From Further Education Teaching to QTLS 2026: A Guide to Level 5 DiT, ETF Membership & QTLS Requirements

For anyone planning a teaching career in Further Education and Skills, these changes can make the route from qualification to QTLS seem confusing. This guide explains what has changed, what QTLS means, and how the Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (FE and Skills) fits into the current route.

The Society for Education and Training (SET) has now been fully integrated into the Education and Training Foundation (ETF).

The change has been introduced through a new unified brand and digital experience. From November 2025, ETF began rolling out its new digital experience, with the transition completed in April 2026.

ETF's goal is simple: one stronger professional body for the whole FE and skills workforce. By fully integrating SET membership with professional standards, recognition and CPD, teachers and trainers get:

• A more seamless digital experience (one login via MyETF)

• Better-connected CPD aligned to the Professional Standards

• New tools on the horizon — AI-powered self-assessment, digital credentials and community spaces

• A stronger collective voice to champion the sector

Importantly, the change does not mean that existing professional recognition has simply disappeared. Existing membership benefits, CPD history and professional status have carried over as part of the transition.

The change is therefore mainly about bringing membership and professional development into one ETF environment rather than creating a completely new professional organisation.

SET was never a separate organisation — it has always been part of the ETF.

If you previously knew SET as the professional membership body for teachers and trainers in the sector, the main point to remember is simple:

SET Membership is now ETF Membership.

You should therefore use the current ETF terminology and MyETF platform when dealing with membership and professional development.

Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) is a professional status principally intended for practitioners working in Further Education and Skills.

QTLS was formerly administered through the Society for Education and Training (SET). Following the integration of SET into ETF, current QTLS applications, membership and awards are administered through the Education and Training Foundation.

This means that people researching QTLS today may still come across older information referring to SET. It is important to distinguish between historical information and the current process.

QTLS continues to be awarded by the Education and Training Foundation, not by training providers.

The move from SET to ETF does not mean that QTLS has disappeared or that existing QTLS holders need to start again.

If you already hold QTLS or ATS, your status is unaffected by the transition, provided you maintain the relevant active ETF Membership.

For new applicants, however, the important change is where you go for current information, eligibility checks and applications: ETF is now the organisation to refer to.

The professional status itself remains an important form of professional recognition for practitioners in the sector. ETF reports that more than 27,000 practitioners hold QTLS, with 99% of holders reporting a positive impact on their teaching, learners and organisation.

Below is a breakdown of the key timelines, fees, and requirements for the upcoming 2026/2027 QTLS cohorts:

• A structured, supported six-month programme, averaging around four hours per week

• Application fee of £55 plus £570 programme fees

• You must hold ETF Member or Fellow membership to access the suitability checker and apply

• Upcoming cohorts: the October 2026 cohort has an application closing date of 29 September 2026, while the January 2027 cohort closes on 26 October 2026.

As application dates, fees and eligibility requirements can change, applicants should always check the latest information directly with ETF before applying..

Another major change affecting teachers entering the sector is the replacement of the Diploma in Education and Training (DET). Since 1 September 2024, the Level 5  Diploma in Education and Training and its related qualifications were withdrawn and replaced by the Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (FE and Skills) — an Ofqual-regulated qualification aligned to the Learning and Skills Teacher occupational standards, with a stronger focus on digital competence and contemporary teaching practice.

This does not mean that an existing DET has suddenly become invalid. If you already achieved the DET, your qualification remains valid.

However, if you are starting your teaching qualification now, the Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (FE and Skills) is the current Level 5 teaching qualification framework for Further Education and Skills in England.

For a detailed explanation of the transition, see our guide:

DET to DiT: Discover the New Changes Happening This September 2024

And if you want a complete explanation of the qualification itself, read:

Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (FE and Skills): A Definitive Guide

The key point is not that the DET has become worthless. Rather, the qualification framework has been updated, and the Level 5 DiT is now the current qualification for new learners.

This is where the different changes come together. The simplest way to understand the current position is:

SET → ETF Membership → QTLS → Level 5 DiT as part of the qualification route

The Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (FE and Skills) can form part of the route towards QTLS for an eligible practitioner, but completing the qualification does not automatically mean that QTLS is awarded.

ETF has its own eligibility requirements and application process.

1. Enrol on the Level 5 DiT (FE and Skills)

Meet the entry requirements, including being 19+, holding Level 2 Maths and English, and having a relevant subject specialism. Not sure whether it’s the right fit? Our Level 5 DiT (FE and Skills). Definitive Guide to the Level 5 DiT (FE and Skills)

2. Study fully online

Study at your own pace, typically over 12–18 months, with dedicated tutor support through our Virtual Learning Environment.

3. Complete your placement

Complete the required 250 hours of placement, including teaching and wider professional practice, with a minimum of 10 formal teaching observations. Read our dedicated guide on the work placement requirements for the Level 5 DiT

4. Pass your professional discussion

Complete your professional discussion with two qualified assessors and demonstrate how you apply your teaching knowledge and skills in practice.

5. Join ETF

Become an ETF Member or Fellow through MyETF when progressing towards QTLS.

6. Apply for QTLS

If eligible, apply through ETF's suitability checker during an open application window and complete the six-month QTLS Professional Formation process.

The important distinction is that BSA delivers the Level 5 DiT, while ETF administers and awards QTLS.

No. Existing QTLS or ATS status is not removed because of the SET–ETF integration. You should continue to maintain the relevant active ETF Membership and follow ETF’s current guidance.

SET Membership has become ETF Membership following the integration of SET into ETF. Current membership activity is accessed through the MyETF platform.

Yes. Qualifications already achieved remain valid. However, the DET is no longer the current qualification for new learners. The Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (FE and Skills) is the current Level 5 teaching qualification framework for FE and Skills in England.

No. They are different things. The Level 5 DiT is a teaching qualification, while QTLS is a professional status. An eligible Level 5 DiT can form part of the route towards QTLS, but ETF has separate eligibility and application requirements. See our earlier post on the DET to DiT transition for the full picture.

No. Completing the Level 5 DiT does not automatically result in QTLS. You must meet ETF’s separate eligibility requirements and successfully complete the QTLS application and professional formation process.

Yes. Britannia School of Academics (BSA) delivers the Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (FE and Skills) fully online through its Virtual Learning Environment, with tutor support.

The qualification is designed to allow learners to study alongside their existing work and other commitments.

No. This is an important distinction.

Britannia School of Academics provides the Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (FE and Skills). QTLS is a separate professional status administered and awarded by the Education and Training Foundation (ETF).

A training provider should not suggest that it can award QTLS.

The role of BSA is to provide the qualification and support learners through the qualification requirements. Once you have completed the qualification, your progression towards QTLS is a separate process involving ETF and its eligibility requirements.

Over 27,000 FE professionals hold QTLS — and every one of them started with the right qualification. The route has changed names and websites, but the destination is the same: a recognised, rewarding teaching career in Further Education and Skills.

If you are considering a career in Further Education and Skills and want to understand whether the Level 5 DiT is right for you, explore our Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (FE and Skills) or contact our team for further information.

Enrol on the Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (FE and Skills) today

BSA provides the qualification and tutor support. QTLS applications and professional status are administered separately by the Education and Training Foundation.

For the most up-to-date QTLS eligibility, application dates and fees, always refer to the latest ETF guidance.