What's the difference between the L5 DET and the new L5 DIT?
- Jun 9, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 2
Introducing the Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (FE & Skills)
What’s changing?
From September 2025, the Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training (DET) is being replaced for new learners by the Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (Further Education and Skills) (also referred to as “DiT” or “DIT”).
Further Education providers offering Teacher Training must now use the new framework if candidates want to be eligible for the QTLS Programme.
Why the update?
Aligns with current occupational standards from the Learning and Skills Teacher framework.
Incorporates modern priorities like digital teaching, sustainability, and equality/inclusion.
Aims to standardise practice across Further Education settings and includes training to teach live online. This particular aspect has been added as a consequence of COVID 19, when many teachers were unable to work from home through lack of digital skills training. capability.tr
Course Structure: DET vs DiT
Aspect | DET (old) | DiT (new) |
Teaching hours | 100 hours teaching + 8 observations | 250 placement hours: 150 teaching + 100 non-teaching; 10 observations |
Placements | Typically one setting | At least two teaching locations, (this can include two different departments within the same organisation) |
Digital teaching - if your organisation does not do any delivery online, we are offering the 20 hours online teaching practice placement | Not included in DET | 20 hours remote/virtual teaching and core digital skills unit. |
Curriculum focus | General FE teaching | Includes online pedagogy, sustainability, EDI, evidence-based practice |
Core content | Teaching theory, assessment, resources | Teaching theory, approaches, curriculum, planning. Occupational Standards–aligned units: subject teaching, professional practice, digital technology |
Funding eligibility | DET was funded until transition | DiT eligible for student loans from 1 Sept 2024. You can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan from the Government Website. https://www.gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan |
What about your current DET qualification?
Valid and recognised! If you're already enrolled before 1st September 2024 or hold the L5 DET, your qualification remains fully valid for employment and you will qualify for the QTLS programme on completion.
If you started your DET course after the 1st September 2024 then you will not be eligible for the QTLS programme.
What do these changes mean for you?
Prospective teachers: From now on, enrol onto the L5 DiT—it’s more future-proof with digital, inclusive, and evidence-based teaching embedded.
Current DET learners: Finish your course—it's still valid. You might wish to take up additional units covering newer areas, but it's optional.
Employers: Both DET and DiT are accepted for employment—no change in qualification recognition.
Frequently Asked
Will I still get QTLS with DET?
Yes, only if you enrolled before 1st September 2024. If enrolled on the DET after that date, you will not be eligible.
How many hours do I teach on placement?
DiT requires 250 hours total (150 teaching / 100 non-teaching) including 10 observations. Plus, you must teach at two different placements, one with at least 20 non-teaching hours. However, you can teach in two different departments within the same organisation, and the second placement does not have to be teaching, it can be professional practice.
Do I need digital skills?
Yes. DiT has a mandatory digital pedagogy unit, plus minimum standards in Maths and English (Level 2), and digital competence. However, the course does offer instruction on using online digital technology before you begin your 20 hours online teaching practice.
Final thoughts
Wondering where to get the 20 hours online teaching done? Otaquas Training Ltd will offer placements to you in order for you to get the online teaching aspect completed and evidenced if your organisation does not delivery any online lessons.
Already passed your DET? You’re good—no expiry, still valid.
Starting now? Go for the DiT, the new standards reflecting today’s teaching environment.
Fun bonus: The DiT embeds sustainability, EDI, and online pedagogy, helping shape educational innovation for future decades.
