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Higher level teaching assistant (HLTA): qualification requirements

Learn what qualification requirements you should use when hiring an HLTA, and how you can support a TA to step up into the role.

Last reviewed on 30 January 2026See updates
School types: All•School phases: All•Ref: 8620
Contents
  1. What qualifications are needed?
  2. Employers and schools set the qualification requirements
  3. You can support TAs to gain HLTA status
  4. Use the HLTA professional standards to assess candidates' suitability

What qualifications are needed?

No statutory criteria for HLTAs

Teaching assistants (TAs) don't need an external assessment to become higher level teaching assistants (HLTAs). 

Instead, employers and schools can decide whether a candidate is competent and qualified enough to be an HLTA.

Their requirements may include:

  • Level 2 and level 3 qualifications
  • Externally assessed HLTA status
  • That a candidate is judged to be meeting the HLTA professional standards

See more on these in the sections below.

No additional qualifications are needed for HLTAs to work in the EYFS

HLTAs working in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) don't need any extra qualifications to do so. The DfE told us this.

However, you could evaluate candidates based on their previous EYFS experience and if they have the relevant professional qualifications.

An approved level 3 qualification or above A level 2