What is QTLS? and How To Get One

Let’s say you’re a teacher or trainer working in the Further Education (FE) and Skills sector. You love helping students learn and are always looking for ways to get better at teaching. At this point, we can ask, “Have you heard of QTLS?”

It’s a special certificate that shows you’re a great teacher and have the skills to help students succeed. It’s like a badge of honour that proves you’re great at what you do in further education and skills training, and today’s topic will cover that.

We’ll talk in detail about “What is QTLS and how to get one?” Let’s get started!

What is QTLS? & What Qualifications do I need to be a teacher?

First, let’s find out what is QTLS. QTLS stands for Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills status. It defines people with this status has the qualifications, skills and training to be a teacher. It is one of the highly valued qualifications for teachers in the UK.

To get QTLS, you need to complete a professional formation program that takes about six months. During this time, you show your teaching skills and commitment to becoming better at what you do. Plus, you’ve to be an active member of the Society for Education and Training (SET).

Once you finish, you get your QTLS status, and your name is added to a list that employers can see. This helps you stand out and shows you’re qualified for the job. Below, you will find a thorough research on how to obtain QTLS qualification in the UK

Why is QTLS Important?

QTLS is important for a few key reasons:

Professional Recognition

• It shows that you’re skilled and serious about your teaching job.

Better Job Opportunities

• Employers prefer hiring people with QTLS because it shows you’re serious about teaching.

Teacher Reference Number

• Another great reason to get QTLS status is that you will get a Teacher Reference Number (TRN). This number is important because it helps employers easily check your qualifications.
• Also, if you have QTLS, your name will be on the Department for Education’s list of qualified teachers.

What are the Eligibility Criteria for QTLS?

If you want to apply for QTLS, you need to meet some important requirements. Here’s what you need to know:

Be a Current Member of SET

You have to be a member of the Society for Education and Training (SET). Your membership must be at the MSET (Member) or FSET (Fellow) level. If you’re not a member yet, you will need to join, as QTLS is only available to SET members.

Work in Further Education and Skills (FE and Skills)

You need to have a job where you teach groups of students who are 14 years old or older. Here are some examples of places where you can work:

• General further education colleges
• Independent training providers
• Adult education centres
• Offender learning programs
• Sixth form colleges
• Training providers for the Ministry of Defence (MoD) or Armed Services
• NHS training providers

**Note: Certain places do not count for QTLS, such as primary schools, secondary schools, pupil referral units (PRUs), voluntary teaching placements, higher education institutions, teaching assistant roles, cover supervisor roles, and private tutoring.

However, There are Exceptions

In special situations, you can apply through QTLS if you teach technical or vocational subjects to students aged 14 and up in secondary schools, or if you teach maths and English to students aged 16 and up in sixth form centres.

You need to teach at least 230 hours during the 6-month professional formation period. Normally, teachers in schools are expected to get QTS to teach in a school. But QTLS may be an option in the above exceptional cases.

Teaching Requirements in the UK

You must be teaching or training at least five or more students aged 14 and up for a minimum of 230 hours over six months. This teaching must happen during the professional formation period.

You should be the main teacher responsible for —

• planning lessons,
• delivering content,
• assessing students,
• and managing the classroom.

Have a Qualified Supporter

You need to find someone to support your application. This person should be a qualified teacher who can evaluate your work. Ideally, they should also be a member of SET.

Hold the Right Teaching Qualification

You must have a teaching qualification at Level 5 or higher. You can check a list of accepted qualifications to ensure yours is eligible.

Maths Qualification for Becoming a Teacher

You need to have a Level 2 maths qualification. You can find a list of accepted qualifications to see if yours counts.

English Qualification for Becoming a Teacher

Similarly, you need to hold a Level 2 English qualification, and there’s a list of accepted qualifications for this as well.

Level 3+ Qualification in Subjects You Teach

1. If You Teach Less Than 5 Hours a Week:

• If you teach all your subjects for less than five hours a week, you need at least one qualification at Level 3 or higher in one of the subjects you teach.

2. If You Teach in a Technical or Vocational Setting:

• If you are teaching in a technical or vocational area, you might be able to use a Level 2 qualification instead. However, you must have at least five years of work experience in that industry. You will need to show this experience with your current CV.

3. If You Deliver Teacher Training Programs:

• If you are running teacher training programs for five or more hours a week, you must have a subject-specific qualification and at least five years of teaching experience in Further Education (FE) and Skills. Again, this experience should be supported by your CV.

4. If You Teach in a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Setting:

• If you work in a SEND setting within FE and Skills, you need to have at least a Level 3 qualification in any subject. A regulated Level 3+ qualification specific to SEND may also be acceptable.

Professional Standard 11 (PS11):

• While you are working on your qualifications, you will need to develop something called Professional Standard 11 (PS11) as part of your professional development plan and continuing professional development (CPD) activities.

Step-by-step Guide on How to Get QTLS

Here, we’ll show you a table that gives you a clear overview of the steps to achieve QTLS.

What Happens After You Get QTLS?

After you get QTLS, your name will be put on the official list of qualified teachers so future employers can easily see your status. You’ll also get a Teacher Reference Number (TRN) and be listed in the Department for Education’s (DfE) record of qualified teachers. If you want, you can choose not to be listed.

Remember, to keep your QTLS status, you need to stay a member of SET. This keeps your professional status active for your whole career.

In addition, if you’re somehow interested in learning how to become a primary school teacher in the UK, check out this insightful blog.

FAQs

1 ) When is the application deadline?

The application window closes on October 24, 2024.

2 ) How long does the application process take?

It can take up to five days to complete the application once you start.

3 ) How much does it cost to apply for QTLS?

The application fee is £50, which is non-refundable. If accepted into the program, the program fee is £520.

4 ) What are the running dates for the professional formation program?

The professional formation program runs from 20 January to 30 June 2025.

Wrapping Up

Hopefully, you now have a pretty good idea of the question, “What is QTLS and how to get one?” QTLS is a great way for teachers and trainers in the FE and Skills sector to get recognised, improve job chances, and show their teaching skills. By following the steps above, you can earn QTLS and boost your career as a professional educator!

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