Qualified teacher Learning and Skills Status

Professional recognition. Practical progression.

The QTLS application window is open. Apply by 20 October.

Your next step in your Further Education and Skills career starts here.

learn more

This nationally respected professional status helps you:

Demonstrate your commitment
Grow your practice
Stand out in the Further Education (FE) and Skills sector

It’s reassuring to know that 99% of QTLS holders said it positively impacted their teaching practice, their learners and their wider organisation.

It’s time to gain the recognition you’ve earned with a powerful step forward in your career.

Whether you are starting out or want to develop in your current role, we suggest you consider QTLS.

Let us know you’re interested in QTLS
This nationally respected professional status helps you demonstrate your commitment

Why choose

qtls?

With QTLS you can achieve benefits enjoyed already by over 27,000 of your peers

With QTLS you can achieve these benefits enjoyed already by over 27,000 of your peers:

Progress your career with status that employers value
Earn recognition across the Further Education and Skills sector
Build confidence and credibility in your teaching
Increase your earning potential through recognised status
Gain visibility and recognition on our public Professional Status Register
Strengthen your teaching practice with planning, assessment and inclusive strategies
Improve outcomes for your students with more effective teaching

And there’s even more to benefit from:

Strengthen your professional standing – your name will appear in the DfE register of qualified teachers and you will be given a Teacher Reference Number
Use your membership to foster your career as QTLS is only open to members
Show commitment to your ongoing development
Celebrate your status by using the QTLS post-nominals

What to

expect

QTLS is designed for teachers and trainers working in the FE and Skills sector.

Professionals participating in the programme find it both demanding and very rewarding. If you choose to take up the QTLS opportunity, we will be on hand to support you. 

QTLS is designed for teachers and trainers working in the FE and Skills sector
Grow your practice through a structured, rigorous and rewarding six-month process
Assess your practice against defined professional national standards and go on to draft a professional development plan
The programme gives you space to focus on your needs as you complete CPD to address your areas for development
You'll be reviewed on your individual development
You'll spend an average of four hours per week on the programme
As a member, it costs £50 to apply and once accepted, a further £545 for the programme fees which can be paid in instalments

Sign up for QTLS

webinar

Learn about why people choose QTLS from SET’s Standards and Status Manager Berta Miguez-Lorenzo. Berta will be joined by current QTLS holders who will be sharing their experience.

member

stories

The experience, passion and expertise of our members is inspiring.

Our members empower each other. We push boundaries, share what we learn, and support each other’s growth. By joining us, you become part of a community where lifelong learning is contagious.

The QTLS programme supported me in securing my current role as Post-16 Literacy Coordinator and has strengthened my confidence, planning, and assessment practice. I now feel better equipped to support students, mentor colleagues, and contribute meaningfully to the wider education community.

Paul Hayward

QTLS has empowered me to contribute more confidently and credibly to the wider education landscape. It’s a transformative journey that has enhanced both my daily practice and long-term leadership capacity.

Filip Szatkowski

Gathering evidence of my impact helped me see the real difference I make to my learners’ lives - not just in skills, but in self-belief.  QTLS has opened up new opportunities - I’m now actively contributing to cross-curricular innovation in my organisation.

Monique De Jager
More member stories

To participate

in QTLS

You must be a member throughout the programme and beyond to maintain your new status.
And as a member, your achievement becomes part of something bigger – as you are part of a supportive, professional national network.
You will also be invited to events and have access to a range of resources to help with your CPD. 

It’s time to consider your next career step

3 steps to Guide
your application for qtls

step 1

Consider your suitability

Look at our checklist to see if you meet the key criteria for QTLS.
Check my suitability
step 2

Ensure you're a member

If you are a member, you can apply now.
If not a member, join now.
Sign up as a member
step 3

Pay and Apply

As a member, you will be able to apply via MySET.
To access the application journey, pay the £50 fee.
You will then be guided to start your application.
Pay and apply

Back your team with QTLS

As a manager, you can enhance the skillset and confidence of your team by supporting them to undertake the QTLS programme.

With QTLS, individuals, students and organisations all thrive. 

With QTLS, individuals, students and organisations all thrive
Find out how we can develop your team with QTLS

Sign up for

updates on QTLS

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our

faqs

Do I need to be a member to apply?

Yes, only members can apply. You can join SET online or by phoning 0800 093 9111 (Mon – Fri, 9.30am to 5pm).

How much does it cost to take QTLS?

Undertaking QTLS will cost £50 to apply and £545 to participate.

Can I stagger my payments for QTLS?

You can pay this in instalments, with an initial payment of £155, followed by three monthly direct debit payments of £130.

Do I need supporting information to apply? 

There are four sections which comprise the application stage:

  • About you  
  • Roles and responsibilities  
  • Qualifications
  • Supporting statement (endorsement) submission
Who can apply for QTLS?

QTLS is aimed at professionals in the FE and Skills sector, to successfully apply for QTLS you will need to meet all of the following criteria:

  • Be a current member of the Society for Education and Training (SET)
  • Be employed in a Further Education and Skills setting teaching groups of post-14 learners
  • Must be teaching/training groups of five or more post-14 learners for a minimum of 230 hours over six months during the professional formation period
  • Have identified a suitable qualified supporter
  • Hold an eligible Further Education and Skills teaching qualification at Level 5 or above
  • Hold an accepted Level 2 maths and English qualification
  • Hold a Level 3+ qualification in subjects that you teach for five or more hours per week
When can I apply for QTLS?

You can apply for QTLS from 11 August until 20 October 2025. 

How do I apply for QTLS?

If you are a member of SET and meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply to undertake our Professional Development programme via the SET webiste from 11 August 2025 until 20 October 2025.

What sort of evidence do I need to provide in the portfolio?

Once admitted onto the programme, you will be given access to the professional formation portfolio which consists of eight sections:  

  • About You 
  • Updates to qualifications and roles and responsibilities  
  • Self-assessment 
  • Professional Development Plan  
  • Continuing Professional Development (CPD) record  
  • Critical reflection on impact 
  • Final action plan  
  • Final supporting statement submission
What do I need to do to maintain QTLS once I’ve been awarded?

To keep your new status, you must continue to be a member. Membership gives you the opportunity to develop your skills and focus on CPD through dedicated resources and access to events.

Good to talk
Our team can give you advice and guidance as you consider applying for QTLS.
Please call
0800 093 9111
(Mon – Fri, 9.30am to 5pm).