Level 4 Diploma in Early Childhood Education

What is this qualification?

The Level 4 Diploma in Early Childhood Education is a OTHM qualification regulated by Ofqual and delivered by approved centres such as Education Training.

OTHM publishes its full qualification overview for this qualification on its own page.

Who is this qualification for?

This Level 4 diploma suits people who already teach or train and want a recognised qualification with assessed practice in early childhood education.

Level 4 is equivalent to Year 1 of a UK bachelor's degree (Certificate of Higher Education).

• Study fully online with tutor support from Education Training, with no fixed timetable.
• Assessment by assignments, so you can evidence learning from your own workplace.
• Each level leads directly to the next: Level 3 Award, Level 4 Certificate, Level 5 Diploma.

Qualification structure and units

OTHM Level 4 Diploma qualifications represent practical knowledge, skills, capabilities and competences that are assessed in academic terms as being equivalent to Higher National Certificate (HNC) and Year 1 of a three-year UK Bachelor's degree programme.

Source: OTHM qualification specification (PDF) · Ofqual qualification number 610/4873/2.

How you study

The qualification is designed to be delivered over one academic year for full-time study, but it is also flexible in its delivery in order to accommodate part-time and distance learning.

The qualification is delivered face-to-face, through lectures, tutorials, seminars, distance, online by approved centres only.

At Education Training the qualification is delivered online: you receive the materials, assignment briefs and tutor support through the learning platform and submit work when you are ready. There are no fixed lecture times, so you can start in any month.

Where the qualification requires teaching or assessment practice, you complete the hours in your own workplace or on an agreed placement and log them in your portfolio.

How you are assessed

Units are assessed through written assignments and, where the qualification requires it, observed teaching or assessment practice. Work is marked by the centre and externally verified by OTHM. There are no examinations.

OTHM publishes its full assessment and verification policy for this qualification on its own page.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements are set by OTHM for this qualification. Contact admissions to check your eligibility before you apply.

OTHM publishes its full entry requirements for this qualification on its own page.

Fees and payment plans

A £10 enrolment fee is paid with the application. Fees include tuition, learning materials, assignment marking and the awarding-body certificate. Prices correct as of 23 October 2026.

Refund policy · Complaints procedure

What is included

Progression and career routes

Successful completion supports progression to the next level and to employment in early childhood education roles.

OTHM publishes its full progression routes for this qualification on its own page.

How this qualification compares

Figures below come from Education Training's own catalogue and enquiry records, not from estimates; each carries the date it was calculated.

Early Childhood Education progression ladder (Levels 4–5) (as of 23 October 2026)

Level 4: Level 4 Diploma in Early Childhood Education → Level 5: Level 5 Diploma in Early Childhood Education / Level 5 Extended Diploma in Early Childhood Education

Mandatory and optional units across Level 4 Early Childhood Education qualifications (as of 23 October 2026)

the qualification: 6 mandatory, 0 optional

Credits and study hours by RQF level (as of 23 October 2026)

Level 2: median 37 credits, TQT hours, GLH; Level 3: median 18 credits, TQT hours, GLH; Level 4: median 33 credits, 780 TQT hours, 125 GLH; Level 5: median 120 credits, 815 TQT hours, 600 GLH; Level 6: median 120 credits, 1200 TQT hours, 480 GLH; Level 7: median 120 credits, 1200 TQT hours, 600 GLH

Regulated qualifications offered by Education Training, by level (as of 23 October 2026)

Level 2: 1 qualification; Level 3: 7 qualifications; Level 4: 14 qualifications; Level 5: 13 qualifications; Level 6: 3 qualifications; Level 7: 4 qualifications (42 in total)

Awarding body and regulation

This qualification is awarded by OTHM, an awarding organisation regulated by Ofqual. Its qualification number is 610/4873/2 — view the entry on the Ofqual register. Education Training is an approved centre: we deliver and assess the qualification, OTHM verifies our assessment decisions and issues the certificate. Read about OTHM recognition.

How to apply

Pay the £10 enrolment fee when you submit your application (separate from the course fee).

1. Apply online
   Use Apply now to open the application form with this programme pre-selected. Tell us about your current role and qualifications; pay the £10 enrolment fee to complete enrolment when prompted.
2. Course activation
   Once you enrol, we email your course activation link within 24 hours.
3. Course fee
   Admissions email a secure link to pay the course fee in full or on an instalment plan (usually within one working day). There is no fixed intake date.

Progression path

1. Level 4 Diploma
2. →
3. Level 5 Diploma

Related pages

• Level 4 Diploma in Early Learning and Childcare
• Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training
• Level 4 Certificate in Coaching and Mentoring to Build Relationships

Browse every Early Childhood Education qualification or all Level 4 qualifications.