Teaching Qualifications for Beauty Educators: AET, CET and Diploma Explained

Quick answer: To teach beauty, most people start with the Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET), an Ofqual regulated introduction to teaching. To teach in further education colleges, you will usually need the Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training, then the Level 5 Diploma in Teaching, or a PGCE if you already hold a degree. You also need a strong qualification in the subject you plan to teach.

I have worked in beauty education for 18 years, and choosing the right teaching qualification can be confusing. Some courses borrow the name of a regulated qualification when they aren't one, and it is easy to spend money on a certificate that other providers won't accept. I have tried to simplify it here, so you can make the right choice for you.

It matters, because good teaching changes outcomes. Research for the Sutton Trust by Murphy and Machin (2011) found that, over a school year, disadvantaged pupils gained a year and a half's worth of learning with very effective teachers, compared with around half a year with poorly performing ones. The same is true in our industry: the skill of the person teaching shapes the skill of every professional they train.

This guide covers teaching qualifications in England. Other parts of the UK and other countries have their own routes.

Short teaching courses (not regulated)

Some providers offer their own teaching courses. These can be a helpful introduction, and they are often used to get accreditation with that provider. However, they are not regulated qualifications, so other providers may not accept them. Some are even advertised as an "AET" when they are not. Always ask whether a course is Ofqual regulated.

Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET)

The AET is an introduction to teaching. It meets the needs of many accreditation companies, and it is ideal if you want to train staff in house, work with brands or teach small classes. Make sure it is Ofqual regulated. With City & Guilds, the last date to register for the AET is 31 December 2027, so check the dates with your provider.

Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training (CET)

The CET builds on the AET and is a step towards teaching in further education. You will usually need a level 3 qualification in your own subject to get onto the course. It is one of many reasons to gain recognised qualifications during your career, because many people find they need to retrain before they can teach. With City & Guilds, the last date to register is also 31 December 2027.

Some universities offer a Certificate in Education (Cert Ed). This is a different, university-awarded qualification, so compare the two carefully.

Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (Further Education and Skills)

This is now the full teaching qualification for further education in England. It replaced the Diploma in Education and Training in September 2024, and it can lead to Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status. It is most useful if you want to teach at a further education college or at higher levels.

PGCE

If you already hold a degree, a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) for further education is another route to a full teaching qualification. It usually takes a year.

Are qualifications the only thing that matters?

The right qualification makes you qualified to teach, but it does not make you a great teacher. When you choose a course, look at who wrote and delivers it:

• Do they have a background in education?
• Have they worked in different roles, so they can share a wider view?
• Do they understand the National Occupational Standards and how to cover them in your teaching?

Be wary of teaching courses that look quick, cheap or easy. You will be shaping someone's future, so choose the most supportive, well rounded course you can find.

Before you teach

Teaching takes qualities that cannot be taught, deep knowledge of your subject and a lot of patience. Before you look at teaching courses, look at what you plan to teach and ask whether you need more training in that subject first. Read our guide to accreditation vs qualifications and researching hair and beauty courses.

FAQs

What qualification do I need to teach beauty?

Most people start with the Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET), alongside a recognised qualification in the subject they want to teach.

Is the AET still available?

Yes. With City & Guilds, the last date to register is 31 December 2027.

What replaced the Diploma in Education and Training?

The Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (Further Education and Skills), from September 2024.

Can I teach beauty without a teaching qualification?

Some accreditation companies and brands accept their own training, but a regulated teaching qualification is needed to teach regulated qualifications.