Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) is the badge of professionalism for teachers and trainers in England who teach ages 14+.

It can only be conferred by the Society for Education and Training (SET). It used to be a mandatory process for teachers in post-compulsory education to gain their 'Licence to Practise', but it is now a voluntary process.

It demonstrates your commitment to being a professional teacher in England.
It is a 'status' not a qualification and you need to have achieved at least a level 5 teaching qualification prior to applying.

You must be a member of SET to apply for QTLS. You can find out about eligibility here.

QTLS is recognised, by law, to hold parity with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

• individuals currently teaching (including those who have just begun teaching) who can meet the practical requirements, including a minimum 230hrs teaching practice log and two observed teaching practice requirements of the status

The Society for Education and Training (SET) is part of the ETF. You can join to become a member and there are lots of benefits, discounts, groups and CPD activities you can access for free, or which are subsidised. Find out here.

Members should abide by the SET Code of Ethics and Conduct.

If you are a trainee teacher working towards a teaching qualification (level 3 or above) you can join SET free - just click here for details

The QTLS process is comprised of six mandatory core phases.

Starts: August each year

• Pre Phase: Application

Starts: January each year

• Phase One: Updates, self-assessment and planning
• Phase Two: Development activity
• Phase Three: Critical reflection
• Phase Four: Sharing with supporter
• Phase Five: Review and moderation

• You must be teaching in the post-14 sector (a Further Education and Training setting, and in a salaried role) for a minimum of 230 hours over six months, to groups of at least five learners (throughout the QTLS process). Voluntary teaching and tutorial sessions cannot be counted
• You must hold at least one level 3 subject qualification if you teach five hours per week or less.
• You must hold at least a level 3 qualification in  all subjects that you teach for five or more hours per week
• You must have achieved a relevant teaching qualification to at least level 5 (i.e. the Diploma in Education and Training/DTLLS/Cert Ed/PGCE or the Learning and Skills Teacher Apprenticeship or the Diploma in Teaching) prior to your application.
• You must be a member of SET.
• You must be able to provide evidence of maths and English to at least level two (level 3 if you teach these subjects).

Successful learners can progress to other continuous professional development such as:

• Advance Teaching Skills status with the Society of Education and Training