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HLTA Level 4 Certificate for Higher Level Teaching Assistants (RQF) Qualification
The Level 4 Certificate for Higher Level Teaching Assistants (RQF) is a recognised qualification that allows you to gain HLTA status. With this qualification, you can apply for HLTA positions in schools across the UK. It is fully regulated by OFQUAL.
Rated Excellent
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Learning Options
Course Overview - Level 4 Teaching Assistant Certificate
The Level 4 Certificate for Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTA) is an OFQUAL-accredited, 100% online qualification for teaching assistants aiming to advance to HLTA status. This course builds on your existing skills, providing specialised training to improve your expertise as a teaching assistant. Those with a Supporting Teaching and Learning qualification or who have completed the Support Work in Schools course will find it useful. The program focuses on developing skills to address workplace challenges, support individuals and small groups, and assist those with additional needs.
HLTA Course Online Duration and Delivery
The Level 4 HLTA qualification allows flexible, online completion at your own pace. You’re allowed up to 12 months to finish the course, ensuring you have all the necessary time.
During this period, the course is assessed through written and practical assignments you complete and upload for grading on our online portal.
What Will I Learn in the Higher Level Teaching Assistant Course
- Professional roles of Higher Level Teaching Assistant
- Child development and welfare
- Awareness of special educational needs
- Promoting positive behaviour in children and young people
- Providing support for individual learners and small groups
- Developing skills to promote positive working relationships
- Curriculum planning, delivery and assessment
Course Assessment - HLTA Training
All units in this OFQUAL-regulated Level 4 HLTA qualification are assessed internally by our qualified assessors and externally verified by the awarding organisation. Assessments include written assignments, feedback provided by your tutor, and witness testimony signed by a supervisor at your workplace. After enrollment, you will receive tutor support through our online portal to help you achieve your goals.
This course includes tutor-marked assignments and practical assessments conducted in the workplace. You must demonstrate competence in working with children or young people and reflect on your practice.
Entry Requirements
To enrol in the Level 4 HLTA course, you must be at least 16 years old and currently employed as a teaching assistant in a school.
For this qualification, you must be observed in a real school setting while working directly with children, as simulations are prohibited.
You must arrange for an expert witness at the school, typically a class teacher, to conduct the observation and verify your practical skills.
Your expert witness will typically be the teacher you are assisting, but you may also use a qualified assessor if one is available.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The Level 4 HLTA Certificate is an OFQUAL-regulated qualification for teaching assistants to gain Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) status, allowing them to apply for HLTA positions in UK schools.
This course suits primary, secondary, and special school teaching assistants. It is also useful for learning support assistants, teaching assistants, and pastoral support assistants aiming to advance to HLTA roles.
The course is delivered 100% online through a virtual learning platform, allowing flexible, self-paced learning and a completion time of up to 12 months.
To enrol in this course, learners must be at least 16 years old and currently employed as teaching assistants in a school.
Key topics include understanding the HLTA role, child development, supporting students with Special Educational Needs, promoting positive behaviour, working with individuals and groups of learners, developing positive relationships, and curriculum planning and assessment.
Assessment includes written assignments, tutor feedback, and practical evaluations in the workplace. Witness testimonies signed by a workplace supervisor also support the assessment.
Completing this course provides HLTA status, which is recognised by schools across the UK. It prepares learners with skills in child development, behaviour management, and curriculum support, improving employability for advanced teaching assistant roles.
Unlimited online tutor support is available to assist learners with assignments, assessments, and course objectives.
The course can be completed in as little as 5 weeks, but learners have up to 12 months to finish at their own pace.
Yes, simulation isn’t allowed for this qualification and you must be observed in a school and working with children.
We ask you to find an expert witness at school to observe you. This is normally a class teacher.
Your expert witness will usually be the teacher you will be assisting, though you can use a qualified assessor if available.