a specific qualification — but regulatory and quality expectations effectively mean that the Level 5 DET is the industry benchmark. The Education and Training Foundation (ETF) sets the professional standards for FE teaching, and these standards underpin the DET curriculum.
Ofsted's inspection framework for FE providers assesses staff qualifications as part of the leadership and management judgement. Providers where a high proportion of teachers hold the Level 5 DET, and where teachers are registered with the Society for Education and Training (SET), consistently perform better on staff qualifications indicators at inspection. According to the ETF's 2025 workforce survey, 74% of FE teachers in England now hold a teaching qualification at Level 5 or above, up from 65% in 2020.
The Education and Training Foundation's professional standards state clearly: "Professional values and attributes are central to effective practice in education and training." The ETF distinguishes between two registration categories — Associate Teacher of Learning and Skills (ATLS) and Qualified Teacher of Learning and Skills (QTLS) — with the DET required for full QTLS status. QTLS holders who register with the SET are recognised as equivalent to school teachers for employment in schools, a change introduced by the Education Act 2011.
The Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training (DET) explained
The Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training (DET) is a comprehensive qualification that covers all aspects of professional FE teaching practice. Accredited under the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) at Level 5 — equivalent to a Foundation Degree or HND — the DET requires learners to complete taught units and a minimum of 100 hours of observed teaching practice in an FE or training context. The qualification is offered by a range of awarding bodies including TQUK, Pearson, City & Guilds, and the Open College Network.
The DET curriculum covers: theories and principles of learning and communication; planning and enabling learning; assessment; managing behaviour; inclusive practice; English, maths, and digital literacy within specialist subjects; and professional values and development. Assessment is through written assignments, lesson observations, reflective practice portfolios, and peer observation records — there are no written exams.
The 100 hours of teaching practice requirement is one of the key differences between the DET and lower-level qualifications such as the Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET). For many applicants, the teaching practice requirement means the DET is most suitable for those who are already teaching in FE or training contexts. Prospective FE teachers who are not yet employed in teaching can begin with the Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training (CET) or the AET, then progress to the full DET. Qualvera's Level 5 Teaching in Further Education course is designed for working practitioners who can undertake their teaching hours in their existing role.
FE teaching qualifications: a comparison
The FE sector recognises a hierarchy of qualifications, from the introductory Award in Education and Training through to the full Level 5 DET. The table below shows how these qualifications compare across key dimensions.
| Qualification | Level | Teaching hours required | Typical duration | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Award in Education and Training (AET) | Level 3 | None (observed microteach) | 6–12 weeks | Introduction to teaching; pre-employment |
| Certificate in Education and Training (CET) | Level 4 | 30 hours minimum | 6–12 months | New or part-time FE teachers |
| Diploma in Education and Training (DET) | Level 5 | 100 hours minimum | 12–18 months | Practising FE teachers seeking QTLS |
| PGCE (Post-16/FE) | Level 7 | 100+ hours (academic route) | 1 year full-time | Graduates entering FE from academic backgrounds |
Subject-specific qualifications and vocational entry routes
The further education sector includes a wide range of subject specialists — from Functional Skills tutors and ESOL teachers to construction lecturers and healthcare trainers — and the qualification requirements vary by subject. For most vocational subjects, what matters most is demonstrable expertise in the subject itself, combined with a teaching qualification. An experienced plumber who joins an FE college to teach plumbing Level 3 does not need a degree; what they need is their trade qualifications, relevant industry experience, and a DET or CET.
Teachers of Functional Skills (English and Maths at Entry Level to Level 2) are expected to hold a specific Functional Skills subject specialism qualification in addition to the generic DET. According to the ETF's specialist subject standards, Functional Skills teachers must demonstrate subject knowledge at least two levels above the level they teach — meaning a Functional Skills Level 2 teacher should have English or Maths qualifications at Level 4 or above. ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) teachers are similarly expected to hold a CELTA, DELTA, or specialist ESOL teaching qualification alongside the DET.
For professionals moving from industry into FE teaching, the transition often involves completing the Level 4 CET while employed under a support and supervision arrangement, then progressing to the full DET. Many FE colleges have formal initial teacher training partnerships with universities and awarding bodies that provide this pathway. The Society for Education and Training publishes a register of approved providers for each qualification tier, and the ETF runs bursary schemes for teachers in priority subjects including Functional Skills, SEND, and STEM.
Salary and progression in further education teaching
FE teaching salaries are not nationally standardised in the way that school teacher pay is. Each college or provider sets its own pay structure, though most FE pay scales broadly track the national minimum and living wage legislation plus a teaching uplift. According to the Education and Training Foundation's 2025 workforce survey, the average full-time FE lecturer salary was £34,800, with subject leaders and curriculum managers earning £38,000–£45,000 and vice principal and principal roles reaching £80,000–£120,000 in larger colleges.
FE teaching attracts professionals who value the flexibility of working with adult learners, the diversity of the student population, and the opportunity to teach at a level that directly connects to career outcomes. Unlike school teaching, FE does not carry the same level of curriculum prescription — FE teachers have greater autonomy over how they teach, though the content of accredited programmes is set by awarding bodies. For a comparison of teaching assistant versus HLTA roles in schools, see our guide to TA vs HLTA: what is the difference?.
Career progression in FE typically follows this pathway: Assessor or Trainer → Lecturer → Senior Lecturer → Curriculum Lead → Head of Department → Assistant Principal → Deputy Principal → Principal. Many FE teachers also move into inspection (as Ofsted additional inspectors), awarding body work (as verifiers or moderators), or staff development roles within larger providers. The flexibility of the sector means career progression is often faster for those who combine their teaching with curriculum management responsibilities from an early stage.
How to study for FE teaching qualifications online
Online study for FE teaching qualifications has become the norm rather than the exception, particularly at Level 5 DET. The assignment-based assessment model means the qualification is entirely practicable online, with teaching practice undertaken in the learner's own workplace and observations arranged with the provider's assessor. Online delivery removes the need to attend college on fixed days, making it accessible to FE teachers who work variable shift patterns or teach across multiple sites.
When choosing an online provider for the Level 5 DET, check that the awarding body is one of the main recognised bodies (TQUK, Pearson, City & Guilds, OCN), that the provider is an approved centre, and that tutor support is provided by practitioners with genuine FE experience. The quality of formative feedback on practice is central to DET success — tutors who understand FE contexts and not just academic marking criteria make a significant difference to learner outcomes.
Qualvera's Level 5 Teaching in Further Education course at £59.99/month includes an intelligent study assistant for instant support and a named, qualified tutor for detailed feedback within one business day. Assessment marking is returned within three business days. The flexible monthly subscription means you can start at any point in the year and study at a pace that fits your teaching commitments. For those comparing teaching roles, our article on how to become a teaching assistant in England provides a complementary overview of school-based teaching support careers.
Start your Level 5 FE teaching qualification today
Qualvera's Level 5 Teaching in Further Education course is designed for working practitioners. Study online at your own pace, with a named tutor and instant study support.
Frequently asked questions
To teach in further education in England, the recognised qualification is the Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training (DET), formerly known as DTLLS. The Education and Training Foundation (ETF) sets the professional standards for FE teachers. While the DET is not currently a legal requirement, most colleges and training providers require it for permanent teaching contracts, and newly appointed FE teachers are usually required to work towards it within their first two years.
No. Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is not required to teach in further education colleges in England. QTS is the professional standard for school teachers (age 5–16) and is not recognised or required in the FE sector. FE teachers instead hold the Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training (DET) and register with the Society for Education and Training (SET) as Associate Teachers or Qualified Teachers.
The Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training typically takes 12–18 months when studied part-time online alongside work. The qualification requires a minimum of 100 hours of teaching practice in a further education or training context, which means you need access to a teaching placement. Most learners who are already employed in FE complete the DET while continuing to teach.
FE teachers in England typically earn £25,000–£40,000 per year, with salaries varying by college type, subject specialism, and location. According to the Education and Training Foundation's 2025 workforce survey, the average full-time FE lecturer salary was £34,800. Sixth form colleges and specialist providers tend to offer higher salaries than general FE colleges. London weighting adds £3,000–£6,000 for London-based roles.
Yes, you can teach in further education without a degree, though it depends on your subject specialism. Many vocational FE teachers — such as those teaching construction, beauty, hospitality, or health and social care — hold industry qualifications rather than degrees. What matters most is demonstrable expertise in your subject and a teaching qualification such as the Level 5 DET or, at minimum, an Award in Education and Training (AET) while working towards the full DET.
Sources: Education and Training Foundation (ETF), Society for Education and Training (SET), GOV.UK FE Workforce Standards. Information accurate as of March 2026.