Confused about what you need to become a teaching assistant? We’re going to go over the different qualifications available to you and how they can help you out in the position!
Which qualifications do I need?
There are no standardised qualification requirements for teaching assistants as it varies based on where you’ll be working. Schools often set their own requirements when looking for teaching assistants and it’s up to them what level of qualification you’ll need.
Just because you don’t always need a qualification doesn’t mean they won’t be extremely useful to you. Having your teaching assistant qualifications will let employers know at a glance that you’re skilled at and committed to your vocation, and make them more likely to hire you.
Which level of qualification you’ll want to study will depend on if you have any experience. If you’re new to the position it might be best to start off at Level 1 or 2. If you’re already in the job, a Level 3 teaching assistant qualification might suit you best (though you can achieve your Level 3 with no experience).
Below we’ve compiled a list of some of the most popular qualifications at various levels that can help you to figure out which qualification is best for you.
Level 1 teaching assistant qualifications
Level 1 Teaching Assistant course
Level 1 Certificate in Preparing to Work in Schools
Level 2 teaching assistant qualifications
Level 2 Teaching Assistant course
Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools and Colleges
Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning
Level 2 Apprenticeship Supporting Teaching and Learning
Level 3 teaching assistant qualifications
Level 3 Teaching Assistant course
Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools
Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools
Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools
Level 3 Apprenticeship in Supporting Teaching and Learning
Can I study to become a teaching assistant online?
Yes! Though with some qualifications you might need a placement to fulfil all of the course requirements, our range of teaching assistant awards mean you can complete all of your study online!
You’ll be provided with all of the course materials digitally and will be able to study from the comfort of your own home, and at a time that suits your schedule.
Are there any other qualifications I need?
Getting some supporting qualifications is going to help you be better at your job and make you a better potential hire for employers. It’s not always necessary to have these qualifications but they’ll help you to stand out in an already crowded and extremely competitive job market.
You could look at getting a qualification in safeguarding since having a robust knowledge of safeguarding is crucial in any environment where you’ll be working with children and young people. This course will help you to handle any safeguarding issues that come up over the course of your career and place you in the best space to help deal with them.
A diverse and inclusive school environment is becoming increasingly important, so it’s a good idea to get a Level 2 LGBT Training qualification to ensure you understand how you can help to foster diversity in the workplace. Since Ofsted assesses schools on how well they’re promoting equality and diversity, this will be seen as a valuable asset by the schools you’re applying to.
Now that you know which courses you can take to improve as a teaching assistant, why not check out our fully online teaching assistant courses or get a supporting qualification? If you need any more help in starting (or continuing) your journey as a teaching assistant, take a look at our teaching assistant career advice.
