The course is a blend of theory and practice, leading to fully qualified teacher status (QTLS) in the post-compulsory education and training sector; this in-service course replaces the certificate in education and is focused upon the development of dual professionalism as a specialist in the chosen field and as a generalist in post-compulsory education; several optional units are also offered as embedded elements within the mandatory core curriculum, including literacy and numeracy; the course begins at level 4 and progresses to level 5.