It's time to gain the recognition you've earned with a powerful step forward in your career.
Whether you're starting out or looking to develop your current role, Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status can help you demonstrate your professionalism, enhance your practice and gain sector-wide recognition.
The next available QTLS cohort runs from 25 January to 30 June 2027. Applications have been extended until 10 November 2026, giving you more time to prepare and apply.
YOUR QTLS JOURNEY STARtS HERE
Am I eligible for QTLS?
Make sure you meet the requirements
QTLS is designed for teachers and trainers working in the FE and skills sector, with appropriate and current teaching practice.
Already a Member or Fellow?
Check your suitability
If you hold Member or Fellow membership, sign in to access our suitability checker and start your QTLS application today.
Not an ETF member yet?
Join ETF to apply for QTLS
You'll need to have a Member or Fellow membership to access the suitability checker and apply for QTLS.
What to expect
QTLS is a structured six-month professional formation process designed for teachers and trainers working in the FE and skills sector.
During the programme you will:
complete a structured six-month professional formation process
assess your practice against the Professional Standards for Teachers and Trainers
develop and maintain a Professional Development Plan (PDP)
undertake relevant CPD and reflect on its impact
evidence your professional growth through an online portfolio
spend approximately four hours per week on the programme
receive support and feedback throughout the process
Fees:*
£55 application fee
£570 professional formation fee, payable either in full or by instalments
*Please note that payment must be made by either credit or debit card.
Whether you're preparing to apply or supporting someone through the process, our guidance explains what to expect.
Professional formation: Guidance for participants
Learn about the six-month professional formation process, portfolio requirements, observations, CPD and professional discussions.
Professional formation: Guidance for supporters
Understand the role of a supporter, including observations, professional discussions and how to support a participant successfully.
'If I was speaking to someone who was thinking of getting QTLS, I would say that it will give you the ability to be more reflective as a practitioner.
You will also feel that you are defined by a set of professional standards and it will then help you move forward within the teaching profession, because it's about that wider professional development.'
Samya MSET QTLS, Deputy Group Curriculum Director at NCC
99% of QTLS holders said it positively impacted their teaching practice, their learners and their wider organisation
Why choose QTLS?
With QTLS, you can achieve these benefits already enjoyed by over 27,000 of your peers:
Progress your career with status that employers value
Earn recognition across the FE and skills sector
Build confidence and credibility in your teaching
Increase your earning potential
Strengthen your teaching practice
Improve outcomes for your students
Support throughout your journey
QTLS is a structured and supported professional formation process. You'll focus on your own practice but you won't be doing it alone.
We provide clear online guidance and resources to support you at every stage through our website and online Knowledge Base.
You'll have everything you need to succeed directly from us, and we recommend coming to us for trusted, official guidance.
We do not endorse or partner with any third-party organisations offering paid support services for QTLS. If you have questions, or need any technical support, our Customer Experience team can help.
'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 MSET QTLS, Lead Practitioner
'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 MSET QTLS, The Iffley Academy
'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 MSET QTLS, Post-16 Literacy Coordinator
ETF Partnership
ETF Partnership offers long-term, tailored collaboration to help organisations strengthen teaching quality, support workforce development and achieve their professional development goals.
As part of your partnership, you can support colleagues to undertake QTLS, helping them develop their practice, gain professional recognition and contribute to organisational improvement.
Please note that our Professional Status Register is currently offline for maintenance - click below to learn how to verify QTLS/ATS status and access alternative checks.
